Christmas Eve has always been my favorite day of the year. The magic of old traditions, gathering with family for great food (and way too many sweets) and the anticipation of Christmas morning building hour by hour…I’ve loved it all since I was a little girl, and having our baby girl this year makes it even sweeter. Over the last couple of months, we’ve filled this blog with holiday food and parties and crafts to (hopefully) inspire you all to have the most celebratory season ever, but a few of you have mentioned that you’ve missed your regular Phoebe updates! Our sweet girl is 4 1/2 months old (!!!) and well, she is our world. You’d think that maybe I’d get used to seeing that face peeking out at me from her crib each morning, or feeling the touch of her tiny hand wrapped around my finger… but it’s impossible. I’m filled with total, 100% joy every single time. Sometimes when I’m holding her and our eyes lock, she gives me her sly little smile and we both burst out laughing. Did you know that a baby’s laughter is the best sound in the entire world? She’s recently changed from a slim baby to a plump dimpled cherub with delicious little pudgy thighs that I just want to eat, and it’s crazy how fast she’s outgrowing her clothes. I shed a little tear each time I put away a onesie that’s suddenly become too tight – not because I’m sad over the outfit (though they are incredibly cute,) but because it’s tangible evidence that she’s not going to be a baby forever. But if there’s one thing that motherhood has taught me up to this point, it’s the importance of being truly present right now – not dwelling in the past or looking ahead – and savoring each moment that we’re given with the people we love. No matter where you are and what your season of life this holiday, that’s my Christmas wish for all of you. Being fully present and engaged. It really is the best gift you can give or receive, every day of the year.
