A new kind of Christmas

So many changes this year.  Not the least of which is a change in holiday traditions.  New doesn't mean bad though and as throughout the entire year, the girls have learned to roll with the changes quite amazingly.  If only we as adults could adapt to change as well as kids do!
One big change was that Ryan and I had planned to be alone on Christmas Eve.  Neither of us was scheduled to have our kids so both of us were glad to have each other.  Of course, you always have to be prepared to be flexible and Sophie's pneumonia still has her on antibiotics and restrictions so she got to stay with us on Christmas Eve.
As Sophie and I wrapped presents, watched Grinch and smelled the delicious smells coming from Ryan in the kitchen I couldn't help but be thankful for the changes in my life.  Not all of them good of course, Christmas Eve isn't the same without Libby and Grandma Pokey's amazing treats, but there is so much to be thankful for that I can't focus on what is missing.  I have to think of the positives.
How can anyone feel sorry for themselves when they have a tiny bundle of joy curled up in your lap, your sweet baby girl laying against you and watching a cooking show on TV, homemade chicken wings cooking in the oven, homemade guacamole waiting in the fridge, a beautiful tree with presents piled and waiting under it, and amazing family and friends who never let you feel alone?  Sophie and I shared the story of the nativity with each other and shared in the miracle of this holiday season and now anxiously await the arrival of Libby in the morning.  We are truly blessed to have so many who love us surround us this holiday!  I have the joy of the holiday season in my heart and am thinking of all of you and yours at this holiday time.