A Perfect Christmas!

Christmas was intended to be different in order to remain the same. The paradox is that we were forced to think creatively about our ability to maintain a family presence at Christmas, knowing full well that Brooke and Neal would not be able to travel. We solved the problem by temporarily to Williamsburg that would enable us to share time but also the possibility of all being with a new baby during the weekend.  And, we were quickly able to feel “at home”. We had sufficient space, parking was never a hassle, and we were able to accommodate our needs within the general neighborhood.

Christmas became a reality with a tree. Since we bought it on Saturday, the price was dramatically reduced. It turned out to be perfect. Before the tree was decorated, Emi woke up from a nap and looked at the tree with the perfect comment with arms raised, “it was what I wanted!”.

Christmas morning was as chaotic as any family’s experience with three small children. Yet, after opening Santa’s Stockings, we were able to delay opening the rest of the presents until Sean, Jane, Joseph and Eve came. In the middle of the afternoon, we enjoyed the oohs and aahs of children opening their gifts.

After Brooke’s parents joined us, we were near the time for supper. Everyone commented on how well Brooke looked without any awareness that the hoped for birth would be near. The supper that Joan and Sara prepared was just delicious. As we were near the end of supper, Brooke and Neal stood up to get their coats as they shared the news that the moment was clearly soon.

Joan called at 4:30 am to share the news that Kellen Rose was born at 4:03. A healthy girl emerged with one push, as though she could not wait to share a visit with the family.  As with all the births except Joseph and Eve who were born by C-Section, Joan was present and appreciated the moment with her usual joy.

And so, later in the morning, Kellen Rose was viewing the sight of 16 members of her family that wanted desperately to be present.

Another expectation was to view Nora Anne’s initial joy of having a sister. And expectations were fulfilled. Nora was genuinely happy with Kellen in her arms (supported by her parents).

It was such a perfect end to our fantasy Christmas wishes. We were together and we present to see the new child. What more could we ever hope for?

In case anyone is wondering about Patrick during this whole weekend, a few comments are in order. In general, he was perfect. Admittedly walking or running in the area only strengthened his paranoid qualities. He was alert as he could be to be sure that no terrorist was behind all these noises. While in the house, he was as happy as ever with the children. He was great.

The only really unanticipated behavior was during Christmas Day activities. It must have been sufficiently chaotic for Patrick to the point that he, on his own initiative, chose to stay by himself on the sofa. Apparently, the activity level was even too much for him.

And now, Kellen Rose is experiencing her first full day in her own home.