Holiday Beginnings

On Sunday the three of us headed over to the nearest big store with a photo studio to have a holiday portrait taken. I've never actually taken Sophia anywhere for pictures, so I didn't know what to expect. I just figured that I'd like a picture of the three of us without someone getting their head cut out of the frame, or my bra-strap showing, or other issue. We talked it up with Sophia all day but she still completely clammed up when we got there. There were lots of tears and she kept hiding her face in my shoulder. Though we eventually got a few shots, it required a photographer change (from male to female) and a great deal of patience AND a trip to the toy department afterwards (to browse). We get the pictures December 4th and I hope they turn out OK. When you see our Christmas card, you can decide for yourselves.

Yesterday we decided to put up the Christmas tree. We bought it two years ago at an after-Christmas sale and never even opened it. Last year Sophia was newly walking and we were getting ready to move, so we didn't even bother with our decorations. Since Franco left today (yep, he's gone for Turkey Day) we thought we'd get a jump on things. He brought it in, assembled it... it looked great. Well, it looked great until we went to plug it in. Something is very wrong with the pre-wired lights and the darn thing doesn't light up. Franco checked conductivity of cords with some sort of man-device, checked all of the fuses, pulled bulbs, wiggled wires... NOTHING. Our warranty is still good, so I filed a claim today. We will see how quickly the company responds. The lady on the phone made it sound like it will be resolved very soon, but it has been my experience that people that answer phones on consumer help lines rarely know what is actually going on. So, the tree is back in the box and my decorating is on hold for now. At least I don't have to spend the week chasing Bella with a squirt bottle to keep her away from the tree.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I am thankful for the wonderful Turkey dinner that I had at my mother-in-law's house last weekend. I'm also thankful that I don't have to travel anywhere with all the holiday hub-bub, that Franco reached his destination safely with all the hub-bub, and that my mom is visiting us on Friday after most of the hub-bub. Sophia and I will make Turkey noodle soup for our grand feast and Skype with Franco. I hope everyone has a good holiday and stays safe.