We did have a lovely Christmas and I hope you did too. We had lots of company, lots of good food, and lots of presents.
Last year I didn't feel much like participating in Christmas, but this year the spirit somehow struck, and Mark and I had fun cementing some of the traditions we want to share with our kids. Like new plaid pajamas, for instance (from Mark's family; in mine we just wore whatever ratty things we had on hand). And putting out rolled oats and sparkles/reindeer food. It was nice to like Christmas again; I missed it.
Mark's parents (and his sister and her family and his cousin: phew!) were with us this year, so that meant lots of really good food that we're still eating.
(Notes on the above photos: Mark looks snazzy in his vest, doesn't he? I didn't knit it; the gift was a test run to see how he liked them/looked in them. Now I can knit one without fear. And Liam is drinking water; he just really wanted his own wine glass. How could I refuse when he had to sit at the kiddie table?)
And here's one of the funnest traditions: the white elephant gift exchange. Liam is unwrapping a cat. An ugly cat; quite possibly the ugliest quilted cat door-stoppers in the history of white elephants. It comes back every year with....embellishments (like the lamp-shade hat that hides its shame). Well, this year was Liam's first time participating and he got that damn cat. And fell in love with it. I've already tucked it away, but getting him to wrap it back up next year is going to be a parenting challenge.
Okay, enough: let's get to the presents! I was thoroughly spoiled this year. Check it out:
Handmaiden Sea Silk. I fell in LOVE with the golden stuff at my LYS; wouldn't it make a fabulous wrap for all the fancy occasions I get to attend? It actually glows, I promise you. I came home and talked about it. A LOT. And even showed it to my husband online, where I also fell in love with the pewter color, also perfect for another fancy something. So I talked about that too. My husband AND my brother listened. Love love love (them and the yarn). Ever since I've been looking at every single Sea Silk project on Ravelry looking for the perfect projects. I also got The Knitting Man(ual), which may be a not-so-subtle hint from my husband that he'd like more knits for him (there is a vest in there....) AND a fabulous knitting t-shirt that I will post a picture of but it's in the wash now. My last crafty gift was registration in a much-needed sewing 101 class at the Fancy Tiger. I have a feeling that I'll sign up for more after I'm done with this one. I have plans. Big plans.
And then the Christmas celebrations came to a total halt. Poor Livvy woke up with a fever on Saturday, which was joined by that distictive seal-like cough by mid-afternoon (about 90 minutes after the doctor's office closed). The croup. So we headed in to the emergency room that evening for a dose of steriods and two popcycles. Although the nurse warned me that I would want to sleep with Olivia for the next few nights, just to keep listening to her breathing, and be ready to rush her either outside (for the cool air, which opens up her breathing tube or whatever it's called) or back to emerge at any time. Essentially, a prescription for me to NOT SLEEP. I cuddled up with her in her (single) bed and stared at her for most of the night. Well, I slept too, but not well.
By Monday morning Liam and I had matching fevers and normal (yet nasty) coughs. Today we're all feeling much better, although I wouldn't come over and hug us or anything; although you could probably toss a box of popcycles at the front porch if you drove away quickly.
Happy New Year! I hope 2009 is happy, healthy, and wonderful for you all.