after the big show

the quiet is almost deafening. pure, utter, golden silence. the unlit tree stands in the corner, where a few short days ago it was glowing, all lit up.  the holiday colored wrapped gifts are no longer under that tree.  instead there's toys strewn about... thomas the tank engine & his tracks everywhere...  there's miscellaneous after Christmas clearance purchases, waiting to go into storage until next year.  there's trays of Christmas cookies in our kitchen, along with loaves of bread & Chex mix all over the place.

our house is a disaster.

but... we had our final Christmas last night & while it's all been enjoyed, it's now time to put it away.  the next project is putting the ornaments away & taking down the tree.

there's always a letdown when it's all said & done.  the anticipation, the countdown, the thrill of all of it- baking, wrapping (okay, maybe there's very little thrill in the actual wrapping), the giving, & the getting (it's true, i love me some Christmas presents).  it's all over.  and that's okay, because there's always next year.  and here's the best thing... when you have an almost two year old... the years just get better & better. from here on out, Christmas will mean more & more to B.  we had a blast this year & i know, next year will be so much better...

& for now, to help ease the 'pain' of after Christmas funk... we shall celebrate.  celebrate the birth of the most amazing little i've ever had the pleasure of spending time with... because come Sunday, he will be TWO years old.  & while I can't believe it's already been two years, i am thoroughly excited for the many years that stretch out in front of us...