Counting days

The anticipation brought on by the advent calendar drove Eric into a frenzy until about the 15th of December when he finally realized we would not be opening more than one window each day. It took a great deal of self (and sometimes physical) restraint on his part to comply with the rules of the advent.

Each morning we would start the day with "what-iz open today?" spoken in Eric's most melodically charming and convincing tone. Even after we opened the window he would hit you with this question several more times just in case you would slip up, forget what day it was, and let him open and retrieve another chocolate from the window.

This December Eric wasn't the only one counting dates. December 10th (3 years ago) is the anniversary of Eric's homecoming from his 96 day stay in the NICU. To add to this attention to dates, Eric's original due date was December 12th (the same as my mother's with me). Aaron refers to Eric being born twice, first on his birthday and then again the day we brought him home. The emotion we experienced is still very tangible but, seems so distant when we are playing with our mild-mannered, tantrum throwing, charming three year old.


December 7th also marked the day I was 26 weeks along with this second pregnancy, quite a milestone since as you know Eric was born at 26 weeks and 2 days. It is pretty cool to be over that hump and well into the third trimester. So far Eric's money is on a baby sister. Although one day he decided maybe it was a brother. Either way he has suggested two names for "his" baby: Doggie or Baby Eric.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!