Friday, December 21, 2007

The Greatest Gifts

It's a Christmas conundrum: people keep asking me what I want in the way of gifts and I can't come up with an answer. Usually, I can rattle off a whole list of expensive things that would tickle my fancy. I do still want all of these things, but I am hard-pressed to name one thing that I want more than anything else. What took me a distressingly long time (I am sleep-deprived after all, so please forgive me) to realize was that I already have everything that would truly make me happy.


You see, a lot can happen in a year. At this time last year, I was new to blogging. I had just gone back to work, and I was feeling a bit low about the whole baby experience. It was hard. Really hard. And I didn't think that I had done a very good job of it. And there was no one (other than my wonderful husband, of course) who I could really talk to about it. I was a part of a mom's group, but I didn't feel very connected to them. I found that we didn't have much in common, apart from having had babies at the same time. I felt alone in a crowd of women with children.


This blogosphere, though, opened up a whole new world. I was made to feel welcome by someone lovely and talented, eventhough I'm not much of a writer. I got diet support from one of the best up-and-coming novelists I have read. I was shown how to be a fabulous hostess by someone who is cooler now than I will ever be. I've seen true generosity of spirit. I was able to share my second birth experience with one hot mama. I was sent a baby gift by someone who I have yet to met in person. I was shown how to handle difficult situations with grace and with strength. I even found someone who likes the same tv shows that I do (and if you know how much I love tv, then you will know how important this is). In short, I have met people who are just like me...if I was a smarter, more refined, nicer, more talented, more artistic, more rockin', spicier, more generous, hipper, more easy-going version of myself. (Please don't be offended if I haven't linked to you here, I am blogging one-handed while holding a newborn baby, and linking this much has seriously tired me out, but I love you all too. You're super!)


Since I can't seem to find the time or the energy to send out Christmas cards to you all to show you how much you mean to me, I would like to share with you two of my greatest gifts along with a great big THANK YOU for all your kind words and support. Because of you guys, and these two guys, I will have a truly merry Christmas, no matter what is under the tree:





Are you kidding me? I could never take a photo this good - I can't even get them both in the same shot!...*Professional photo by snugabugportraits.com

20 comments:

b*babbler said...

What an amazing photo! A pair of cutie pies (and how was snugabug portraits? Mr Babbler and I have been thinking about using them, and would love to know your experience.)

It's true though, that this blogging thing really does give you a sense of community - of kindred spirits.

Bea said...

Awwww!

Beck said...

Your boys are lovely. Enjoy your Christmas!
(and your reference to me choked me up a bit. I'm a wee bit emotional today!)

metro mama said...

You're so sweet. What a great photo.

It's been a pleasure getting to know you this year. I hope to see more of you in person in the coming one!

Happy, happy holidays! xoxo

karengreeners said...

can't wait to bitch - i mean, talk nicely, about having two little ones this year! here's to one-handed blogging and the end of capital letters!

happy holidays to you and your gorgeous boys ;)

cinnamon gurl said...

Wow, what a great picture!

And what a lovely holiday message. Thanks for including me... I hope we get to meet in the New Year!

Mad said...

That picture is positively marvelous.

Now, the task for 2008 is to meet each other in person.

painted maypole said...

that picture is great!

a most wonderful Christmas to you, and your linky love is quite a present to me, indeed, when your friendship was more than enough already.

crazymumma said...

Ahhh. the gift of appreciation this post is.

Your boys are beautiful. Just so beautiful.

I do not have your email. email me for trainer recommendations.

And, have an awesome holiday!

kittenpie said...

What a great picture! And what a great shoutout to the bloggers who are, I agree, an amazing bunch, and such good support as friends and fellow mommies. It's good to know some other mommies you'd like even if you hadn't both reproduced, isn't it? (And I know you didn't mean to link me to refined... ha!)

Happy Christmas to you and your boys - all three.

ms blue said...

Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas! I too am loving the awesome photo.

I am way more excited to watch my girls open their presents than finding out what’s under the tree for me.

Girlplustwo said...

i am feeling all that canadian LOVE. woohoo.

Kyla said...

What a photo!! Handsome boys.

The Coffee Lady said...

wow - I love people's blog lists! I can't wait to explore

I'm loving your blog btw

Merry Christmas

Christine said...

merry christmas, my nomo!

xoxo

Running on empty

Anonymous said...

Oh, what an adorable picture! Congratulations on your two little cuties.

Merry Christmas!

Mimi said...

That photo is too too much Nomo. What a family you are building for yourselves over there!

I add my name to the chorus of those who wish one day to actually meet you ... but now I'm off to crow to Pynchon that someone who 'knows' me / read me regularly thinks I'm laid back! Laid back! It's the best Xmas present ever!!!

;-)

(Merry Christmas) (And you're so right about bloggy-land. So right.)

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh - that photo is exquisite!! What a gorgeous family keepsake. Made more lovely, of course, by the handsome subject matter.

mamatulip said...

*happy sigh*

I love it!

MARY G said...

Great photo! What a nice Christmas blog. I too will enjoy visiting new places on your recommendation.
Hope you are not too sleep deprived and the Earths had a good Christmas.