It’s been a while. You would think the holidays would offer up the perfect time for writing what with all of the extra sets of hands willing to entertain Jack, but then where’s the fun in that? I like to relax and visit with friends and relatives as well. That included a much appreciated vacation from the laptop.
The Christmas season started out with this mama’s first overnight outing sans baby. Cassoulete turned the big 3-0 this year and I took her to Sonoma for a mini retreat. We had massages, took a cooking class, and stayed at a nice inn. It felt luxurious and very, very relaxing. I love giving birthday gifts from which I can also benefit. 
Everyone asked me how I felt about leaving Jack for the first time…so much so that I considered calling upon my acting skills and releasing a tear or two whilst saying that it would be hard but that I thought it was a good thing for both of us. The truth of the matter was that I had been looking forward to this for a long time; Jack was in more than capable and very loving hands; and I was excited. Perhaps I am a selfish mama, but if that means an indulgent night or two, I can live with that distinction!
Back in Oakland on Thursday, K and I put the finishing touches on the packing of holiday gear for the trip to Alabama. On Friday morning we endured a hellish two hour check-in line at the Oakland airport that left us sprinting to our gate. Jack gleefully giggled in my arms as we raced through the airport, Kieran and I both laden with more bags than two people should carry on an airplane. Yes, we were the stereotypical holiday family travelers. By sheer luck we got on our flight despite the open hostility and contempt of a very pregnant traveler and her companion who really wanted our seats on stand-by. Sorry lady, I have been in your position too and I feel your pain, but trust me, the screaming one year old stuck in an airport on stand-by all day is worse than the swelling of your ankles. You shall see what I mean.
Two flights later, we touched down in Alabama, epicenter of the Auburn Tigers (War Eagle!) and Bama (Roll Tide!) rivalry, heart of the Civil Rights Movement, land of sweet tea and lilting southern accents, and home to both my sister and brother. We were in Birmingham to be specific and descended upon my sister’s house for a Cothran family Christmas. It was the year of the “sweet baby boys” as my mom would say. Graham, seven months, and Jack, the big boy at 13 months, took center stage. My sister’s house was about as child friendly and accomodating as we could wish for…between the multiple play areas, multiple Christmas trees, and multiple adults on hand to entertain him, Jack was in toddler heaven. He even decided to try and teach Graham his new words, getting up in Graham’s face and clearly articulating his limited vocabulary as if to say, “repeat after me!” He enjoyed some hugs with Granna and lots of fun peek-a-boo games with Grandpa. He took a particular liking to his soon to be Aunt Sassy (Uncle Rob’s fiance). We seem to be witnessing a trend in which Jack eagerly attaches himself to the slight brunettes.
Though this was supposed to be the low key Christmas with fewer gifts (the adults had picked names in a not-so-secret-Santa like way and we had instructed everyone to take it easy with the boys), there were presents a plenty. Two trees-ful to be exact. What with the Christmas booty and purchases made in the day after sales, we had to buy an extra suitcase to haul everything back home. Ho! Ho! Ho!
Once back in California we learned that someone had taught Jack how to find his nose. This discovery was made after a confusing day of Jack pointing to his nose every time one of us said “NO!” to him. Clever little sucker. Not only is he smart enough to master that skill, he is also smart enough to use it in such a cute way as to make us forget he is engaging in some sort of forbidden activity such as maming the cat or sticking his finger in an electrical socket.
Though most of you cool cats are ringing in the New Year this evening (how old school of you), we celebrated last night. Oh yeah, it was a crazy night with two other sets of parents…family Sabenfass and family Shiso. We went to dinner and a concert. Truth be told, I enjoyed dinner the most since I was still awake and slightly coherent. The concert was fun, but the main act didn’t appear until 11:00 and sadly that is just too late for me these days. It wasn’t just me…in looking around at my party I could tell we were all feeling it. As we rung in the “new year” all I could think was that Jack might be getting up in four hours and it was my turn to get up with him. Shortly thereafter we left…the concert still a rockin, I am sorry to say. Happy New Year to me, though! When the five o’clock wake up call came, K took my spot and let me sleep in. Have I mentioned that I have the BEST husband in the world? I am a seriously lucky girl.
So here we are sliding into 2007. I’m contemplating this New Year’s resolutions…drink more water, eat better, exercise, cut down on caffeine…the usuals. We’ll see. All in all, I’m pretty content in my skin, thankful for my friends and family, and looking forward to more adventures. Wishing you the same.
