Christmas Eve

Guess what? It looks like at least one of my Christmas wishes will be coming true tonight! Not quite in the way I had hoped, but still...remember that cough I mentioned, the one that just wouldn't quit? Darren finally made me see a doctor yesterday, after a particularly scary night of coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness. Turns out I have a double ear infection, a definite case of bronchitis, and possibly pneumonia. (I was sent for a chest X-ray late yesterday afternoon but haven't yet heard back from the doctor.) Following two particularly painful injections in my backside, I returned home with several prescriptions, a home nebulizer, and a written note excusing me from work until my next appointment next Monday. See how the Lord provides? :)

Also, since I've not been so good about regularly posting the happy little happenings around here lately, I'm including these now before they are forever lost in the Christmas mix. Here, though you'll have to look closely to see her in this first photo, is our new little kitten, Amy! She was rescued from the street by our neighbors, but, since they already have three mature cats of their own, they were looking to find a home for her, and once my girls saw her, there was no hesitation! We gladly accepted her into our home and she is just the cutest little thing. We think Mikey really enjoys having a new playmate, too. They are so fun to watch, chasing each other and tumbling about, or just snoozing curled up together on one of the beds. She's a very sweet and gentle little kitty, tolerant even of Kristen's exuberant grasping of fur and Meghan's constant desire to hold her.

This next photo, I think, needs little explanation. My mom! Here, in my backyard! Enough said, right? We took this photo of her as a Christmas gift for her husband. Isn't she beautiful? :)

We celebrated Meggie's third birthday last weekend, while my older brother and his family were here visiting. How awesome it was for her to have so much family around to help celebrate! She is just such a little darling. Her favorite color is yellow, and she told me she wanted a yellow star for her cake this year! She had such a happy party. I can't believe my girl is three!

And oh, this next one is just so cool: carol singers! In my living room! On my anniversary! My younger brother is the second from the left, there in the snowman tie. This delightful surprise, a private performance by him and his friends (a quartet known as the Cactus Carolers) was his gift to us this year and it was just amazing. They sounded beautiful, and we were so touched at their generosity. Thanks again, Rob!

A couple final pictures, here to wrap things up: my sweet Kristen, who is so close to crawling (but who has devised many ways of moving stealthily around in the mean time!). Cropped out of this picture is the beer bottle with which my brother had been enticing her. :)

And because I never tire of this sight...my man and our baby. Pure love.