Our Winding Road: Christmas Flash Back

Christmas was really strange, but also really special this year. It kind of felt like there was a lot of time preparing for and looking forward to Christmas, and then it never actually happened. Hard to put into words. This was the first Christmas where MJ really got excited about Santa, the lights and decor, all the Christmas movies on TV (loved the good ole classic Rudolph movie-or "reindeer show" as he called it), helping me bake cookies, etc. that it really was an exciting time of year!! The season itself was just so enjoyable as we prepared for Charlotte's birth, the festivities associated with Christmas, and kept Jesus' birth in our hearts-as well as reminding MJ that HE is the true reason we celebrate Christmas.

Since we knew Charlotte was going to be born on December 23rd and we'd spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the hospital, we decided to go ahead and celebrate Christmas a little early. The joys of a 2 year old not being able to pick up on this! :) So, on the evening of December 21st we were sure to put out our milk and cookies for Santa (a first for MJ) as well as our Elf, Dewey. MJ colored little cards for them as well. My parents and brother had arrived just a day or two before, so we were all able to celebrate together. It was great to be able to really enjoy this time with MJ and shower him with love right before the arrival of his baby sister.

GiGi helping MJ sign his name on his cards

Modeling his Christmas PJ's in front of the tree before bedtime

Once our little angel was tucked into bed, Dewey the Elf made his final report to Santa and then Santa delivered the goods!

Here's a little video of MJ coming down on Christmas morning. He awoke on his own, but was a little quiet and shy at first...

As soon as breakfast and presents began, he was all smiles! He loved opening presents, but also loved to stop and take time to play with each and every one. No joke, it took us a good four hours I think to open presents. It was so nice though to be able to take our time and watch him enjoy it all. Then, once he was done he watched a new Thomas the Train Christmas movie while us adults exchanged gifts.

"Christmas morn"...last day with Charlotte in my belly

Enjoying a new train set

Paint time! MJ received paints, brushes, a smock, and paper and was excited to have a little art time right after opening this gift.

Slam dunk! MJ enjoying his new basketball hoop

Even though baby Charlotte hadn't arrived yet, she still had her first stocking and a few presents!

That day was spent enjoying family and watching MJ play with all his new toys. It was also time for final preparations around the house and packing our bags and preparing MJ for what would be happening the very next morning-Charlotte's birth! That evening we decided to go out for a nice meal. I figured it might be our last meal out for a bit, and we had a really nice time. Mom, dad, Jeff, Mat, MJ, and I headed to Crust for a yummy dinner.

On our way out for Christmas dinner...only a little more than 12 hours until our Christmas blessing is born!

Actual Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were of course rather different. It really was special and beautiful though having no where to go, no where to rush off to, and just being able to focus on the joy and miracle of new life. I know her birthday will probably be rather chaotic and busy for many years to come, so just enjoying this tiny beautiful baby girl in peace felt quite wonderful.

The day after we arrived home from the hospital, Mat's dad and step-mom arrived in Dubuque. They were excited to meet Charlotte and we were able to then celebrate Christmas with them. MJ was thrilled to have so many loved ones here at the same time. He would run in circles shouting "Mema, Papa, Gigi, PopPop, Uncle Jeff, Mommy, Daddy, Bubba!" The kid is loved, and thrives because of it! Even Charlotte was present at our Christmas celebration with them!