Little Children for Christmas

Rushing, rushing, make a list, take a breath.

Get it done! Shopping, decorating, gift wrapping, cooking, and cleaning. I could do without the shopping but I do enjoy giving and watching every facial expression with each bow that gets untied.

This is the fourth Christmas I have shown pictures of my trees here on this poor, neglected blog. I apologize to you, dear reader, for the reason that my trees have not changed much in four years.

Every year at this time, late on Christmas night, I feel a bit disappointed. The wrapping paper and gift bag frenzy is complete, gifts have been exchanged, and our blood sugar levels are out of control after a dinner too large. I’m admitting, also, that I’m glad it’s over but wish it didn’t end so quickly.

My daughter and son-in-love are our grown up kids and while we love watching their childlike excitement, they are not little anymore. I’d like to invite myself to a home with little children next Christmas. It’s been many years since I have seen joy and surprise in a toddler’s face on Christmas morning.

As I write this, I’m annoyed with Chloe and Bella as they paw at me for attention. I’m rarely able to sit here and write in peace, as they make their presence known on my thigh with overgrown nails, begging for a game of tuggie or ball, or a good head rub. Their eyes speak "Do you want a kiss? Take this ball and I'll kiss you. Snort.”

Sweet Bella had so much action on Christmas Day she collapsed before noon.

Her toys crumble under the pressure and lay scattered in every room for us to trip over. There can never be too many toys.

Chloe, Christmas 1997, age: one year

Chloe is not into toys anymore. She was once the Christmas Boston Terrorist - the girl who celebrated Christmas so hard all her life that she was secured behind gates, away from trees and gifts, during her first years. To say she was enthusiastic is an understatement because she was absolutely hazardous, not only around the holidays, but every day. On Christmases past, she’s pooped out a total of at least a dozen glass ornaments with ease and destroyed several dozen more.

All of that is part of her legacy.

Now, she’s the sleepy infant in the family.

Just hold me on your lap for a while. Is there some cheese in that dish over there?

Is it getting loud in here? Do I hear music and people?

I’m thinking of a nap now. But I smell cheese.

Just hold me on your lap, Daddy, and I would like to taste some cheese. Please put a cube of Monterrey Jack directly on my tongue. Thank you. I would do it myself, if I could.

I wanna rest my heavy head. Is my Mother here?

I’m here, Chloe.

Super-charged Bella passed out in her chair, contentedly passing gas, surrounded by her toys.

I’m in lovin’ my new Ellie Phant. Fanks, Santa. (Deep sigh, snore)

Michael has a new head cover.

Oh, Chloe! Look! If you were green, you’d have a twin!

What is that, Mother? Don’t laugh at me. I know you are laughing at me. Whatever it is, I don't care because I will bite its nose off. Who is Yoda?

So, I guess I do have little kids.

Very funny furry ones ;-)