Christmas with two?!

What a whirlwind! Christmas was chaotic and wonderful all at once this year; a change for me as I have really not enjoyed Christmas since Dad passed away (13?) years ago. The season (to me) is full of commercialism, want, greed and unrealistic, not to mention unfufilled, expectations. I have really struggled to make peace with such a frenzied "holiday." I think last year, spent extremely quietly in Mexico, was the closest I have ever come and really gave me a chance to see how much the experience is actually up to the individual.
Therefore with the added stress of a newborn and new job, we tried hard to simplify our celebrations this year. Guess what? Much better! That, coupled with seeing the season through the eyes of a two-year old, made things much easier on me. My favorite Christmas moment this year was a late-night, cold walk with Lucas bundled up the in the stroller and Mia snuggled under my jacket. Lucas, the dogs and I needed to get out of the house and went to look at the Christmas lights. Although few and far between in our neighbourhood, it was such a joy to see the excitement on Lucas' face as we stopped at the "good ones" and took it all in. I actually found a very tiny part of me wishing we had purchased a mecahnical lit-up reindeer for our yard! Hahaha! Anyways, I met a lovely older woman out walking her dog in the neighborhood and we chatted for a few moments. As I left her, she said to me, "You look so happy...and healthy." And you know, I was. It was all I really needed at that moment. Quiet, fresh air, and the company of my kids. I think it kind of embodies where I am in my life right now. Lacking for nothing. I am so very blessed to have two healthy, beautiful children, a husband who is my best friend, and family that support me. It's all I really want right now, knowing that some of the things I may need for myself will come later and in their right time.
So Happy Holidays to you all. I hope that each of you found your own perfect moments filled with serenity and joy. Here are a few pictures from our celebrations.

Lucas and Gracie enjoy chocolate fondue on Christmas Eve.

Are there any scraps for us in there? See how good we are?

Opening gifts in pj's - the attire we should all spend Christmas morning in!

My kids. (Yes - all three of them!)

Time will tell

Things are getting into a bit more of a routine around here; about as much as can be expected with a new job, a new baby, and Christmas! It's hard to belive that we have only had Mia with us for three and a half weeks, she has slipped so comfortably into the family. Lucas is totally infatuated with her, although he is still hogging the photos! Here are a few for you to wish you all a Happy Christmas Eve-Eve. I will post some after the big event.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Lucas wearing Teddy in a sling.

New uses for breastfeeding cushions.

Totem Pole

I'm in love...

... con mi Mia hermosa...

xox Mami

Two Cuties

Sorry, for the life of me I can't figure out why this picture won't straighten!

Anyways, here we are, learning how to function as a family of four and two pooches. Lucas is swinging madly between sweet as candy and hellion - not abnormal for this family mind you! Today him and Rob are off to a kids' Christmas party at the Cannery with Scott. I'm a little worried about just how much sugar will be ingested and what sort of night I'm in for with Rob at work.

A little more about the labour for those of you dying to know;

I went into labour on Tuesday evening, just two days away from our due date. I actually went shopping that afternoon feeling pretty crampy, but waited until about eight to tell Rob that I thought I was in labour and until ten to call Mom and tell her that it was "the" night. By eleven I had no doubt in my mind and called Mom to tell herthat Rob was on his way to pick her up. While they were gone I called the hospital to let them know. They pretty much told me that I should get my butt in, so Rob picked me up as he delivered Mom.

I was thrilled to be taken to Cedar (actually Holly, which is newer) which, as you Moms who also delivered at Womens' know, is the deluxe section of the hospital where one labours, delivers and recovers all in one place. The room was gorgeous; a huge tub, shower, table, nursing chair, tv and phone, and a bed that Rob could sleep on. Much later in the evening when I was feeling relaxed from an epidural, I looked up and asked what that odd looking thing was on the ceiling. I was thinking poor decorating, Rob thought perhaps a viewing window for filming (hahahaha...) when the nurse casually replied, "Oh, that's a skylight!"

Nitty gritty details aside, I ended up having back labour where the baby's spine is against yours, and things slowed down as I found myself needing pain relief. I had been very hesitant to go there if I could avoid it, but in the long run it was absolutely the right decision as I was able to relax a little, Rob had a nap and little Mia was able to take her time turning and coming out like a champ. We had a very quick delivery with only a little scare as her cord was wrapped around her neck, but the staff was wonderful; reassuring, professional, calm and careful. I was delivered by a midwife in training as she was watched carefully by the attending gp.

All in all a very different and very wonderful birthing experience for us all. By noon Lucas was at the hospital visiting and kissing Mia all over. I had a quiet, albeit slightly lonely, night in the deluxe suite and was home by noon Thursday.

Thank you for all the warm wishes emails. We look forward to introducing each of you to our newest family member soon. Ting.

Introducing...

Mia Cristina Herman

Born November 29th 2006 @ 10:46am

BC Women's Hospital

7 lbs 1 oz

Everyone is doing super well, although we're all a little tired. I'll write more when I can put her down! xox proud mama again, Ting