A lot can happen in a month. Last I wrote, things were going well. Then, on December 3, in what I will recall as a despicable manner, I was laid off from my job. Always looking for the silver lining, I found the time off refreshing. I volunteered for my daughter's classroom Christmas party (bean bag toss, pin the red nose on Rudolph, and crafts!); volunteered at her school's Christmas cottage (a gift store for the kids); I sewed my daughter her beloved dress-up wedding gown; I found a better job; I genuinely enjoyed relaxing. I had some fun with the kiddo too...and I wanted to take this opportunity to mention some favorites. (A not-so-favorite: she fell down the stairs this past week...only bruised her face but nearly gave me a heart attack).
I love how she still says spaghetti (spa-geg-E), Toaster Strudel (toots-a-roodle), and breakfast (bres-kiss). I adore her imaginary play, dance, and conversations. While the top-of-the-lung, constant singing can sometimes be a form of torture, I adore it too. She's recently gotten into playing with our old Wii system and it is adorable and fun to watch her learn. It is amazing too to watch her learn. She picks up on everything, like saying the phrase, "smashed it" when doing a good job. It's fun to hear her converse and in mid discussion pause to say, "I don't know the words" and then describe to me what it is she needs help with...and of course the fury that ensues when I don't know the answer. She took her googly "reading glasses" to Grandpa's on Christmas Eve where she, Grandpa, and Uncle Terry took turns trying them on producing the most classic of photos.
There are things that happen, simple moments, phrases, or details that I hope I never forget. It would tear me apart to lose those memories. Her voice, mannerisms, facial expressions, and hugs are the things that make living everything it should be.
I'll simply end with the note that Santa brought her a new bike for Christmas. She's trying to convince me that it's a great idea for me to ask Santa for a new bike for me next Christmas!
