Christmas 2008

I've been staring at a blank screen for some time now, not knowing where to begin. Most of you know what we've been through the past (almost) 2 months. But to recap, Sonja was born on 11/9, diagnosis of DiGeorge Syndrome with multiple heart defects, open heart surgery on 11/18, and finally home on 12/9 - her 1-month b-day. What a ride it's been.

But most importantly, we were all home on Christmas day. It was perfect. Brian and I made the decision to spoil Anya absolutely rotten. She deserves it with what she's been through. What a day it was for her. We tracked Santa online through Norad's website - gotta love the 21st century. Left cookies and milk for Santa, and carrots for Rudolph. All were consumed by the morning, of course. Anya woke up at 6 a.m. - just after I had finished the 4:30 a.m. Sonja feeding. I was devastated...until she came into our room and just wanted to snuggle together. Miraculously, we all fell back asleep until about 9 when we turned on NPR's airing of David Sedaris' Santaland Diaries. If you've never heard it, PLEASE find it online somewhere. It's been our Xmas tradition to listen to it every year for the past 5 or so years, and it never becomes less funny.

We grabbed the video camera then and caught Anya's reaction to the presents left by Santa under the tree. Again, perfection. We started with the stockings, followed by some small gifts, followed by the grande finale - THE gift from Santa Claus. The only thing Anya asked for from Santa - a Fire Engine. However, Santa not only came through with the engine, but the entire fireHOUSE, complete with fire people, a garage, bunk beds, hoses, a pole for sliding down, a trampoline, shooting water. Oh, what joy to see her playing all day long with it. And almost 2 days later, it hasn't lost its novelty. I'm sure by next Christmas, this firehouse will be a long lost memory, but for now it's such a pleasure seeing my daughter engage in such creative imaginary play. She is amazing.

So the gifts of the year:

Anya - the firehouse

Sonja - the Baby Einstein play gym

Brian - might be the Zombie Survival Guide from Ram & Jean

Amy - my beloved Frye Veronica Slouch boots - I'm sleeping with them at night and wearing them even in my pj's. Beautiful creations.

A belated Merry Christmas to all of you, my friends and family. I'm sorry we've been quite out of touch lately, but now more than ever I can actually say without much guilt that we have a good excuse!

With love,

Amy, Brian, Anya, Sonja, and Maddie