with arms loaded we headed to the hospital early

(Joe spent the night, while I stayed with the boys)

for breakfast sharing

and gift giving

I love these homemade treasures

while baby slept

and ate

and had a beautiful burst of energy where she sat up, talked, and smiled at all of us for the first time in days

but she was mostly comfortable and content to watch us from her crib

and a generous family of strangers came by the room with flowers and gifts

(part of their own holiday tradition)

reminding me that small gestures of kindness go a long way 

this includes the kind messages in email and on our machine

the offers to watch our children and help out

we feel loved and supported.

Merry Christmas.