Felt a twinge of sadness that this will be our last first Christmas. As always there were two celebrations, both were wonderful and exhausting. Both involved family we haven't seen for far too long, and both served as a reminder of just how very blessed we are.
We celebrated with almost 70 people this Christmas. I think that one of the things I am most grateful for in life is that no matter what, my girls will always have family surrounding them. They will always be loved, and they will never be alone in this world.
This year saw The Bean enjoying the first Christmas she will actually remember, one that Chickadee* will only ever know through photographs.
*The nickname Pumpkin, in honour of her Halloween due date, just didn't stick. Trying a few others on for size, the names we find ourselves calling her every day. This week 'Chickadee' seems to suit.
These chubby smiles are oh-so-rewarding and arrived just in time to preserve my sanity. Having two little ones is about what I expected so far: some days are gentle and peaceful and full of love; some days are wild, teary and full of shouting.
The Bean is still proving to be a doting big sister and is actually displaying a lot of patience* considering her beautiful baby sister needs to be held pretty much all the time during daylight hours. Mercifully, baby girl sleeps wonderfully at night, but the days can feel looooooong.
Cons:
I get pretty much nothing done, and I have had to lower my expectations about how tidy the house should be.
It's amazing just how tiring holding and feeding a baby all day can be.
Pros:
I pretty much don't feel like I have to do anything, and I have been able to lower my expectations about how tidy the house should be.
It's lovely cuddling a baby all day.
*'A lot of patience' in toddler terms means that she hasn't yet taken to drawing on walls, cutting her own hair, or breaking precious things to get my attention.
