Top Ten 2014

Yesterday, Mary and I were recounting our trip to the Museum of Science and Industry last weekend. We had seen the trains and the planes, we saw the submarine, we saw Mickey and Minnie.
'Baby. Chickens.'
'Huh?'
'Baby. Chickens.'
'You're right! We saw chicks.'
'Sweeping.'
'Yes, they were sleeping, honey.'

I couldn't believe it. She had an unprompted five-day old memory. Honestly, I don't know why I was surprised. Of course, her mind has been busy collecting and storing memories for a while now, but I guess I didn't realize that life was making individual impressions on Mary, untracked by my archives.

As I look back on another wonderful year this evening, I'm realizing that the moments, vacations, celebrations, meals, and events that made 2014 so special for our family, might not touch on Mary's top ten. Surely, she would identify the beaches and pools; first steps and first words; Eva; and a week of back to back Christmas parties. But I think she also would have included our local library and parks. Play dates with Grant, Audrey and Lillian. Somersaults, hula hoops, chalk, bubbles, songs and dances with Eva. Trains. And planes. And bike rides. Chocolate and gold fishes. The Wheels on the Bus. Gia, Miranda, Corduroy, Goofy, and all her furry friends. Stories, bottles, and getting extra hours of TLC from Mommy and Daddy no matter what the hour of the day (or night.)

There is no doubt that Mary and her first memories defined much of our year. The past 12 months have been cuter and sweeter, but also more challenging and exhausting because of it. And while Mary's favorite moments are likely wrapped up as proof points in mine, here is the more traditional top ten of the year, in no particular order.

10. I do's said by four beautiful, blushing brides.

9. Pool days. Followed by ice cream treats.

8. The Atlantic.

7. The Pacific.

6. A new job. And lots of fast(er) food.

5. Parties. And the visitors that they brought.

4. Christmas through the eyes of a toddler.

3. The arrival of Mary Poppins and all of her magic.

2. Mary walking, talking, making life more beautiful ...

1. And learning that she'll soon be a big sister.

I'm feeling nothing but blessed as I sign off for the last time in 2014. And I'm feeling ready for all that 2015 will bring.

Lo.

Wearing the (Red) Pants

There are countless things about being a parent that make the title tough. Life and its routine shift through the addition of tasks, reduction of sleep, escalated levels of anxiety and disappearance of time and space for just me.

Parenthood also has an uncanny effect on your understanding of Christmas. You can no longer be a passive believer that the magic of the holiday will effortlessly descend upon your house; rather, the seasonal sparkle suddenly falls on you. Joining the ranks of parenthood inherently means joining Santa's posse of elves: going undercover, knowing his secrets, and doing his ground work throughout December to deliver Christmas' promise to your kids.

I received my calling last year. Santa tapped me to put on his red pants and make Christmas merry for Mary. But with a nine month old, it was easy. Arguably, elfdom remained reasonably stress-free this year too as Mary was just learning what the hullabaloo was about.  But nonetheless, to create a believer, you have to go all out from the start.

From the Mass. And the ticket that admitted you and your family.  

To the tree(s).

And each of the shiny ornaments decorating it. 

From the meals and the hours of cooking, baking, and table making that define them.  

To the sweet treats on the rim of your saucer.

From the presents, wrapped in shiny paper.

To their hiding places.

From the guests who came from far and near. 

To the music that serenaded them.

From the costumes. 

To the staged photos that are supposed to document 48 hours of Christmas celebration ... The ones that I kept forgetting to take because I was so mesmerized by the animated expressions glowing from my little girl's face all week long. 

Staging Christmas for your family is exhausting - more work than I ever really understood growing up. And I can see how it will just keep getting more difficult as that magic is enhanced year by year. But if you're lucky, you'll have a helper. Or two, or three. One elf to pull the sled, a couple more cheering, and another elf who's always ready to capture the memory of an amazing Christmas, gone too fast. 

 

Lo.