We had a wonderful Christmas spent with my parents and our neighbors, who moved to Nevada last year and didn’t have family to celebrate with. They joined us for Thanksgiving as well, and it’s quickly become a great traditions—opening our home, sharing meals, and creating a sense of family where it’s needed. There’s something really special about a house that feels full, not just with people, but with warmth and laughter.
We were so grateful for all the thoughtful gifts, but Kay absolutely stole the show with her excitement. She received two baby dolls, which—if you know Kay—you know is basically the jackpot. Kay loves babies, whether they’re real or dolls, and watching her nurture them is one of the sweetest things. One of the dolls even has Down syndrome, just like her, and that part meant so much to me. Seeing toys that resemble her is so important—it shows her that she belongs, that she’s seen, and that she is represented in the world around her. I love that she can look at her doll and see a little piece of herself reflected back.
This year, I also got her a baby-wearing carrier for her dolls so she can carry them just like a real mama, and she was over the moon.
We enjoyed a Christmas lunch of barbecue ham, smoked mac and cheese, green bean casserole, and two smoked pies for dessert—apple and cherry. After we ate (and maybe ate a little too much), the afternoon slowed down in the best way. We relaxed, talked, and watched Kay happily play with her new toys, fully in her element.
As Kay gets older, Christmas morning feels even more magical. Watching her eyes light up as she takes in the presents, the tree, and the excitement of Santa fills my heart in a way that’s hard to put into words. We open our family gifts on Christmas Eve, so Christmas morning is reserved just for Kay and seeing what Santa brought—a tradition I hope she always remembers.
This year was also extra special because it was our first Christmas with our special pup, Maeve. Maeve is truly part of our family, and it feels impossible to imagine life without her now. She also happens to be a Christmas puppy, so we celebrated her turning one on Christmas Day. What a special day to be born, and what a gift she has already been to our family.
As if Christmas itself wasn’t emotional enough, next Tuesday Kay turns five. Five. I truly don’t know how the time has passed so quickly. This season has been full of reflection—on how far she’s come, how much she’s grown, and how deeply proud I am to be her mom. This Christmas felt like a pause, a moment to breathe, and a reminder of how much there is to be thankful for, even in the midst of challenges.