Dear Kid Saturday: Christmas

Dear Aubrey,

This was Calla’s first Christmas and in a way, it was your first. This year, you finally seemed to understand that Santa comes to the house to leave you presents. He visited on Christmas Eve for a few moments. You wouldn’t look at him but you said, “train” with a knowing smile.

And you did get a train. This was your favorite present aside from the pirate ship. It was a pleasure seeing you react to each present and even though you wouldn’t open the wrapping yourself, I was thrilled that you asked for help.

This morning, you tapped on a Christmas card and said, “Hi Samma. Okay. Thank you.” You carried the card with Santa’s image for awhile before setting it on the table. Occasionally, you pick it up and flap it with thanks.

Next year, I hope that we can bake cookies for santa and leave apples an carrots for his reindeer. I can’t wait to see all of the things you will be able to do by this time next year.

Love,

Momma

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Fiction Friday: Just Like Any Other Child

[Fiction] Friday Challenge for December 19, 2008:

Write a short scene, with exactly two characters that involves a terrible Christmas (or similar holiday) present.

“Oh Mary. You don’t have to thank me. Your expression says it all.” Janet’s words doused the room in perfect accordance with her grand gestures.

Mary wasn’t sure what to say considering the gift. “It’s just that Abby doesn’t really play with dolls. She likes other things.”

“Nonsense. All little girls love dolls. You just haven’t taught her properly. See?”

Abby held the gift, smiling directly in the doll’s face and for a moment Mary saw a child playing just like any other little girl would. This beautiful illusion was of no consequence to Abby who continued her seeming discourse with the doll.

“Thank me later, darling,” Janet continued as she left the home, moving as if she were being escorted by an invisible gent.

Mary stood for a moment, Janet’s comments echoing through her mind. “Give her to me for a few days. I’ll get her talking.” A faint clicking sound led Mary back to Abby who was still fixated on the gift.

She was moving the doll deliberately, making its shiny glass eyes open and close with a repetitive click. She let the gift drop to the floor. Its glazed eyes stuck open. For a moment it seemed as if it were about to blink.

ScanTest

Aubrey and Calla: A Sketch

My Sleeping Beauties

This is a photograph of a drawing I did of my daughters. I have to find the original and scan it into the computer. I can’t find it because I put it somewhere clever. *Sigh*

Dear Kid Saturday: Try

Dear Aubrey,

Your new favorite word is try.

You face so many challenges every day and I know that it is frustrating sometimes. We worked so hard to get you to ask for help. It took almost a year for you to use that word.

I am proud that you have embraced try so easily, as if you’d prefer to try rather than having someone help. Yesterday, I was feeling sad and you gave me a book. You sat snug against my side. “Try,” you said.

That moment helped me realize that I learn from you every day. You inspire me to work, draw and sing. Most of all, you inspire me to try.

Love,

Mama

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Dear Kid Saturday: Big Sister

Dear Aubrey,

You woke this morning asking for “Calla Baby” and I brought her to you. The two of you laughed and cuddled for a few beautiful moments. I am so grateful that we have these mornings with you.

You continually amaze us with your loving nature; how you kiss and hold your baby sister. I place her on your lap every day and sometimes you cry when cuddle time is over.

Calla watches your every move. She smiles as you run around the room. You make her laugh those deep belly-laughs that fill the entire room with joy; precious joy that begins with you, Aubrey.

I love you so much,

Momma

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