Anticipation...

 We had an exceptionally pleasant Christmas. The house was cozy and festive. I enjoyed decorating and took a lot of pleasure in gazing at our tree, the vintage decorations, the little illuminated village, the roses, and the candlelight. I listened to beautiful Christmas music all month, and we viewed all our favorite seasonal movies. Holiday anticipation is really the best part, don't you think? 

On Christmas Eve, I drove up the road to buy some extra milk and took a selfie with Moxie, the Jersey cow. Moxie has spent time in our pasture the past two summers, and it was fun to give her a little winter smooch. She was decked out in red velvet with brass bells and looked particularly lovely. 

I spent the rest of the day in my happy kitchen, cooking. I made a favorite potato dish; it's a little fussy to create and contains more than its share of calories, but it is so worth it. Here is the recipe in case you want to try it sometime. https://www.thespruceeats.com/gratin-dauphinois-recipe-1375736  I baked a gingerbread recipe that has been in our family for over 100 years and a rum cake. Rachel made eggnog pie with a gingersnap crust. I made phyllo pastry straws stuffed with cream cheese and pesto, and Chris made bruschetta. I baked a batch of popovers, and Chris roasted an enormous prime rib to perfection. There were seven plus the Owlet at the table that night. Our sweet neighbor brought tasty Brussels sprouts and the most delicious squash. There was excellent wine and toasts and cheery conversation. No one went hungry. 

Christmas morning, the Owlet and her parents came for breakfast. We enjoyed it at a leisurely pace, then headed to the living room to see about the pile of gifts that awaited. The Owlet enjoyed opening things for a long while, but then she became weary of it. 

We had given her a sweet little toddler-sized bed pillow. She went to where her napping sheepskin and knit blanket were stored and brought them to the living room. She carefully placed them in the middle of the floor, surrounded by gifts and discarded paper and ribbons, and laid her little self down. She looked up at us with big eyes and said, "Cozy." Then she picked up a book her Grandmama and Aunt Meg had sent and coaxed her father to join her on the floor for a read. He patiently complied. 

Around the time we were cleaning up, she climbed up our stairs. "Seepy time. Lovie. Seepy time. Pop Pop, seepy time." I asked if she didn't want to go home for her nap. "No. Snuggle. Read book." So, we sent her parents home for some quiet time and had a cozy Christmas nap (after reading approximately 100 books.) It was a peaceful afternoon, with plenty of fine leftovers for supper. 

Once the days preparing for and enjoying the holiday were past the anticipation kicked into high gear, because we are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of our newest family member. The due date is today (12/28) and because this is a second child we all suspected it might arrive a little early. The expectant mama has experienced many taunting signs that labor would soon begin in earnest, but then the baby apparently decides to stay where it is safe, warm, and cozy. 

Today is chilly and raw, with leaden skies and a drizzly rain. Rachel and I went for a walk on the beach to see if the primordial sea and pull of the tide might trigger something. We stared at the pewter water, the foam, and the sand and sighed simultaneously. The waiting is difficult. 

But wait, we must, feeling like we are holding our breaths in readiness for the arrival. I think we are all ready for this "pregnant pause" to pass. We are all anxiously anticipating falling in love with the new baby.