Christmas 2013

Well, Christmas Eve was a lovely day. Daddy was home and we enjoyed a nice morning with just us. I think we had bacon, eggs and toast for breakfast. It was a pretty, if freezing, day and our next-door neighbor stopped over to bring gifts for Libby and Matthew.  We went over to the Fullers to deliver their Christmas gifts and have a bit more fellowship with dear friends at this special time of year. Ansley and Davis were adorable sweeties and Libby and Ansley enjoyed cooking "stew-oup" in Ansley's kitchen. I, unfortunately, didn't bring my camera, but Neil snapped this one.

We had a light lunch at home and Libby went for an early nap! We had to be at church early for the 3 p.m. service, as the next wasn't until 8 p.m. Michael and I were a bit skeptical that it wouldn't meet our preferences for worship service, as there was going to be a praise band. However, I knew Libby would enjoy that aspect. Indeed she did! When asked later whether she preferred the choir or band, she chose the band and when asked whether she preferred me playing handbells or the band, she nervously chose the band. Of course! Cutie girl. Actually, it was a quite nice family service and the message was delivered through scripture and the colors of Christmas. It was so nice and while meaningful, still easy for a child to understand, I think. Libby was also delighted that Rev. Elizabeth Birkholz delivered the message, because Libby has a special affinity toward her ever since Matthew's baptism when she learned they share the same first name.

Matthew was a touch fussy right at first, but I got him settled and to sleep through the rest of the service. Every time the lead singer hit a big note, he would jerk though and same for the drums. But he never woke and holding a baby in my arms made it all especially meaningful, even if it felt ready to fall off by the end.

We ran back home to feed the baby and then went for our special Christmas Eve tradition, Paradise Grill! Great as always.

Libby was a bit tired still when we got home, so we got her to bed as quickly as we could and I got no photos of her with Santa's cookies, because she was already in tears. Elfie had left out Santa's plate and mug that morning to remind us that Santa needs a treat when he visits, too.

Not much later, Michael and I were both in tears. We let Commissioner out to go potty and when she came back in, her back was hunched and she could barely use her back legs. I freaked and immediately started trying to feel for anything wrong on her back or abdomen and see if there was any reaction. Basically none. Michael got coated up and set off with Commish to the emergency vet... he was getting close when I called him back to go inquire about Commissioner's status with our neighbor, since we don't love the emergency vet here. Unfortunately, he did believe it was a back/disk issue and sent us to a different vet. They confirmed and sent him to a vet specialist that did happen to be open and where Mandy and Nick had gotten help for their sweet Maggie when she was a puppy. GVS confirmed it was a disk issue took X-ray type things and sent Michael home with more info to come tomorrow. He got home probably around 2 a.m. He kept me updated with each step of the way. We both cried a lot that night. But we were also reminded of just how blessed we are and have been. We also discussed our options for her and there was no question that we'd do whatever it took to help her heal. We were still quite stressed for a couple of days while her surgery went on on Christmas Day and afterward until we found out on Boxing Day that she is likely and expected to make a full recovery. Commissioner is our first-born baby girl and she is our love. In fact, when I called to check on her on Christmas night, they asked if I was "the owner." It took me aback because I wanted to tell them, "No, I'm her mother."

We were pleased with her care though and will be doing special medicines, foods, exercises, etc. while she's crated for the next several weeks. We're thankful that she's home, and she's truly doing better every day. Less interested in staying in her crate with the fun going on around us, for sure.

On to Christmas morning. Matthew woke up first! He did, fortunately, give us some time after Michael's arrival home all the way to after 6 a.m. Libby work next and came into our room for some cuddle time while I finished feeding Matthew. She asked if Santa had visited and whether he may have brought her the green slinky and jump rope. We told her we didn't know and would have to wait to find out until we went downstairs!



She made out quite well from Santa and from us. Ditto Matthew. She helped us show him all of his gifts, including unwrapping them for him and everything. She was excited for her haul, but one of her very favorite things was a little soft rubber Christmas tree in her stocking that has a ball in it that lights up flashing red and green when you throw it on the floor. Isn't that always the way? Maybe Matthew will just get old diaper boxes and wrapping paper next year?

The kids' full haul.

Matthew's stuff.

Libby's gear!

Matthew and his beautiful stocking!

Libby opening our gift from her to us (that she made at school.) 

Santa hand and a cute frame with her photo!

Impressing Matthew with her green jump rope. 

Showing Matthew his gifts! She was as excited to do this as to help with her own.  

New book (one of Mommy's favorite's growing up!)

Santa brought Libby some awesome books to help answer her many "why" questions about the world around us.

"Me? I want a hula-hoop!" ...and you'll notice Santa knew she'd like green.

Yay! My own activity ball!

3D globe puzzle for Libby and Daddy to do together. 

Everton t-shirt!

Libby sporting her "so cute" new shoes and placing one of her favorite gifts, a green tree stocking stuffer, on Math's head.

LOVE! The best gift.

By 11 a.m. the Gordons were here and we went ahead and did gift opening from them after Libby got some play time in with them. It actually broke up the day quite nicely. We had some hors d'ouvres afterward and when Mimi and Diddy arrived and then proceeded to their gifts.

The opening of Commissioner's annual calendar was bittersweet, but it was neat to have the addition of Matthew to it this year! I missed her toenails clicking on the floor all day and having her in the kitchen when I prepared some snacks.

Among other gifts, Libby received a bean bag chair, tennis racquets, a "Moon in my Room," a LeapPad2 and green romper stompers.

Matthew received tons of cute clothes for later in the winter and the spring, and lots of new toys, including a crane, a toy car, and various activity things. It's now Near Year's Day and in the last week or so, he's really started intentionally reaching and grabbing for things. It's beyond cool and such fun to watch!

Michael's so thrilled about our newest nutcracker. I think he'll come out for Valentine's Day, as he features chocolate-covered strawberries!

All of the Gordons living in this house took naps, each in a different room, in the afternoon! Thank goodness for our moms because they wound up preparing the fried chicken- and getting everything else ready, too! I know that our Dads also did their share. Talk about some great Christmas gifts! I had gotten a ton of chicken so we'd have lots of leftovers. Well... we're still eating it, so you can imagine that it did, indeed, take two hours to cook it all. Mom even made white chicken gravy with the drippings. YUM-O!

They all spent the night, as tradition and we all went to bed pretty darn early this year after watching only a bit of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."

The next morning, it was a delicious breakfast, again thanks to Gigi and Mimi and then we were off to Rome to christen Mema and Boobus's new house for holiday events. We filled it up and had a great time. Unfortunately with Matthew's schedule and the chaos of this year, we got no group photos with each family unit or the whole group anywhere. And I'm only realizing it now! We feasted there on leftover appetizers and Christmas dinner stuff, and of course, desserts. And Libby got ANOTHER beanbag chair! That one's up in her room and she enjoys having us read to her at nap time and bed time while she's sitting in it.

One of the other things she got was a karaoke machine that we gave her and she can carry around. She's finally singing actually songs on it. At first it was just random sounds and heavy breathing, a la Darth Vader. Ha. Real songs are so cute to hear!

On Saturday, the fun continued with our family Christmas with the Arnolds. They generously hosted us at the last-minute, due to Commissioner's sad status. We had a great time and a delicious breakfast all in our pj's. Nick even made my favorite sausage balls! The kids had a great time, even if posing for photos wasn't top of their list of fun. And Libby even got another green slinky- a red and green one this time!

That afternoon... Christmas came down at our house. And it was on to New Years...