Jan 15, 2008
Ah, December: the month of everlasting joy and chaos. Do I really need to relate much more? Well, yes, I guess I do. It was fun to watch David feel the excitement of Christmas. As I mentioned before, he was fascinated with the Christmas tree and its lights and ornaments. More than once I came into the living room and found him sitting on the floor beneath the tree and gazing up at it. I also wrapped a pre-lit garland around our stair banister and hung our stockings up the rail. David always made sure the tree and stairs were lit, and each time he ascended or descended the stairs he’d identify which stocking belonged to which member of our little family. He was also fascinated with the presents under the tree and regularly asked if he could open them. We attempted somewhat to introduce the concept of Santa; however, whenever he saw one he referred to him as “Snowman.” I guess that’s not crucial to grasp. On a note more true to the Season, we also had fun teaching him about Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, wise men and shepherds as he played with his Fisher-Price Nativity set.
One of our favorite tales of the season: Nathan took David Christmas shopping with him, then, realizing that David could tell me what they’d bought, trained David with the help of store employees to say that they’d gotten Mommy a “football” (the employees thought it was a hoot.) The plan worked, but David also kept pulling out the present for the next two weeks, asking to play with the football.
My parents came up for the weekend before Christmas for a brief visit. It was fun to share David’s excitement with them as we exchanged our gifts on this end. Then, very early on Christmas Eve, we boarded a plane, bound for Seattle. The boys did exceptionally well. On our layover in Las Vegas after a 5-hour leg on the plane, David kept asking when we would ride the plane again. (“All too soon” kept going through his parents’ minds). Thank goodness for our portable DVD player. We arrived in the early afternoon and then proceeded directly to Anacortes. David was very excited to tell his Grandma Nash all about the airplanes. By the time we did Nash family presents that night and Santa presents in the morning, David was an expectant pro at opening gifts, ready to strip giftwrap off anything stationary, whether it was for him or not. It took several days to convince him that there weren’t any more presents. Good thing we didn’t attempt the twelve days of Christmas…
We had a delightful time in Washington visiting family, and even getting a quick visit in with some friends in Lynnwood. On New Year’s Day we finally had all three grandkids (our boys plus our niece Sophia) simultaneously awake and happy enough to do a little mini-Nativity. Daniel played Baby Jesus, Sophia was Mary, and David was a modern-day Joseph; we couldn’t convince him to wear the costume. The scene only lasted a minute or two, but it was sweet nonetheless.
Then on Jan 2 we were back on the planes and back to the grindstone, albeit considerably jet-lagged. The boys adjusted fairly quickly to Pacific Time, but Eastern Time was a hard one to work back into. And of course, to make matters ever more delightful, we all got colds from the airplane.
That Sunday David went to Sunbeams for the first time at church. I can hardly believe I have a Sunbeam now! Nathan and I had to opportunity to watch him on his big day, since we were asked to substitute the 6-year-old class. Perhaps it was a good thing. David seemed to like turning around and seeing us there in the unfamiliar environment.
Then on Wednesday we enjoyed the very great pleasure of a visit from my mom and my brother Preston, freshly back from Iraq and on his way west to collect his family. We took advantage of an unseasonably warm afternoon to take the boys on a stroll through the neighborhood, and that evening got a grand tour of Preston’s pictures from his deployment. Fascinating stuff!
That evening we also discovered Daniel had an ear infection, confirmed the next day at the doctor. Oh joy. Then David started throwing up that night while Nathan was at a business dinner. Even better. I got him all cleaned up and back in bed just in time for him to have an encore act. Fortunately Nathan came home in the middle of the second clean-up and was able to help me get things taken care of. Since then we’ve been battling diarrhea, diaper rash, vomit, and ears, and doing way more laundry than normal. Things get tricky when both boys are crying and want to be held. I’ve managed to master packing one on each hip. Yesterday I took David in to the doctor to see if it was the flu and if there was anything I could do besides just ride out the storm. As I checked in, the receptionist asked, “Weren’t you just in here?” Yep. Round II. Prognosis was that it’s not the flu, but a nasty virus that tends to settle in the chest, so we have to keep our eyes on it. Meanwhile I feel anxious every time David coughs, worried that I’ll get a previous meal in the bargain. A friend of mine recently asked how it was mothering two, to which I must reply, not bad, and even fun, until they both need you at once or take turns being up half of the same night. That’s the hardest part so far. I once again have newfound appreciation for my mom’s sanity with eight.
So anyway, that brings us up to the now. It’s a little late, but up until this afternoon, our recent dramas have taken the time I’d normally spend reporting. I hope things level out soon. ☺ We love you all and wish you the best in the New Year!
Love,
The (Other) Other Nashes
Nathan, Natalie, David, and Daniel
