All I Want for Christmas

'Twas the morning before Christmas and a boy wouldn't sleep.

He was up so darn early his mom wanted to weep.

Soon sis was up too, with a grouch and a pout.

She could hear brother downstairs and would not be left out.

Why, oh why, do they wake me? Mom thought with a bother.

Why is it they never go to wake up their father?

She sighs and gets up, heads downstairs with cold feet.

And instead of some coffee, gets this lovely treat.

HO HO HO! I hope your Christmas is filled with sugarplum smiles like these!

What Were You Doing Two Years Ago Today?

Me? I was freezing my tail off on the Great Wall of China, among other things.

Yup, it's that time of year when I take a trip down memory lane.

We left for China to get Keira 2 years ago on December 14 (which was a Thursday in 2006). And after a day of travel and the time change, we ended up landing in China late on the 15th and touring Beijing on the 16th. For the fun of it, I re-read my blog post from that day. Apparently we got updates on the kiddos then. Keira's update listed her as restless, energetic, with a sweet smile. I didn't know it then, but they really nailed it.

I honestly didn't put much stock in the orphanage generated "personality information" at the time, but looking back at that and the initial profile we got, it was all amazingly on the nose. Perhaps I underestimated them.

But I'll never underestimate the Mighty K. As she reminds me daily, "I can do it, Mama."

Yes, dear. No matter what it is, I'm sure you can. You already have.

It's Like This, Sister

Tonight, during the portion of mealtime conversation that I like to call Mom's Summary of Things to Come or What's Up for the Week, I reminded the kids that not tomorrow, but the next day was....

Keira's Birthday! Quinn shouts.

And then the day after that....? I ask.

Silence.

So I help out. "Keira's uhhh...."

Adoption Day! Again, Q with the right answer.

Keira says: "Doption?"

Before I have a chance to answer, Professor Quinn says this: "Keira. Adoption is when...well, see I was born in mommy's tummy and you were adopted. You were born in another mom's tummy, like I was born to mommy's tummy, but your first mom and dad couldn't take care of you and we had room in our hearts and in our house to love another sibling so we adopted you."

Boom. Just like that. K's story in 10 seconds or less.

Pretty well done, I think. He must listen to some of what I say, here and there. (The room-in-our-hearts-to-love-another is my line, by the way, in case you were wondering.)

And to think, I've been spending all this time trying to eloquently write out a life story for Keira when I could've just asked Quinn.

Next thing you know, the boy will be blogging.

Watch this space.....

It's Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Christmas

Quinn has left no less than 3 lists in his stocking for Santa this year. He's leaving no doubt that he'd like a NintendoDS, Kooky pens, and Bakugan. (Thanks to public school and rides on the school bus for enlightening my little one as to the existence of all these things! And don't feel bad, grown-up, if you had to google at least 1 or 2 of these items....I did, too!)

Anyway, the sweetest thing he's left, however, has to be this:

He left a gift for Santa. Wrapped himself, no less.

One night as I was tucking him in, he said to me, "You know that bear with the broken hat? [Ed. note: I'm pretty sure SC will overlook Q leaving damaged goods.] Well...I thought I'd leave it for Santa. He brings, like, presents to 5000 kids and gets nothing for himself, so I thought maybe he'd like to get something."

I practically cried right on the spot.

You know how, as a parent, you have those days when you aren't sure if any of that use-good-manners-be-kind-to-others stuff sinks in? And then pow! There it is. A beautiful thing. This kid is on the Nice List for sure.

"That's such a great idea," I say. "I'm really proud of you for thinking of that."

And then here is where he maybe he gets himself into trouble with SC. You see, I go on to say that he doesn't have to part with the bear if he doesn't want to (I'm afraid he'll have donor's regret later and I don't want to deal with the tears). I say that perhaps Santa might also like a note that he's written or maybe we could leave some cookies out for Santa or something.

"Cookies?!" Q asks in disbelief.

"Yes, cookies. Sometimes people leave Santa cookies as a treat, since he's been working so hard and all."

"Uh...mom?" Q whispers, "Santa kinda has a big, fat belly. I really don't think we should be leaving cookies."

Oh. Well. He's got a point. Guess my healthy snack chats have made an impression, too.

So I agree that maybe carrots would be better. And we leave it at that.

Despite the diss on SC's weight, I think Q will stay on the Nice list anyway. Afterall, he's just looking out for SC's health and well-being. And maybe saving the Ho Ho Ho HMO some money in the long run.