Still here ...

Treading water ... with what feels like weights on my ankles at times. Much thanks to my girlfriends for putting up with the hormonal flood of emotions. Thanks to my husband for feigning a look of understanding over my complete meltdown regarding a certain person's bedtime even though understanding was the last thing I needed ... more like a swift kick in the pants.

Or maybe a full nights sleep.

Or maybe both.

Anyway, the parts of the day that seem doable are showing up a little more often than not. That's a good thing.

The parts of the day that seem overwhelming and unbearable ... well, they are really overwhelming and I am downright unbearable.

So the truth is that I am quite ready for Christmas (all gifts bought) and we even stayed up way too late last night to bake gifts for teachers and friends (co-op today). The tree is up and most of the decor, which I thought might not make it this year.

Baby girl is beautiful and sweet except for between the hours of 7-9 pm.

Then she is just beautiful ... in a howling cat sort of way.

Dad does a splendid job of taking over and has mastered a STOMP AROUND THE HOUSE WHILE BOUNCING VIGOROUSLY method and making SHHHHH noises that she seems to love!

It sounds crazy but it really works. I just don't have the energy for all the shhh-shing and stomping so I'm glad he's up for it ;)

When he takes her, I usually head up for my nightly granny bath and listen from upstairs and try not to cry over the whole blessed event.

It is a season. I know this ebb and flow well. Just like this holiday season, I will miss it when it's gone and during the entire process I struggle to keep my heart focused on the right thing.

So in an effort towards keeping traditions without losing our minds, we have grand thoughts of doing the Christmas Card pic this afternoon.

Your prayers are greatly appreciated ;)