Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Leaking Pumpkins and Candy Canes

We just returned from our pilgrimage to Michigan. At 3 AM.

To visit family and friends. To give gifts. To open gifts (and yes, to even return that one gift that elicited the "What in the heck were they thinking?" response). To unintentionally take part in family histrionics. To intentionally remove self from family drama only to get sucked back in. To keep my belly full and top button unbuttoned (and let's be honest, the zipper didin't have a chance). To popping Tums and drinking ginger ale. To drive. And drive. And drive. And drive in a car packed with too many things that beep, bleep, bong, and bang (and not being able to shut even one of them off). To say silent prayers that the sleeping baby remained in said state for the 6+ hour drive. To say not-so-silent prayers that the car top carrier would remain atop the fully loaded car . . . and that we would not be chasing after my underwear on the toll way.

To come home only to find the pumpkin I bought before Halloween sitting on the front porch . . . melting, leaking its guts and draining its noisome fluids across the cement. Lovely.

I know. I asked for it.

The good news . . . I spent a week with him . . .


Watching him giggle. Watching him hold onto his grandmas and seeing them turn into mush at the slightest grin (man, is he good . . . ). Watching him open presents (read: run around the room totally oblivious to the present-opening and more interested in grabbing cameras, picking up tinsel and swiping candy canes from the tree).

I simply soaked him in. His musical sighs as he slept in the crib next to us (the room so cramped I could practically feel his breath). The way he pulled at my lips as I tried to sing Christmas carols. His infatuation with the candy cane after he felt the taste of peppermint on his tongue for the first time. His energy, the way his feet would never stop, his hands constantly exploring and his eyes searching for the next adventure. Exhaustingly wonderful.

Although there are therapists that need to be contacted (after spending a week with the family). A treadmill that will be cringing when it sees me coming. Overstuffed suitcases to be unpacked. Complicated toys to be assembled. Abandoned rooms to be cleaned. A bundle of food to be purchased (oh, my poor fridge and the things I left behind). A leaking pumpkin to be disposed of.

I'd do it again.

And again.

Why not?

I love them.

They love me. (shockingly)

And J . . . well, that silly little boy is a sucker for a candy cane and a grandma.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Here is to a prosperous New Year.

36 comments:

Mighty Morphin' Mama said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New year from our house to yours. Family is a fun ride, eh? Always something interesting going on. I am glad you got to enjoy your boy. Lots of hugs coming your way. And New Year's blessings too,
Kristen

Kori said...

I love these posts when you gush over the boy; it makes me feel so much better when I profess my absolute infatuation with my own. therapy aside, I am glad you got to go.

Lori said...

glad you enjoyed your holidays

Flea said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! It's good to live six hours away, isn't it? And still be the one with your lovely boy at the end of the day ...

Michelle said...

Happy Holidays!
And what a cutie pie!

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

What would the holidays be without a little family drama?

Christmas will only get better.

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

It sounds great...for the most part, and not unlike our Christmas.
Happy New Year!

Woman in a Window said...

argh, this makes me grieve all the days I didn't write when my children were little. Their tiny webbed hands flying at my breast, their tongue apprehensive, I didn't blog a word of it and it's barely there in the back of my mind until I read words like yours. Thanks for the gift of my own memories here today and best to you in the new year!

Lori said...

Sounds like you enjoyed all your blessings!! Hoping you have many more in the new year!

justmylife said...

I am glad you enjoyed your Christmas. Family drama is what the holiday's are all about, right? It is around here anyway.

the mama bird diaries said...

Sounds like a great holiday. Happy New Year!

Lindsey said...

Sounds like a wonderful Christmas! Did you get enough of the crazy MI weather....snow one day (a lot of it) and then completely melted the next? Great, eh? At least there's sun today. Congrats on making it through the holidays with family in tact! Happy New Year!

Kamis Khlopchyk said...

sounds like a fantastic holiday, minus the family drama, but then that comes with the good stuff sometimes!

Happy New Year!

Mom said...

Welcome back! Looks like J had a good time, sorry about the leaky pumpkin welcoming committee!

flutter said...

I am so glad to know you

Aunt Julie said...

We just put my sister and her family on a plane after a week of Holiday Family Time. We always have a blast, despite the hectic pace and the constant cacophony. Hope you and yours Have the Happiest of New Years!

Lisa said...

I love how you put it. They love me, I love them. So true - and they love our kids, don't they? Wonderful indeed!
Happy New Year!

Hey it's Amy Benson said...

Sounds wonderful! You are the sweetest mommy! :D

Unknown said...

Sounds like everyone enjoyed Christmas (oh and we had our fair share of drama too!). I love the picture of him in the Santa hat!

Merry belated Christmas and Happy 2009!

RJTrue said...

Crazy families ...

It's always nice to have at least one person who gets you though.

Miss you already!

KG said...

Cheers, man!

Well - to everything except the leaky pumpkin. It's the grossest thing EVER when you pick that mofo up and all the gelatinous crap falls out of the bottom. *shudder*

CC said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!!!

Wish my family lived closer :(

crazymumma said...

we have a fine selection of miniature and mushy pumpkins as well.....

Maggie, Dammit said...

Happy New Year, weary traveler!

Aunt Julie said...

BTW, I've got a Giveaway goin' on at my place...please drop by!

Kristen said...

What a wonderful time mixed with family (ah yes, we have crazy's too) and the excitement of a child!

Glad you are home safe and sound!!

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to you too friend! Enjoy getting life back to "normal". :)

Anonymous said...

Love you?

Duh.

I love, love, love that pic.

School starts tomorrow.

whine. cry.

tiarastantrums said...

GORGEOUS! Now is the time for another one!!

Eve Grey said...

oooh, I had the exact same pumpkin problem! (:

painted maypole said...

i was drinking vernors and popping tums in Michigan as well!

krissy said...

Glad you got to spend some time with such a handsome little angel. He is yummy.

MommyTime said...

It sounds like you had an absolutely wonderful, exhausting, fun-filled, everything-to-excess holiday season. I'm so glad! Happy New Year. It's nice to have you back. (*waving as you drove through Michigan*)

Cynthia said...

What a great Holiday for you!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a perfect holiday--it takes 11 months to recuperate but worth the memories and cuddle time with your little guy! Besides, without the drama, what would you laugh about the following years?

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

That picture is cute. I hope you have a wonderful New Year

Unknown said...

I know you're probably busy - as everybody seems to be this time of year - but I just thought I'd drop by just to make sure that you're okay. Or, at least ask if you are. So. Are you Okay?

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