A "Pictureless" Christmas Recap

I will start with the narrative of what we did for Christmas this year so I don't forget the fun details....but I have taken photos, posted them on Facebook, and hope to take a few more (maybe even one with ME in it)! I will probably post within the day the "wordless" recap with just pictures soon.

We did not get to sleep in, our day started with Quentin waking up at his usual time, a little BEFORE 7am. He could not be convinced that it is still night time, not time to get up, etc. like we try EVERY DAY and so we got the video camera, camera and Christmas lights on to prepare to let Quentin into the room with the Christmas tree and his presents.

We captured his thrill of seeing a new bigger-boy bike (Lightning McQueen) and helmet, and we gave him his stocking and everything started to click for him. He enjoyed getting a few wooden trains as well as some add ons to his LEGO Thomas train and track set. He also enjoyed expanding his Disney Cars collection too. I think we had just the right amount of everything this year...thank you to those who sent gifts for our family.

We reached a "saturation" point where a 4 year old is too distracted by what he has opened that he forgets there could be any more and just wants to play with what he has. He played while I made breakfast (Eggs Benedict with hashbrowns and fruit) and Ryan enjoyed a joint gift I got for us, a Shiatsu Massaging pad that goes behind your back while you sit in your favorite chair or couch.

I enjoyed my turn with the massager after breakfast. Quentin's babysitter (and one of his favorite people in the world) dropped by since she lives a few houses down and he showed her he new toys. After she left (with a promise to return after hs had breakfast and wasn't in pajamas anymore either), we couldn't keep Quentin contained much longer, he wanted to get on his bike and ride! We got him dressed and took him out, got some pictures and video and we were impressed at how well he did but SHOCKED at how big he looks! Isn't he still my baby? He can't be riding a bike with training wheels yet!

We came back in and before you know it it was time to put the roast in. Prime rib, mashed potatoes, carmelized butternut squash and crescent rolls were on the menu. I took the liberty of treating myself to one special meal consideration: everyone was going to eat the same thing, so my reward was not having to make Quentin a special meal in addition to getting the regular one on the table. Whew! That was a nice treat! I took a chance since Quentin has been more open minded to eating new things...I guess PB&J and chicken and potatoes was bound to get a little boring eventually.

I decided not to do the cleanup (and Ryan is giving me another gift by doing it for me now) and sat down at the massager one more time before hitting the house for final preparations for my visitors coming this evening. My brother and sister from Colorado are coming to visit for a week! I somehow found the time to upload the photos and a short video to Facebook and get our computer ready for video calls in case we get any using our video camera as a webcam.

As promised, Quentin's babysitter Madison came back over and played with him for an hour or so, making his day! He opened the rest of his presents with her and then she read him a book and we put him down for a nap....he has had such a great day! Hopefully we'll make a few phone calls this evening and check in with more family that are all out of state from us. This is our first Christmas as just our family in many ways...it is nice, but it feels different not having our extended family to share any part of the day with. But, thanks to technology, we can be "involved" with eachother so quickly and we hope that anyone who can share their favorite memories of Christmas will do the same.

I'll conclude with a brief mention that Quentin has been resisting the change to his routine before bed and naptime to read from our collection of Christmas season books instead of just his regular books...and although several of them tell the real story of Christmas, not all of them do, but when given the chance to pick any book last night, Quentin chose to read the story of the first Christmas in a manger. He has learned quite a few more details about Christmas this year and the characters in the nativity scene (last year I bought the Little People Nativity so he could play with it). Beyond any of the presents we've gotten, which we love and have enjoyed, we have enjoyed being with eachother and making fun and happy memories. No matter how many presents are under our tree, that is what I will remember most.

Quentin Sings Raffi (All I Really Need)

Quentin started singing this song because apparently they are learning it for the Preschool Program next month. I guess he learns fast (I knew that already)! He woke up one morning and sang this to me before I was even awake, grabs my cheeks gently and asked me to sing along (even though I didn't know the song and had never heard of Raffi). It was so sweet, so a couple days later I grabbed the camera and got it on video to share. Enjoy

3 Years Ago....

Three years ago, Quentin was diagnosed with Leukemia. It's funny how you think you will never forget things like that, and we won't of course, but the details are getting fuzzier and fuzzier every year. Ryan thought it was yesterday, or today, and I asked him if he thought THE anniversary was the day we went to the hospital (and didn't come out for 6 months) or the day they actually told us and confirmed that our baby had cancer (November 11, 2006). Then he didn't remember that Quentin still had a central line in his chest when we moved to Texas, and it has only been out a year. It doesn't really matter, I think this year there are several things to point out and the exact date isn't one of them:

1. Quentin is a survivor (so far), and among the physically healthiest kids I know.
2. When Quentin went into remission a few weeks after his chemo started, he stayed there.
3. Quentin's amazing spirit gave us the strength to get through it. Trust me, it wasn't the other way around.
4. We have met some amazing people along the way, some have lost so much more than I can imagine.
5. There are some really dedicated people to the families of children with cancer and blood disorders. They are living angels.
6. We will never know what "normal" is, but I've concluded that normal is for the self-involved. Our life is way more interesting and blessed because of what we've learned through this experience.
7. Life is a precious gift, and like all gifts, I hope we can be grateful to the giver of that gift, express that gratitude regularly, do not take it for granted, and when possible share it with others.

I love Quentin so much, and I am overwhelmed with my life sometimes, but he is completely worth it and I hope and pray for his continued recovery, remission, healing and developmental progress. He has already exceeded my greatest expectations, and I have a feeling he will continue that for the rest of his life.

Thank you to all of you who keep up with our family, who ask about how Quentin is doing, and who attempt to recognize in your own way the unique life we have. We have enjoyed the love and support from so many people near and far, and once again, after another year has passed, we thank you.