The magic is back

My Christmas feeling has returned. The joy I felt as a child was profound. My early memories are almost transcendental and certainly musical. I remember looking out my bedroom window on a crispy cold night, stars, on que, shining bright. I must have been humming silent night at the time 'cause it permeates my memory. I recall my Uncle Ger coming into the room and asking me "did ya hear the sleigh on the roof" My heart stopped, but all is well it started again. It was a magical moment or I at least remember it as such, so I guess that's real enough.
I haven't felt like I've been in this mystical zone for a while. It's not that I've fallen out of love with my Christmas it's just I haven't been spellbound for a spell, until now.
Euey and Aoife have really gotten into it this year, their excitement truly is palpable. They love the songs even when I sing them. They have even stopped pouting and are being good for goodness sake. Euey has mastered the countdown, only 6 days to go and Aoife has had a momentous crack at the vocals of numerous carols, including "Santa wears a red suit he's a communist". Shocking really, I blame the parents. They assisted, in varying degrees, in the letters to Santa too.
I love the way they love it and have no qualms in admitting my vicarious pleasure in this season of goodwill.
I truly can't wait for christmas this year, so much so, I can hear my heart going pitter patter pitter patter boom. Or is that just the sound, of expectant, little tiny feet!

Look at me Daddy

At 2 years 11 months Aoife has got to the catwalk stage. When I dress her in the mornings SHE will choose the clothes, parade the clothes, look for my reaction, keep or discard the clothes regardless of my reaction and begin the process again. She loves it and I must admit she looks great when she twirls around in purple shoes, black tights, flowery skirt and orange Thomas the Tank Engine t-shirt. However, it can be a little challenging when George and the boys are in the car in 40 degree heat depending on my diplomatic skills to get our little girl out the door quickly. Delicate task to rush the process while making her feel un-rushed and convinced she is the most beautifully dressed girl in the whole world. Don't know if I pulled it off but she was smiling when we joined the others in the mobile sauna. Won't go into whether the smile was reciprocated by the occupants of the car.

So what I'm a rock star

Well that's how it feels when I get in from a long days work. One of the many beautiful rewards of fatherhood. Today when I walked through the door Finn's 9 month old legs almost propelled him 3 meters across the room out of our friend Tina's arms. If it wasn't for her finely honed cat like reactions (mother of 5 year old twins)he would have experienced his first face plant. Aoife came running from my right and Koala locked my leg squealing Daddy Daddy. Euan came from my left and said in a low growling tone Daddddy and sucker punched me in the gut before giving me a bone crushing hug. Loved it. Waited for a similar show of exuberance from George but alas her coy smile was a touch more subtle and much appreciated after the initial assaults and attempted assaults upon my person. Warhol was right we all have our 15 minutes.