Lyra's First Christmas

When Lyra woke up Christmas morning, Santa had already come and gone, leaving a flotilla of presents in his wake. In a flash, Lyra doffed her sleepsack and leapt into her Christmas outfit. This way Mommy couldn't make any excuses about not being ready to open presents. "Everything about Christmas is wonderful," Lyra murmured (to anyone who might have been listening), "but presents might be the best part."

Lyra in her Christmas outfit, replete with Pippi Longstocking leggings. Even though her top has stitched-on candy cane packages and bows in red and green, and says "Mommy's Gift," Mommy thinks Lyra can wear this outfit all year. Daddy puts the kibosh on that idea.

Lyra tilts her head coyly. You know, for the fans.

Lyra helps Daddy open presents. "Hurry up, pokey! This box could be for me!"

"Wah, the box is so big, there must be some good stuff inside!"

Lyra, conscientious as ever, prepares to write her thank-you notes. Not so fast, Lyra! You still have more presents to open!

"No way! A wooden rainbow stacker from Melissa & Doug! Thanks, Nana and Opa!"

Surrounded by new toys, Lyra is flummoxed. Which one should she play with first? Can she play with two at once? Is that even allowed? Wait a second ... "allowed"? Babies don't ask for permission!

Opening presents is hard work! So hard that Lyra and Mommy have worked up a powerful appetite. Good thing Daddy is cooking up special Christmas omelettes filled with tomatoes, roasted zucchini, scallions and Jarlsberg cheese. 

...

(ten frantic minutes later)

...

No leftovers! Compliments to the chef, but now everyone is so full that Mommy proposes a brisk walk in Hermann Park. Lyra seconds the motion.

The sun is out, but so is a biting wind. Daddy is actually huddling near Lyra for warmth.

Ming Yang sports her superwarm new Christmas hat; Lyra waves her hands to keep warm. Did I mention the wind and the temperature in the 30s? After five minutes, everyone agrees to head back inside for a well-deserved rest.

After Lyra wakes up from her usual three-hour nap, the second part of Christmas begins. Daddy's friend Jennifer is visiting her family in Bellaire, and her son Benjy invited his good buddy Lyra to come over to play with his new toys and share Christmas dinner. He guessed it was okay if her mom and dad came, too.

Lyra and Benjy on a comfy pleather chair. Lyra, whose toes always get cold, can't believe that Benjy is going sockless. 

Lyra and Benjy in a scrum, with coaching from Jennifer's mom Gin Ru. 

Lyra can hear the phone ringing, but Benjy has both receivers. And it's for Lyra. Not cool!

Lyra holds up the portcullis as Benjy crawls to safety.

Christmas dinner was delicious: turducken, Mommy's signature spinach and mushroom dish, Daddy's homemade cranberry sauce, Jennifer's brother Freddy's butternut squash soup, and about ten other dishes. Plus an apple-pear crumble with ice cream!

Back home, Lyra takes one last look at the Christmas tree before turning in. It was the best Christmas ever!

Ornament hand-made by Lyra, at JPMorgan back-up day care.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!