It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

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I've wanted a child at Christmastime for a while… Jamie and I have gotten a tree in the past, we've put up lights, hosted family for dinner, but Christmas has always (since I've grown up) been missing an element of magic that I remember from when I was a child. I remember one year, waking up early, as all children do, and sneaking down to the living room to find piles of toys. Beautifully wrapped packages under the tree, unwrapped “Santa presents” laid artfully on the sofa, our stocking, bulging with goodies, propped carefully on the hearth.
As we prepare our home for Max's first Christmas, I can't wait to be on the “other side” of the magic.

The magic started this year, a couple weeks before Christmas, on the 10th to be exact. Our second wedding anniversary, and we already wouldn't be able to continue what we decided would be our tradition; getting our Christmas tree. (Our anniversary fell on a Wednesday this year, so I was off at dialysis and didn't get home, with Max in tow, until almost 10pm) I mentioned to my mom how disappointed I was that we already missed a year for our new tradition, but that we never thought I'd be on dialysis, so we deal with what we have. Well, I should have known better than to underestimate my Jamie! I walked in the house to find a gorgeous tree, lights hung, ornaments standing by, just waiting for us to decorate it! A wonderful surprise, but not so surprising, coming from Jamie!

Grandpa and Lucinda (Jamie's dad and stepmom) came down, and Aunt Amelia came over on Sunday; we had lunch, a great visit and a little bit of Christmas! Lucinda had called me back in September to ask if we had made arrangements for Max's Christmas stocking, and I was thrilled to tell her that no, we hadn't, and yes, we'd LOVE it if she knit one for him. My Grammy Faith knit my stocking for my first Christmas, so having one of Max's grandmas make his is too special for words.
So anyway, Lucinda, unlike some people I know, myself included, actually finishes crafty projects, and she delivered Max's amazing stocking on Sunday! It's based on a design from the 1940s, which I, of course, love. It actually says “Maxwell” all the way around the top, has reindeer, Santa and Christmas trees and I love it so, so much. Thanks again, Lucinda. We'll cherish it always!

In its rightful spot, hanging over the fireplace
With Max for scale. It's a SERIOUS stocking!

Grandpa and Lucinda also brought Max his first official Christmas gift! We always love new books, of course, and this one is especially good, starring another Max!

A few weeks ago, I was on a mission, looking for the perfect First Christmas ornament for Max. I didn't want some cheesy Hallmark thing, I wanted something great. I considered going current events, and eyeballed Obama ornaments or Olympics… I considered a Beatles ornament, or Giants. I couldn't decide! Then, like the sun breaking through the clouds on a winter day, it came to me. Etsy!
Within moments, I had stumbled into Mud Hutt's darling little shop. Minutes after finding her, I had sent off a custom item request, we'd chatted via email, and my order was placed! A custom made, just for our Max, First Christmas ornament!
It arrived yesterday, and I'm utterly thrilled with it! I can't recommend her shop highly enough, and I'm certain I'll buy more from her in the future.

And last but not least… Dave and Ann Marie had included, in one of the bags of Ryan's hand-me-downs, this ridiculous little Santa suit… we just couldn't resist putting it on Max and taking a few photos today!