The holidays in brief

Lots of fun, but a busy two weeks. We traveled down for a weekend to see the Chase gang, and both Kevin and I were able to go. This was our first trip in the new van with DVD magic for Patrick. A very nice way to travel, and our sweet puppies had loads of room. Except the conversation between Kevin and myself got quite heated (not a fight, just rehashing drama) and we woke up Patrick 20 minutes into his nap. Good job, parents. But nothing a little Bob the Builder can't fix. He didn't sleep, but he wasn't screaming. This is success on my parenting front.


The visit was a riot. We had a family dinner with 14 people and six chairs. Seating was creative, and Nancy is getting folding chairs for Mother's Day this year. We opened some presents, and my family got Patrick some of the most wonderful gifts. Trains, play food, toy tools, and a cute new shirt that he really likes. We were also able to visit with Glen and Stacia and cuddle baby Katelyn, who is as beautiful as her mommy. Patrick actually tolerated me holding the baby. Perhaps there is hope...

Kevin's family joined us for Sunday dinner with more presents and family time. The three kids ran all over the house, with lots of wrestling between Patrick and his five year old cousin. Good thing he's just as big as she is, for they were quite evenly matched. It was wonderful to chat with everybody and share more presents! I was able to indulge and buy my niece the Eloise book, a personal favorite of mine.


Nancy came up Sunday night to help babysit and give us the best present ever. She painted Patrick's big boy room. She's the best painter, very meticulous and her edges are perfection. It looks so wonderful and she worked so hard. Is it obvious how grateful I am?

Because of our work schedules (somebody worked every day until the Sunday after Christmas) we celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve. Patrick is still young enough not to know different, we just moved all our traditions up a day: Christmas Eve-Eve new pajamas, presents in the morning, church service, and Rick Steves' European Christmas Special on DVD. Kevin and I watch that at night with cheese fondue. Craig joined us for the holiday before visiting his daughter, and Nancy left Christmas Eve night. She might have stayed longer if our guest toilet hadn't started leaking. (Note, this is a great way to get rid of guests) But the missing guest bedroom plus no personal toilet was too much even for a devoted Grandma. Can't say I blame her.

I worked Christmas, and Kevin took Patrick to Shari's for breakfast! They played with the Larson's that afternoon, and had a nice break from all the holiday hoo-ha. Patrick was ready for some detox after a week of crazy busy family no-nap schedule changes. He woke up at 1am that morning and would not be pacified for anything. I finally took him into bed with me and he settled and slept. Without a husband also in the bed (poor man is down on the futon until further notice, both of us get more sleep that way) the toddler wasn't very distracting.

Patrick got some fun presents that have been big hits. A play kitchen, wooden food that he can pretend to chop, toy balls, new books, oversized blocks, games, and a car racetrack. I'll be honest, I snagged a few new toys and stashed them in my closet for maternity leave surprises. We learned last year that he gets overwhelmed and ignores new stuff if there is too much of it at once. We've loved watching his sophistication for play develop. He's getting more imaginative and detailed with his playing, needing less guidance and instruction. He's also starting to be more independent in play. This really rocks, and I'm learning to step back and give him space when he's got his play-groove on.

A good holiday, and next year I am TOTALLY doing my shopping in October. I want to have time to enjoy it more. Too many chores this year. Next year, I've got a plan....