Isabella Grace Crow was born at Fort Campbell, KY. We thought she would never come even though we hadn't yet even reached her due date! After a long labor she was welcomed into the world at 4:30ish in the afternoon. We were treated like royalty there at the hospital. She had visitors. Lots of visitors! Her Mimi, Papa, Uncle Kyle, the hospital commander, and a crew of others singing holiday carols and bearing gifts. She even had her picture taken in a stocking with a santa cap on her head. Though we spent the next day in the hospital, it was no question, the best Christmas ever.
Mark and I (and the rest of her family and friends) try very hard not to confuse her special day with Christmas. Traditionally, we celebrate with donuts and a fun activity followed by church in the afternoon. Then we move into our holiday festivities.
I would argue that today was 100% an Isabella day.
She began her day with a phone call from Mark and was able to open up her presents while he was on the phone with her.
The past few years we have been able to go and visit the REAL Santa Claus and Macy's in NYC but this year, our proximity prohibited that. I really wanted to continue the tradition of taking a family trip and so I chose to head to the MOST. The science museum in Syracuse. The kids, my dad, and I had a GREAT time! She is looking forward to this being our new, upstate NY birthday tradition.
The day was topped off by calls and messages from friends and family and an evening surprise phone call from their dad...
The children were snuggled are clean in their new PJ's ready for bed when all of a sudden their mom had a vision in her head...
Maybe...just maybe Dad could read them their bedtime story (so they grabbed the book here and Dad googled the script there).
So laying their bottoms upon the stools they sat there listening to Mommy's rules.
Daddy would read them their story tonight, and if they closed their eyes a vision of him would be in their sight.
So...
Without packages, boxes or bows the tradition continued just the same. Yes. The LOVE was somehow just the same.
Merry Christmas my love. You are 'home in our hearts' for Christmas.
Such a sweet post. Glad you guys could have that moment with Mark.
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