A "JOYE"FUL LIFE: "Christmas Pics Part 2"

Christmas Eve was spent with my grandparents (Mom's parents), at their home in the country. We spent the majority of the day there, eating lunch, catching up with family, and letting EB run around the open fields and "drive" the John Deere mower with Jay - always a highlight. He napped in his pack n' play over there, which was really a nice treat for us because we were able to visit with everyone and enjoy sitting down for lunch. I wasn't sure if he would nap over there, but was so thankful that he did, and so cooperatively. We had to be at church at 4:30 for our Christmas Eve service, which was a really lovely service. There were no "frills" to the service and nothing fancy - it was just simple and beautiful and Christ was central. I appreciated that so much. After the service, we took a few pictures in the sanctuary as a family because we realized that we have not had 1 family picture taken this entire season. Afterwards, my parents came back to our house for some heavy appetizers. I really wanted to do something special for my parents - my mom is always the one who is cooking and doing so much for the family, so I wanted to have a turn to bless her instead. After EB went to bed, we enjoyed sitting at the table together eating and just reflecting on the season. Jay built a fire and did a short devotional around the table for the 4 of us which was a really special time. We were planning on singing Christmas carols around the piano, but were afraid to wake EB. Jay and my Dad enjoyed putting together EB's new train table and we were all looking forward to his reaction the next morning.

Speaking of the next morning, it was absolutely precious. EB is really beginning to understand what is going on this year and has been enjoying saying, "Merry Christmas" to everyone he meets. When I was tucking him in on Christmas Eve, I laid him in his bed, kissed him, told him I loved him, and turned around to walk out of the room. I was almost out of his room about to close his door when I heard his sweet little voice in the dark say, "Merry Christmas mommy". I turned into a puddle right there in the hallway. I said, "Merry Christmas darling", and closed his door and cried. I have waited so long to have a baby say that to me on Christmas Eve. It was just so precious - maybe I am just sentimental when it comes to stuff like this, but waiting a long time for a child, and then waiting for them to say something so precious to you..., well, it was just a big deal to me.

Anyway, the next morning, I went upstairs to get him out of his crib and once again was greeted with a hearty, "Merry Christmas mommy"! Love that kid. He walked down the stairs and into the living room and saw his new Thomas the Train table all set up. He didn't say a word, but made a huge, audible gasp - and then smiled from ear to ear. He was truly shocked and ecstatic about it. It was the best reaction we could have gotten from him - he was thrilled. From that point on, every present he opened was coupled with a huge, audible gasp - followed by smiles and, "WOOK Mommy"!

For the first few hours of the morning, it was just the 3 of us. About 10:00, my grandparents and parents came over for brunch. I really enjoyed preparing it for everyone. This was the first time that I had been responsible for an actual meal on Christmas, but wanted to do something special for everyone. They stayed until noon and then we went to visit my other grandmother who is in assisted living. EB certainly brought many smiles to alot of people who otherwise might not have anyone wish them a Merry Christmas. He walked up to total strangers there, and wished them a Merry Christmas without us prompting him at all. He would follow someone and say it to them until they would turn around and acknowledge it. We enjoyed our time with Grandmom very much, and EB even took her some cookies that he made. He took one out of the bag and put it in her mouth! He stood next to her bed and didn't take his eye off of her until she at the whole thing! I have no idea if she really wanted the cookie, but she was so sweet to eat it and act like she did! Once we left there, we went home and it was just the 3 of us for the rest of the afternoon and evening. It was the most relaxing, low-key Christmas day I have had in a very long time. I don't remember when the actual day has been so restful. It was perfect, and couldn't have been any better.