Merry Chirstmas!!!

Now that things are settling down from the holiday rush, I wanted to take some time to write about my Christmas experience this year.  I got off at 10am on Christmas Eve, and worked like a madwoman getting ready.  I have been making my own extracts for awhile, and I came up with the idea of making gift baskets with valerian, melatonin, and vanilla extracts in them.  Of course, procrastination is my middle name, so I spent about 6 hours bottling and packaging 17 baskets.  Then I had to wrap presents and haul arse to my Aunt's house.  Every Christmas Eve, my Mom's family always has a big event (~30 people) at my Aunt's house.  We have a Santa suit that my great aunts made over 60 years ago, and every year, "Santa" takes time out of his busy night to deliver gifts to the kids in person.  We even act out the reindeer landing on the roof, complete with sleigh bells.  It's a great tradition, and one that I can't wait to carry out with my own child.  Here's a picture of my niece with Santa:

I think one of the best parts of the night is when I told my second cousin, L, about my TTC plans.  She has always been there for me.  When I was 15, I was the only survivor of a fatal house fire that took place on December 22nd.  I had been staying at my aunt's house, and the house caught fire in the early morning hours.  She and her dog died, but by some miracle, I was able to make it out after coming up from the basement three times to try to get a side door open.  Because most of my clothes were at my aunt's, I didn't have anything to wear home from the hospital when I got out on Christmas Eve.  That afternoon, L showed up at the hospital with her arms full of shopping bags.  She had bought me several outfits, a brand new coat, shoes, gloves, pjs, the works.  I have never forgotten that act of kindness.  She is an amazing person.  A year ago, she was one of the people I told that if I didn't have kids by the time I was 35, I would do it on my own.  She told me that my child would be loved by our family regardless of how he/she came into the world.  When I told her that I had decided to start trying now, she was so great.  She initially asked if I was sure there wasn't any relationship prospects out there, and I told her no.  She said if I was sure it was right for me, she would be supportive.  She already knew what Mom's reaction was before I confirmed it, and said that if there was anything she could do to help, she'd be more than happy to.  I am so thankful to have people like this in my life.  For every non-supportive person, there are ten who are behind me one hundred percent.

Also, AF showed up that afternoon, in all of her scarlet Christmas glory.  I never thought I'd consider her to be one of my favorite Christmas presents.  I'm so happy that the Provera worked.  Now to see what happens next!     

On Christmas Day, I drove to Wisconsin to spend some time with my cousins on my Dad's side of the family.  My oldest cousin, J, is like a sister to me, since I don't have one of my own.  They were living on a military bast in North Carolina when her two daughters were born, so we didn't get to see each other very often.  When her husband was medically seperated from the marines, it happened with short notice, so they moved to her mother's house in a little town just over the border.  It's nice that a they are now within driving distance, but it's still hard to get out to see them.  I was so excited to give the girls their presents.  Of course, what is Christmas without a little drama?  My Dad and my Aunt aren't on good terms right now; J and I are staying out of it.  So, I had to leave J's house early to get to my Dad.  My Stepmom's brother is a journalist who lives in Japan.  Because he was in town, we went out to a Sushi resturant. 

All in all, a great couple of days.  Although they were busy, I got to spend time with all the people I love, which was the best gift of all.  I can't help but think that I could have a little one in my arms, or at least in my belly only a year later.  I hope that everyone else I've been lucky enough to connect with on this journey will be as lucky too.