We’re in that strange space between Christmas and New Year’s. The time when people are driving to the office, but just pseudo-working for a few hours before heading back home. Where the newness of kids’ toys begins to wane, and they get antsy to fit in a few more things before school starts up again. And where none of us have any idea what day it is.

Or maybe that’s just me. It’s been a weird Christmas.

Not a bad one, mind you. In fact, it’s been very nice. But I’m in my own head quite a bit right now, and that’s a strange place to be on a good day…nevermind with the rest of this nonsense going on.

But let’s go back a bit.

On Christmas Eve Eve, we started the festivities by getting Daphne dressed in some suitably adorable holiday attire.

And then did an early Xmas dinner at Jen’s parents’ place, where we opened a few of Daph’s presents.

Then on Christmas Eve I spent the morning baking more gingerbread cookies. Which were summarily devoured when Jen’s family came by again that afternoon. So I made more gingerbread cookies. (And no. Sadly they weren’t GingerSumos.)

That sounds like I’m complaining, doesn’t it?
I’m not.
I don’t mind baking at all, and I’m happy that everyone seemed to dig the cookies. It was a light Christmas for us, present-wise, so it felt good to be able to do something that people enjoyed.

Later that evening, after Daph went to bed, I could hear Santa’s Workshop gearing up. And I have it on good authority that a few elves were up until 2am building her presents. (One elf in particular was a huge help, as he’d brought his strange elven tools down from his workshop.)

But, the gifts did arrive and Santa was quite good to our little girl once again this year.

Then, once presents were finished at our house, we headed over to Gramps and Nana’s place to do round 3 of gifts. And while we were there, those same elves removed Daphne’s pld crib and replaced it with a brand new “big girl bed.”

I’m happy to say that she’s taken to sleeping in it like a champ. Didn’t bother her in the slightest that her crib was gone, and she went right to sleep the very first night, and has been fine ever since. **knock on wood**

She did, however, fall out of the bed last night…which prompted a very quick bout of crying before she clambered back in on her own and went right back to sleep. All without her mom or I having to go up and reassure her. Jackpot!

In all, Daph proved once again what a fortunate and well-loved little girl she is, and Jen and I are incredibly thankful to everyone for their generosity.

I’ve some more news on the job front and a bit more about a doctor visit, but I’ll leave all that for another post.

For now, merry Christmas everyone. I hope yours was as warm and wonderful as ours.

j.s.