the mommyhood memos

{the christmas i'm not dreaming of this year}

I know, I know... first comes Halloween, then comes Thanksgiving, and then I can think about Christmas, right? Wrong.

I cannot get Christmas off of my mind.

Could it be because this will be my first Christmas at home in America in five years?

Could it be that we haven't had a family vacation in almost two years?

Could it be that it will be my husband's first opportunity to have a white Christmas somewhere in Oregon at the foot of the mountains?

Could it be that I can't wait to introduce Levi to snow angels and snowmen and the thrill of sledding down a little kiddy slope?

Could it be that it's early springtime and already 85 degrees here and I just can't wait to wear my knee high boots and jeans, a sweater and a beanie?

Could it be that I just want to see my baby tear into his first gift-wrapped presents (and then no doubt get consumed with the boxes, not the new toys)?

Could it be that I cannot wait to see my brother and my parents and my grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins and... everyone playing with our growing boy?

Could it be that I'm dying for a Starbucks caramel macchiato?

Could it be that I long to hear the silence of softly falling snow?

Could it be that it's been five years since I've hit up American after-Christmas sales?

Could it be that I miss Oregon chai?

Could it be that I am dying for a little genuine Mexican food?

Could it be that I'm craving the warmth that comes from a crackling fire, rather than the warmth that comes from 80% humidity and 97 degree days?

Could it be that I just love warm cinnamon rolls and coffee on a cold wintry Christmas morning?

Could it be that I can almost feel the excitement of waking up to the stillness that comes with a fresh blanket of an over-night snowfall?

Could it be that I'm looking forward to hearing songs like "Let it Snow" and "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" without sweat dripping down my face and back and everywhere else?

{christmas baking last year at 35 weeks pregnant -
wearing compression socks for my elephant feet/ankles
and as little else as possible. i thought i was gonna die.}

Could it be that I'm just long over-due for a Christmas at "home"?

Yes, yes, yes, yes, and a hundred more yes's.

Dear mommy-friends, how about you? Are you already dreaming about Christmas?

literally dreaming of a white christmas,