New Years 2012

Tis the Season.. and a little more

Our Christmas tree has officially been filled up! And quite early this year, we officially finished our Christmas shopping as of the 9th. The tree is less full in this picture because the closet and garage are full of gifts that require wrapping. The fun part!

This is the first year that Sophia understands what Christmas is about, and of course that she recieves gifts. During this season the television is flooded with advertisements for toys and games and on an on, as if that is the meaning of Christmas. It astounds me that through every add we see, none are to advertise what Christmas is about, why it occurs, whose birth we are celebrating. Luckily for Sophia and for us, she attends a Christan day care that is right under my feet, literally, she attends school where I work, and I love it!
She is taught about our Lord daily and now ask when Jesus's birthday is going to be here, likley because she is ready to open the brightly wrapped gifts that adorn our tree.

The tree is a large part of the holiday spirit, I love to sit in a quiet house at night and stare at the tree.. Thoughts of love, and family come to mind, and of our future together.
This is the first year that Sophia is aware of Christmas, and the last year that she'll celebrate it as an only child. By June of next year, she'll be a big sister.

I can't help but get a little sad when I think of her not being my baby anymore. For so long its just been the two of us and then daddy of course. But I truly miss those moments with her where she was still, and quiet. Where I could hold her in my arms and stare at her little face, her perfect nose and puckered mouth. I'd often kiss the bridge of her noise, it hardly exist even now. The smell of a baby and the feel of her warmth as she rested in my arms, asleep and still, quiet as can be and ever so peaceful. Those moments, although I soaked ever second in, were fleeting. You have a baby for one year, one year and that it is it, the rest of their lives they are in a rush to grow up, to do it themselves, to learn on their own, the be self sufficient, eventually growing into adults and leaving the nest you've spent so many years building for them.

Fleeting, quick, extordinary, and ever ever so precious.

I am also very excited to have that back again. To hold that little person so close to my heart that we are one. It is scary, to think of loving another little person as much as I love my Sophia. I know its possible, but honestly overwhelming. I am overwhelmed with joy, with some sadness, and mostly now, anticipation.

I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, may your season be filled with brightness, enjoyment of all the small blessings, and may you always know how much you are loved.

Merry Christmas!!!