Bagheera, or Queen B, has aged into a relaxed monarch, more interested in cuddling at night, and less interested in scaling curtains, or sharpening her claws everywhere. She and I have had many, many battles over the years, and yet she still chooses to sleep with me which I appreciate.
We survived Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with an excited, hyperactive, extremely vocal five year old, but it wasn't easy. OMG he was overstimulated. He still believes in Santa, so far, although I'm going to guess that by next Christmas he will have figured it out for himself. Christmas morning was lovely for him though. We opened our gifts on Christmas Eve, he put out milk and cookies for Santa (I just realized we forgot a carrot for the reindeer), and went to bed.
In the morning the milk and cookies were gone, his stocking was filled and there were three gifts under the tree for him from Santa, Hot Wheels and Lego. In his words it was, "...the best day ever!".
We picked up Katie on Christmas morning, dropped Jack off with his grandma and mama, and drove to West Edmonton Mall for lunch at McDonald's (Katie's Christmas tradition). Katie is better but still isn't sleeping well, and the mall was noisy and surprisingly busy. Only a handfull of stores were open, but the skating rink, water park, and movie theatre were all open, so still lots of people.
By the time we got home, I was overstimulated too. I hate that mall. I lived near it for almost thirty years and you had to go to the mall to shop (it's always noisy there and usually the two things you want are at opposite ends of the mall), or drive for half an hour.
Anyway, the dogs have been brushed, the house vacuumed again, the floors washed and two long dog walks happened today. Tonight hubby and I are going out for supper (Jack is staying with his grandma and mama for five nights).
We survived Christmas 2024. Huzzah!
WEM on Christmas Day, holy moly! But I hope Miss Katie enjoyed her traditional McD's brekkie. So cute how excited Jack was about Santa! Yes, Grade 1 is usually the Year of Disillusionment for kids, isn't it, so next year will be different.
ReplyDeleteFifteen years ago, I used to mall walk at WEM in the winter. I could walk the entire thing, both floors, in an hour. Couldn't even attempt that now. These days I only go to the specific store I need to access via the closest Entrance Door I can park at. I hobble along like an old lady. How the mighty have fallen, LOL!
Congrats on surviving! Hopefully Jack will have a lovely time with his mum and grandma and won't come back too overstimulated. Enjoy some quiet time with hubby. You both deserve it.
ReplyDeleteLittle ones are so endearing at the holidays (excited and active) but also exhausting. I'm glad you had a good Xmas (Jack too) and hope that he will be OK with his other grandma and his mom. I always worry a little...
ReplyDeleteFive days with Grandma and Mom ... We'll be here for you when Jack comes back to Earth!
ReplyDeleteI can't recall when my two boys realized Santa wasn't for real! I hope Jack is able to accept without being totally upset about it all! Learning the truth can be tough on the little ones!
How sad that people have to staff stores and branches of McDonalds on Christmas Day. I hope that Jack's other grandmother manages to keep things cool and orderly over there. So many times in the past you have reported how Gracie usually manages to **** things up when she spends time with him. Perhaps that will not happen this one time.
ReplyDeleteChristmas sounds delightful at your house. It's nice that you and the spousal unit are going out to dinner with each other.
ReplyDeleteI remember how exciting it was to go and hang out at the mall. However, like you, I just can't deal with the noise and the people. I don't understand what it was that I use to enjoy about it. I'm glad Jack had the best Christmas ever. Tim's grandsons are six and ten. I was surprised to discover that both of them still believe in Santa. Well...at least they pretend to for their mother's sake.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your Christmas went as well as could be expected and that Jack had a good time. Even more, I'm glad you get a few quiet days off! Take care.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for getting through all that excitement and noise. What a beauty that cat is.
ReplyDeleteYou made it! You did it! You lived and there was no harm, no foul! Well, except for your nerves which I am sure were shattered. I hope with all my heart that Jack has a good and non-eventful time with his grandmother and mother, and that you and the Big Guy can have a little bit of peace and quiet to restore your souls.
ReplyDeleteSabine is right- that cat is magnificent.