Friday, December 24, 2010

Bennett's First Christmas

Bennett’s First Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas and in the Valley of Vail,
Not a computer was on – no facebook, twitter or email.
The skis, boots, and poles were all hung in the garage.
The area spas were all dark -- so no more massage.

Bennett was nestled all snug in his crib.
He knew not of Christmas, which made him feel glib.
Karah in her flannel and I in my boxer-brief,
Had put our heads on our pillows and felt the relief.

When out on Eagle-Vail Golf Course I heard a loud racket.
It had to startle everyone (wealthy, middle class, & ski bums) -- no matter their tax bracket.
Away to the cul-du-sac I ran in a hurry.
I saw a red light in the distance, but it was quite blurry.

I went back in the house and put my son in the bjorn.
I could not go check out this epic event without my firstborn.
Karah decided that she should come with.
She’d often thought this Claus story was simply a myth.

We arrived at the 1st hole, and what did we see?
A 9 harnessed deer tangled around a pine tree.
The red nose of Rudolf, helped us to survey the scene
There was a big problem that no one could’ve foreseen.

Many long nights at the North Pole lead to Christmas Day.
The big jolly guy must have fallen asleep at the sleigh.
I asked, “What happened, Santa? Do you need more caffeine?”
He said, “I just wrecked the ride I’ve been driving since I was 16.”

“I’m getting quite old and it’s time to retire.
I’ve tried to sell this delivery business, but I can’t find a buyer.
I’d prefer to not leave the house at all when it is snowing.
But, it is little kids like your son there that keep me going.”

I handed Bennett to Mr. Claus so we could get him on his way.
Karah and I untangled the reindeer and uprighted his sleigh.
Bennett played with his white beard and made Santa laugh.
Santa said, “I saw you on Halloween. You made a cute giraffe.”

Bennett and Santa had become fast friends.
Karah and I finished picking up the toys and his odd and ends.
I looked over and inquired, “Santa, are you okay to fly?”
He was running late – that’s what I was trying to imply.

He chuckled, “I feel great. Thank you for responding!
Bennett and I have just been doing some bonding.
I’ve seen him when he’s sleeping, I know when he’s awake.
I know that he’s a good boy. Raising him must be a piece of cake!”

Karah and I grinned and he handed our son back.
The reindeer were getting antsy and the night was still pitch black.
Everyone was ready – Donner, Vixen and Dasher --
5 other deer I cannot name and Rudy with his nasal flasher.

Santa said, “How am I to thank you? You are too nice!”
Karah responded, “We’re happy to help. A small gift for Bennett would suffice.”
Santa reached in to his bag and looked for just the right gift.
He really took his time -- his actions were not swift.

He looked up at our son. Bennett got excited and smiled.
But, it seemed as though he had nothing for our little child.
Santa looked embarrassed as he stated, “I must leave.”
I guess it is better to give than to receive.

We watched as this odd crew took off into the night.
Deer and a sleigh are just not synonymous with flight.
We walked back to our warm house at 106 Deer Run.
We’d not forget this strange night or what we had done.

We opened the door . . . But, what the heck is this?
It was a front room full of snow-covered Christmas gifts.
I grabbed and read a note to see if this was all a trick.
The card just read, “Love - your new friend, St. Nick!”

I doubt Bennett will remember what happened on this night.
How we happened upon the wreckage and helped Santa with his plight.
When I tell him the story in the future, if it seems like it’s unclear,
I’ll say, “It is the magic of Christmas. It happens every year.”

Nothing but the tooth

    Not toothless . . . still Ruthless
  • Bennett better wish for a toothbrush and floss for Christmas because his first tooth started peaking through this week.
  • Anyone seen Santa?  We need to track him down today so Bennett can get a picture and yank on his beard. 
  • The little guy does some serious kicking and flopping in his crib. I went to check on him last night and found a leg sticking outside the friendly confines.  (No blankets, No ACL damage):
  

Friday, December 17, 2010

Thumb war

    Christmas Dog
    by Shel Silverstein
Tonight's my first night as a watchdog,
And here it is Christmas Eve.
The children are sleeping all cozy upstairs,
While I'm guardin' the stockin's and tree.
What's that now---footsteps on the rooftop?
Could it be a cat or a mouse?
Who's this down the chimney?
A thief with a beard--- And a big sack for robbin' the house?
I'm barkin', I'm growlin', I'm bitin' his butt.
He howls and jumps back in his sleigh.
I scare his strange horses, they leap in the air.
I've frightened the whole bunch away.
Now the house is all peaceful and quiet again.
The stockin's are safe as can be.
Won't the kiddies be glad when they wake up tomorrow
And see how I've guarded the tree.
  • Bennett is now in his 7th month.  Since we last spoke, he's started sitting up on his own and motors around the hardwood floors in his walker (he thinks it's an Indy car - speeding, shifting, and maneuvering around hairpin corners). 
  • I had so much fun buying Bennett's first Christmas present from Dad (not sure I can or will stop with one).  I trust it is something that he'll have forever (it's a secret, I'll tell you later).  
  • We need to line up a picture with Santa Claus.  He's starting to develop a touch of stranger anxiety (so the photo might involve a projecting lower lip), we'll see how he accepts Nicholas and his curly beard.
  • Bennett usually reserves his thumb for sleepy time, but last week he used it for an appetizer: