8
Andrew
Dec 01, 2013

Our First Christmas.

They say Christmas is for kids – of course that ignores the religious implication, but few would deny that Christmas is made for kids. The qualifier should be – kids 3 and older. Clearly the first Christmas with ‘lil q she had no idea what was going on around her. I, on the other hand, totally understood the significance.

I was fortunate enough to be able to take 16 weeks of paid leave under the family medical act to help raise my new daughter. It was in itself the best holiday gift to be able to spend the time with her. When it was time to do holiday shopping, ‘lil q was just starting to face forward in the baby carrier. Because Mike was working, I took her shopping with me that first year, carrying her around the mall on my chest. Word don’t describe those memories adequately, but it’s something I’ll never forget. We even got the obligatory picture with Santa. 🙂

1st visit to Santa 2011

I remember getting our first ‘family’ Christmas tree:

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And then after Christmas day at our house, ‘lil q and I got on a plane the next day to go see her grandparents – complete with Christmas outfit. [Fortunately for me, she slept the whole flight.]

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Tomorrow’s Guest is Anne Tenino, so check back and see what her holiday memory is for her and her kids.

-AQG

8 Comments

  1. Nephylim says:

    You are all just so adorable. I’m so glad the shine hasn’t worn off fatherhood for you and you’re still being as soppy and besotted as every. I hope it last for the rest of your lives. Children can be such a source of strength and joy (as well as frustration, irritation, insanity and downright terror) 🙂

    • I’ll admit she makes it easy to stay ‘besot’ but I’m not looking forward to teenage girl years. [I’d have had different worries for teenage boy years, but still worries.] We wanted this for so long and we worked long to get here, so I’m making sure I take advantage of it every day. Hey I’m not spring chicken anymore either, gotta do it while I can. 😛

  2. nubiankey says:

    So cute!

  3. GR says:

    My, she has really grown. I get to spend this Christmas with my two new grandsons (no twins, but different parents, and 6 days apart in age). I get to relive Christmas with small children again over the next few years . Best Christmas wishes to you and your family, Andy.

    • Thank you. Yes I am sure it will be like doing it again, only less hectic and stressful. you’ll get all the good stuff this time. 6 days apart is very cool. My cousin and I were 6 weeks. It made us closer than the rest of the clan. Lucky little boys all around.

  4. cateashwood says:

    Such a beautiful family. I am so happy for you all. You make the perfect role models for families everywhere. So much love!

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