The other night, after three long naps during the day, Joanie had a hard time falling asleep. I didn’t want her to keep Jackson awake, especially since he hadn’t been sleeping well the last few nights and needed his rest, so I brought Joanie into our room and snuggled up with her in bed. But she didn’t want to snuggle — she wanted to play. So we played peek-a-boo and a bunch of other games whose names you wouldn’t recognize because I made them up but they involve flying in the air or jumping on the bed and clapping hands and singing songs. Joanie was very, very happy. Well, she usually is. But she was even more so on this night, and so was I. Jackson was asleep by 8 and he didn’t wake up until morning. Joanie went to bed shortly after 8, too. We all slept well for the first time in a couple weeks.
It’s been an intense year for us with lots of ups and downs, but in those moments when the baby is laughing and Jackson is sleeping and the home is clean and warm and full of love, I’m at peace. I hope this Christmas season, whether you celebrate the actual occasion or not, you also feel moments of peace in the midst of whatever chaos the rest of the season might bring. Have a wonderful long holiday weekend, and I’ll see you back here on Monday. xoxo
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Wendy's Sister December 24, 2015, 8:34 am
If you celebrate, I wish you a very Merry Christmas! I hope that, even if you don’t celebrate, you are able to have tomorrow off and enjoy time with family or friends.
Lianne December 24, 2015, 8:39 am
That’s super sweet. I had an intense year, too – our first year of marriage, two miscarriages, a scare with this pregnancy, plus the quick illness and death of one of my best friend’s fathers. I’m feeling a sense of peace now, enjoying the holiday activities and counting my blessings as I look forward to a much more pleasant 2016. Merry Christmas to you and yours and the rest of the DW community!
Addie Pray December 25, 2015, 11:15 pm
Congrats, Lianne! I missed your pregnancy announcement. When are you due? Boy or girl? And how are you feeling? I’m so happy for you!
Jane63 December 24, 2015, 8:46 am
Merry Christmas, Wendy!
Juliecatharine December 24, 2015, 9:01 am
Merry Christmas Wendy and to all who celebrate! It’s so important to savor the times of love and peace because as we all know life loooves to throw us curve balls when we’re not looking.
PS. I got engaged on Wednesday!!!! It’s a very merry Christmas for us ?
Lianne December 24, 2015, 9:13 am
How exciting!! Congrats 🙂
K December 24, 2015, 10:46 am
Congrats!!
snoopy128 December 24, 2015, 11:18 am
Congrats!
Dear Wendy December 24, 2015, 1:53 pm
Congratulations!
Juliecatharine December 24, 2015, 2:14 pm
Thank you!!!’ ?
Addie Pray December 25, 2015, 11:17 pm
Congrats! Tell us about the proposal!!
othy December 24, 2015, 4:11 pm
Congrats!
keyblade December 24, 2015, 5:25 pm
Congrats, Julie-Catherine 🙂
d2 December 24, 2015, 6:08 pm
JC – Nice start for the holidays. Congratulations!
gigi December 24, 2015, 9:31 am
Merry Christmas Wendy – & everyone!
K December 24, 2015, 10:46 am
Merry Christmas, everyone! I’m enjoying the unseasonably warm weather in NY right now. Short sleeves on Christmas Eve!
Moneypenny December 24, 2015, 12:47 pm
That’s such a sweet story! Joanie is too cute. Merry Christmas all!! 🙂
This year was a good one- despite the malaise that’s been hanging around me the last few months. I’m hopeful for next year though- new opportunities, and (most likely) a new apartment. 🙂
Essie December 24, 2015, 1:01 pm
Merry Christmas to all! ✨
anonymousse December 24, 2015, 2:05 pm
Happy holidays everyone! Cute holiday card, Wendy! The few times we’ve all slept have been magical. Lately my toddler has been waking up at 3 or 4 am and either sleeping in the living room with daddy, or being wide awake for the rest of the night/morning. I’ve almost had my first full week being at home with my 18 month old and a newborn. Four weeks with my husband on paternity leave flew by way too fast! It’s been surprisingly a lot easier than I thought. I feel so thankful for my husband and my little family. My heart is full and I am excited for the new year! Thank you for this site, Wendy!
keyblade December 24, 2015, 5:27 pm
Happy Holidays to everyone and merry Christmas to those who celebrate. This is my favorite internet hangout. Thanks Wendy! Peace and blessings to you and yours.
d2 December 24, 2015, 6:50 pm
Wendy, you have the best family photos – you make it look so easy.
Happy holidays everyone!
Dear Wendy December 25, 2015, 11:37 am
Aww, thank you so much! Happy holidays to you!
Diablo December 25, 2015, 3:15 pm
Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and the best to everyone at DW! The phrase “intense year” resonates with me too. Some may recall a litany of troubles I recounted on a recent deleted thread. Well, add to that since then: a new boss for me, M’s boss being fired, the death of a good friend who was waiting for a long time for a heart transplant, which didn’t go well, and a kidney stone the size of an asteroid that prevented me from attending his funeral last week. But life is still very good. A peaceful and joyous Christmas with M’s family yesterday/today, and looking forward hopefully to my family’s first gathering in three years tomorrow – all I can say is I won’t be the one to start any conflict, and we have our plan for how we will respond if my sister wants to stir the poo. Lots of plans with friends distant and near in the next week, and hopefully some couch time. Got a small bonus at work for stepping up this past year, and I plan to get a mandolin and learn to play. For all the challenges, I see myself as rich, in friends, family, and joy if not a huge amount of material wealth. It’s not like I was planning to be rich when I chose a career in charity, anyway. I hope all of you find the joy you seek, chase dreams where your passions lead you and get your share of love and friendship in 2016!
Anonymous December 25, 2015, 10:22 pm
What a beautiful family! Merry Christmas Wendy, Drew, Jax, Joanie!
(Mobile version doesn’t let me log in but no worries)
Addie Pray December 25, 2015, 11:13 pm
Merry Christmas! And to those who don’t celebrate, TGIF! I had one of the best Christmases I’ve ever had. And now I’m beat. Nite nite!