Harry and I had a fabulous time in Philly together visiting my dear friend Nicky and her newly expanded family. It was so nice to visit with such a great friend, and to watch our kids running around together to be able to stay up watching a movie, eating popcorn, and drinking wine. Harry was a great traveler and I hope he'll continue to be this flexible. He'll nap anywhere, sleep anywhere and totally be OK being on the GO. I love being on the go especially around the Holidays. I like to switch things up a bit and have new memories as everything I once knew that was normal to has changed. Holidays are so different. So, it was really wonderful to spend time with a good friend...
We've had a busy week with Daddy traveling...boy, I am exhausted....literally 5 minutes after I get Elle down, I am in bed myself. I just feel like I am all business when Dad's away and get frustrated and lose patience with a meltdown or anything that causes us to get off track and keep on schedule! But, I have to remember Elle is not even 4 yet so she's going to have tantrums. Harry even was up at 4am this morning screaming so I ran in there and sure enough he just wanted Elle...he literally was screaming "Elle Bell" at 4am in the morning. He got himself SO upset he finally fell back asleep at 5am....so I was able to get a quick shower in and finish up their lunches before they were both up for good. Always tricky getting that shower in when you're on your own!
We have a fun weekend ahead...Ted's work Christmas party, Elle has a birthday party to attend, and I put together a little girls night out at our new wine bar which I am so excited to try. I love the fact that we can walk there too. Very cool.
Christmas is less than 3 weeks away. We'll be headed back to MI on the 21st so I am already in planning mode to keep busy...mani/pedicure with all of the girls, getting everyone together to go see Santa. I feel every time we're back there we don't go anywhere and it's our vacation to so we want to keep the kids busy doing fun things and be out and about. So I am hoping we can make fun but also relax as well...I feel I have made good progress with gifts, just a few more to buy. The problem is the wrapping. Not only do I not like it, I am not very good at it.
Missing my Family this Season more than ever, thinking of my brother and pray he doesn't feel too lonely and thinking of my friend who is fighting cancer and is undergoing surgery literally as I type....
All my love and hope for a Christmas season that is less painful than the last, a season I am able to remember only the good memories together as a family and able to watch in pure joy my kids and the excitement in their eyes as they experience Christmas.
Melissa
