Saturday, December 29, 2012

Funny things so far

When we spend this much time with Sophia, it's inevitable that she's going to make us laugh. So far, that's happening quite a bit.

Here are a couple of examples.

While putting Sophia to bed, I prayed and thanked God for our family. That got Sophia to thinking about them. She asked earnestly, "Are you all twins?" Before I could speak, she followed up with, "Oh no, because some of you wear glasses and some of you don't." There are many differences between my siblings and myself, but apparently none stands out more than our ocular health.

The one that really has us chuckling lately is about her presents. I also think it says a lot about who she is. You can decide.

On Christmas Eve, we let her open one present. It's never one of the main ones, but we try to make it something fun and surprising. Well, this time, we gave her this baby doll thing that has a place in the back for a Wii remote. And it came with a Wii disc for the game system. Essentially, you care for the baby while the game is on and it tells you how happy or angry the baby is in response. She had asked for the Baby Alive doll that we got in addition, but this was completely different, so we assumed she'd like the options... Unique and fun, said we to ourselves.

When Sophia opened it, this is what we got, "Oh. A baby doll." Feigning a smile and interest, while looking at us for explanation. So I sell it based on the aforementioned awesomeness. And I quickly add, "Of course you'll have lots more presents tomorrow." To which she responds, "And the presents tomorrow - Will these be from my list?"

We laughed very hard, and I had to answer honestly that only most were from her list. However, her Christmas was a huge success, if I do say so myself. I just appreciated her willingness to give us the benefit of the doubt. Being honest about her hesitation about our gift judgment, but not pouting or throwing a fit in her disappointment.

Now, if we hadn't come through on Christmas, and if she didn't have Santa to fall back on, I'm pretty sure she'd be forced to give in to despair... She's only six.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Christmas Traditions

Among the many fun things that we did this Christmas holiday, going to see the Nutcracker was definitely a favorite for me. I love that ballet. I'm not sure I love all ballet, but definitely this one. Gets me into the Christmas spirit like no other.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Sweet Little Mama



We had a marvelous Christmas here at Sophia's house. She got lots of things that she loves. Santa brought her what she asked - a soccer net and soccer ball.

Her other favorite present was a Baby Alive doll. This is the song that she sang to get Emmy to sleep. 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Sometimes I...

...get nauseous halfway through eating a banana.

I don't know if it's the texture. Maybe the smell. Or the fact that I usually eat one when I'm very hungry. I am trying to finish one now, so I probably better stop analyzing.

Regardless, it's a fact. A couple of months ago, I actually had to throw up the banana when I was through. I wasn't sick. My body just hates bananas.

Isn't that bananas?

Monday, December 17, 2012

My Prayer for the Grieving

I originally posted this in June 2011. But I wanted to post it again today because it's what I'm praying for today. A few blessed moments of peace for those who feel like they won't last the day without them. For the families of the victims in Newtown, CT, and for the survivors and first responders.

I'm no more an expert on grief than is every person suffering the beautiful and awful human experience. But I know enough about it to know what I want for people when I hear they are grieving.

There are moments so pure and tender that I believe they are reserved for those in pain. These are the things that I pray will be in plenty when a grieving soul is ready to receive them. It could be a long time before any of these moments are meaningful because the first gift God gives those who are grieving is absence of feeling. A numbness and distorted vision that lasts long enough that a moment of clarity will not destroy you. Once the numbness wears off, even for a brief moment, these are the things I pray a grieving soul will know.

~The moment, after hours or days or only minutes of downcast eyes and knit brows, that you can open your eyes, look straight ahead and you feel the lines fall away as if someone has just smoothed your brow.

~A fragrant breeze that cools your skin and dries the hot tears.

~Looking into another's eyes and not finding pity.

~A gentle embrace from one who knows well enough to leave trite comfort, and even words full of wisdom, for a day other than today.

~The freedom to weep in public without shame.

~That one day, in a future that will feel like an eternity away, you will hear in the foreign sound of your own laughter, the redemption of what you lost.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Beautiful Day

Yesterday was a beautiful day for a walk to the zoo. I never get tired of going on adventures with these two. And yes, it's December. Weird.