merry christmas

ahh, the chaos of it all. christmas eve f. and i spent at the hospital, visiting with current NICU families and bedrested moms. the parents support group that i am a part of provided brunch for the NICU and bedrest families. once again i was reminded of just how fortunate we are to have three healthy children. i visited with a mom who was just wrapping up her 11th - yes 11th week on hospital bedrest. she had a smile on her face and was taking pleasure in the simple things like a the prospect of a wheel chair ride and a seated shower. only a former bedrester could understand that. l. - you are doing such a fantastic job - i am so proud of you. i hope and pray that you get your wish of ZERO days in the NICU. keep up the good work!

i was so pleased that f. wanted to go with me to the hospital and "pay it forward" as we say in our house. even now, two years later, f. can tell you when we are nearing the hospital - he knows that place like the back of his hand. imagine having that knowledge as a 5 year old. i was more than thrilled that we wanted to go help me make the day a little easier for the families that have no choice but to spend it there. as we pulled out of the parking garage he said to me, "mommy, that was fun!" my heart was warm to know that he now has a fond memory of the hospital. mission accomplished.

granny and pop brought dinner and presents galore for christmas eve and packed enough for a sleepover. we all woke up early this morning and enjoyed christmas through the eyes of children. there is nothing like waking up and seeing presents piled high around the chrismas tree and finding your stocking brimming with gifts as well. it was a bit of a feeding frenzy under the tree. just adding more proof to my theory that some days my life is like an episode of "when animals attack." it was soo much fun though! k. was really into opening presents - he didnt care whose present or what was inside really. he just truly enjoyed taking the wrapping paper off one scrap at a time. m. was all about what was inside of the presents, but didnt want to be bothered with removing the paper himself. if you gave him a present he would run around with it screaming "open, open, open, open" until someone would catch him and open it up for him. f. took joy in putting together all of his loot once opened. his new lego set with 445 pieces is about 1/4 of the way assembled and he was sad to have to leave to visit family this afternoon.

all in all it was a wonderful day. i am so fortunate to have a wonderful family and tonight i go to bed with a full and warm heart.

merry christmas everyone.