here we go

I remember so vividly how, as a child, time passed so painfully slow in the lead-up to Christmas. There just wasn’t a task exciting enough to make the countdown go any quicker. Che got so frustrated the other day because I was busy working and Daniel was catching up on the washing. From the office I heard him exclaim: “I just want to do Christmas craft with my parents!”

Oh the guilt! A Merry Christmas sign now graces our front door (complete with cut-out bubble writing and gold stars).

In the next few days we’ll be:

making choc-chip cookies for Santa
drawing on the driveway with chalk (so the reindeer have pretty pictures to look at while they wait for Santa)
wrapping presents (trying not to peek at those already under the tree)
marvelling at the cuteness that is Poet in her cot (she’s in there for day sleeps only)
discussing the importance of sleep on Christmas Eve
pondering 2012 and its possibilities (I’m so excited about the possibilities)

But I think, what’s most important at this time of year, is gratitude. For what we’ve got, where we live and who we are.

This Christmas I’m grateful for:

last Christmas and the exquisite feeling that is new life within
Che’s wonderfully nurturing and exciting year at Montessori
Getting through a heatwave without too much fuss..and the lazy beach days afterwards
shopping and eating with a frugavorian-awareness
baring my belly at 22weeks
that leap of faith and then…dreams realised
birthdays, lighthouses and the wonderful feeling that is pure health
preparing che for the greatest change in his life so far
my angel of a midwife
daniel’s ability to capture life on film (this film makes me cry, every time)
winter – the cosy season that was perfect for a babymoon
those beautiful days before birth
photojournalism – the 3.5 of us
the waiting
p.s.
the newborn haze
finding new rhythm
tear-inducing portraits
our home – its simplicity, comfort and space
exciting adventures
growing green dreams
the blessing of children
my baby – the giggles, chubby rolls, extra-special cuddles
our local

Thank you for visiting me here this year. So many new faces, so many beautiful words. Especially the encouragement before Poet’s arrival, the sweet blessings after her birth. I really value each and every comment that you leave. This community is a passionate, creative, comforting one – full of wise words and, when needed, expert style/interior design/recipe advice. I’m really happy here…

May your Christmas be a safe and joyous one. And let’s bring in the New Year with open hearts.

See you soon.

Jodi x

I might just add that half-way through writing this post I was interrupted by a vomiting Che and a crying/hungry Poet. Life with kids.

By Jodi