Everything is crazy. Did I mention that? But it is the good kind of crazy. I see a clear distinction now that before did not exist. Now that I have my own child and another on the way I feel the holidays and the craziness coming and the excitement floods over me.
I know what I am in for at 20 weeks pregnant deciding to carry on the tradition of Thanksgiving at our house was perhaps a little insane. I welcomed it. I adore the traditional Thanksgiving meal and even the planning and shopping is fun for me. On Saturday Brenton and I took off for Whole foods and filled the cart with all kinds of goodies. Everything but the turkey was purchased that day. It has become a tradition to get the bird from Lee’s turkey farm. It really is delicious and worth it to support our local farmers as well.
Before things really kicked into high gear with all the prep work we had a moment to enjoy the big ultrasound and get a good look at Rolston Emerson Gaiter for the first time. I was all smiles and Brenton was running around the waiting room. Rolston was in charge of wrangling him. He was in good spirits. We went for the scan and all was going very well. Then it happened. Brenton threw up everywhere. We joked it was his way of keeping the full attention on him. Poor little guy cried a bit and then just as quickly as it happened he was over it. The good news is all was well with Emerson. In celebration we revealed the picture and the name on Facebook.
Rolston went to get the turkey that day and with my instructions he knew exactly what to do and the trip went smoothly. That evening the stuffing was made and it was delicious! I had to sneak a taste or two. It met with rave reviews and I revealed my secret. The mix was from a bag. Of course I added my own touches such as stock instead of water and adding way too much butter and 2 pounds of sage sausage and onions and celery to the mix, but it was still from a bag. The rest of the meal was made from scratch except the marshmallows atop the sweet potato casserole and I would not have it any other way.
By Wednesday afternoon I was let out early from work and we were in high gear. Rolston is my trusty potato peeler which makes the prep work much easier for me. Brenton was being helpful cleaning up the stray peels that missed the garbage can. My parents stopped by with the pies and cranberry sauce. Despite the craziness it was all very enjoyable and exhausting. Since I spent the day mainly on my feet I was exhausted and made it to bed early in preparation for the big day.
On Thursday I woke early with Brenton and we stayed in our jammies and watched Sesame Street. Then it was time to prep the turkey. Stuff some herbs and oranges inside and some butter under the skin, salt and pepper and in the oven to brown. 6 hours later voila!
I cleaned the house and set the table with Rolston’s mother’s table linens and china. I let the feelings of sadness wash over me. I also remembered her warm smile and her laugh. That we use her things to celebrate this family holiday is important to me and we will do it every year.
Brenton napped and I got ready just in time for the family to arrive. My parents, my grandmother and my brother and his family. 10 of us all together is the perfect number for me and for my dining room table! Everyone was munching on the appetizers my sister in law brought and drinking wine and root beer. It was in full swing and Brenton was being a doll with his great grandmother. She just loves him and he loves her.
Not long after the meal was ready and I carved the turkey for the first time. With a little help from everyone we were ready to eat. We said our family grace holding hands and then broke out into conversation over a good meal. I received many compliments and I must admit I do enjoy them. When we were completely stuffed the table was cleared and we sat rubbing our bellies for a bit while we made room for dessert. There has to be pie of course.
It was a wonderful meal with a wonderful family and I was so pleased to host despite all the craziness and being pregnant and my little two year old running around it was exactly what I wanted. Even in the moments I thought I might just give up and ask everyone to leave because I did have that moment. The truth is my husband kept me sane and we realized we didn’t yell at each other once. Progress despite the craziness.
After everyone left and the house was quiet I put Brenton to bed and planned my next steps for decorating for Christmas the next day. I was in bed early again and the next day was spent in my pajamas. By noon the tree was up. Rolston hung the wreaths while I wrapped the garland around the banister. While Brenton napped I decorated the tree. My parents came by again and played with Brenton while I put up my Santa collection. Memories are tied to these traditions that I love and with my family ever present it makes it so much more special and joyous and crazy.
Saturday was yet another busy productive crazy day. An early trip to obtain what I have always wanted for our front “yard”. A 6 foot spiral tree with a star and two reindeer because outside lights are just not practical in any other way. I absolutely adore them. It is just what I wanted and I set them up all by myself. There is a sense of satisfaction in that for me running extension cords and making sure everything looks just so. Then it all felt complete.
A quick trip to pick up my bridesmaid dress and to Chipotle to ensure I ate something other than the Thanksgiving leftovers I had been indulging in for the past 36 hours and I was worn out. I vegged out on the couch until Brenton woke from his nap. Next stop was the train show and the tree lighting.
My parents arrived a little before 4 and we walked to old city hall. It was magical and of course crazy. People were everywhere and the train displays were more than amazing. Brenton was so excited. He could barely contain himself pointing and shrieking. It was all too much and so on our way out he proceeded to have a full meltdown complete with collapsing on the sidewalk and refusing to get up. This continued for approximately a half hour of just full discontent. He could not even be swayed with popcorn, shoulder rides or new mittens from the consignment shop.
We moved to an open spot in the street around 5:30 hoping he could burn off some negative energy and let him run back and forth between us in the street. It was no use. He could not be happy unless he was running back and forth and it was just too crazy. We were meeting for family dinner around the corner at 6 and so we just threw in the towel and walked home while the tree remained unlit behind us.
I was very concerned that family dinner would not go well for Brenton and came prepared with the kindle, but he was surprisingly well behaved. It was the adults who were more raucous than he was. My mother took excellent care of him and made sure he had his fill of bruschetta because of course we had to get a bunch of appetizers to share and apparently he really likes bruschetta.
After yet another crazy family meal we said our goodbyes and by the time we got home Brenton was very sleepy. I put him to bed and my eyes were already beginning to shut from exhaustion as well. I made it through a movie with Rolston though despite everything and I wouldn’t have had it any other way than spending an evening just quietly on the couch in our home together decorated for the holidays after an exhausting three days together. He put his hand on my belly while Emerson kicked and rubbed my leg.
Sunday was a day of rest and relaxation finally after all the hub bub. I watched a whole movie by myself. Still Brenton decided it was a good day to refuse to nap and although he was quiet and rested after the grandparents came by for a final goodbye he was in full meltdown mode yet again. Over and over he cried and looked at me and cried and looked at me some more. The answer…stuffing and macaroni and cheese followed by a good dose of Sprout’s goodnight show.
After Zou ended I convinced him to head upstairs brush his teeth and after a few stories he was asleep in my arms. This is my favorite thing in the whole world…holding my sleeping child. He is calm and his rhythmic breathing calms me as well. It reminds me no matter what insane things happen in a day everything is good, crazy good!
