Warning: A Sappy Post About the Baby

"I am doing a good work and can not come down." Today I learned about errands in the snow, strollers in the slush, and babies in big snowsuits. It wasn't the easiest of days with broken elevators and first-time-attempts and tiny market aisles and dropped things in snowbanks and everything taking too long and so much to do and cold mama hands. But it was also a really really good day with a little joyasaurus-almost-eight-month-Boo seeing his first big snow and peeking around corners at me like I'm the most delightful gal on earth and maniacal giggles and a lot of reminders that I only have a this-aged-Gus for right now, and even when he pees on someone else's carpet and I forget a grocery bag and have to stuff the cabbage in my purse and tomatoes next to the baby, things are super good and need savoring and I would not have it any other way.

Arrrrr.

My mother helped us fend off the "Christmas Greedies" with little gifts on each Saturday of Advent. Usually they were something for us to do or something that marked time or something that added to the festive spirit of the house: Advent calendars (thus my love of doors in art), coloring books (my love of coloring in the lines), ornaments (apparently didn't rub off on me--there's no tree in this house), etc. She called them Saturday Surprises, and they were simply wonderful. And so, this year, P and Gus shared in our new family tradition receiving special treats upon awaking this past Saturday. And wouldn't you know it? There was a Saturday Surprise for me too. And at 9.5%, I'd say it was exactly what this mama needed to feel festive.

Jarred Goodness

Neighbor B returned from Nice with a decadent treasure: souffle in a jar (thanks, France!). She's good at sharing tasties: pecan bars, rugelah, shortbread---and of course Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and the random Vanity Fair. We're into butter here in Europe. And the occasional article on Cher.

Poor Jamie.

Poor Jamie. I didn't make her guestbook art for which she bought me the expensive and beautiful bristol (lugged all the way from the US). I didn't make it to her wedding. And I am still working on her wedding card. Sketches and ideas litter my desk...narrowly escaping being drooled on by a one-toothed-Gus.

Maybe.

I'm about as good at blogging as I am at running a business. 

Two months later, we have a draft of a Christmas card. Is the scan pretty rough and the colors needing massive adjustments? Maybe. Is the border uneven? Maybe. Will we print it up? Maybe. Will we toss it? Maybe. Are we unsure if our Czech words truly say "Merry Christmas?" Maybe.