This Christmas season came and went so quickly, yet by the time Christmas Eve rolled around I was exhausted and already looking forward to wrapping it up.  And by that, mostly I mean no more actual wrapping, or preparation, or related Christmastime work.  Each night as I found myself staying up late wrapping gifts and preparing things, I thought a lot about my girlfriends and how this would probably be a great time to give them a call even though our days of midnight-phone sessions are long in our past.  This is probably the one time of the year where I could safely call them late in the evening and know that they were up too.  Of course I didn't, I wouldn't want to be responsible for waking up babies or little ones.  That's just wrong.  So, just know that I was thinking of you, and think enough of you not to call and disturb your household when everyone but the momma is sleeping.  And so, since I didn't call to chat, here's the Christmas recap:

Christmas Eve
Marty's mom, MaryLou, came to have lunch and exchange gifts.  Martin had been eyeing up the large package behind the tree for days and could barely contain himself until GrandmaLou arrived.  Ripping off the paper with joy, he shouted "It's what I've always wanted!"  This is the face of a happy boy with his very own work bench and multitude of tools and parts.


We spent the evening at Marty's Aunt Louise and Uncle Steve's house - luckily only two blocks away.  Sophie adores the women in this family.  Every time I turn around she is sidled up to one of them, loving their attention.


The past two years Sophie was scared of Santa, interested only in hiding whenever he appeared.  This year, she jumped up and down clapping her hands when he came to the door.


She ran right over, placed her hand in his.


Martin was the one who was a little unsure this time, eyeing up Santa and giving him a once over.  He sat on his lap reluctantly, I think only so he could claim his gift.  Which he declared "Just what he'd always wanted!".


Sophie was a bit nervous to go up and sit on Santa's lap.  I think the attention of the room might have been too much for her, all the people staring and the cameras going off.  I went with her, but she kept a sharp eye on Santa's head.


Christmas Day
Martin woke up early on Christmas morning and came to get me.  "Santa was here," he whispered at the side of my bed.  He took my hand and dragged me out of bed, I followed him into the kitchen, finding his gifts with the ribbons cut off but still wrapped.  He was so excited, but knew that he really couldn't go too far on his own.  He cut off the ribbons, just to get ready, he told me.


And it turns out, I really WAS good this year, assured of this by the appearance of Jean Nate in my stocking.  When Marty saw it he said "Joke on yourself, hope you thought it was funny."  And I did.


Later that morning we went to my parents house.  Sophie had been begging to wear her fancy red Christmas dress for days, crying and throwing king-sized tantrums every time I said no.  Finally the day arrived and she wore the dress.  For about 15 minutes at my parents, then changed into her new purple fleece Dora pajamas.


I'm always glad to have a picture with me in it, you know, just to prove I was there.  Thank you, momma.  Wish I had remembered to take one of you!


After all the fun and food and activity, we're tired and our house is a complete DISASTER.  On the day after Christmas, I want nothing more than to lay around all day in sweatpants and watch someone take down my Christmas tree, carefully pack up my decorations, and find places for all the new toys and gifts.  Next year, that's totally what I'm asking for.