it's all good

I honestly can't believe that I took this picture only 15 days ago. 15 days ago we had all of our luggage piled outside in front of our Paris apartment, and we were embarking on the long journey home. It feels like much more than 15 days have elapsed since then. (I guess a protracted, nasty illness afflicting the whole family will do that.)

But it's all good.

Being home just feels so right. (Don't ask Marc, though, he would have to disagree. He would stay in Paris indefinitely.)

A smattering of things that have made me happy in the last 15 days:

Max and Lucas cheerfully shoveling snow the day after our return.

Eva dressed like the Michelin man, enjoying the snow like nobody's business.

Pizzeria 712. Marc and I stole away for a delicious lunch one day. That is some seriously good pizza.

Christmas cards that arrive daily. It is so fun to see everyone's photos and read the great letters we have received this year. Newsflash: I am actually doing cards this year! Unsurprisingly, they will be going out late...

My mixer. Oh, how I love baking. Eva and I made Hannah's chewy ginger cookies today, and Lucas was my assistant for the Rolo/pretzel turtles. Christmastime is a great excuse to bake.

Taking Lucas to get gifts for his siblings. Watching him spend too much, even though he said he doesn't expect anything from them (Max spent his money on treats that he brought back for his friends).

Need I say more?

I will, actually. I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to fill up a big cart with no worries about how to get my purchases home. I simply wheel the cart out to my car and load her up. It's so liberating! Plus, the cashier actually bags my groceries for me! What a luxury.

Marc and I have both been slightly taken aback by the niceness that abounds here. While doing my last-minute Christmas errands, I have found myself going about my business in my city-shield: avoiding eye contact, keeping to myself, etc., only to hear my name called by a neighbor or be engaged in conversation by a stranger. What is this strange friendliness?

I was approached by a stranger in Costco who reads my blog (hi, Katie!). She was so nice, she enjoyed my Paris posts... it wasn't even weird.

People go out of their way to talk to me, to engage my children. I feel like I am in a different world entirely.

I took all three kids to get haircuts yesterday, and this is the only picture I took in the salon? What the?!

Eva got two inches trimmed off and looks older already. Also, she can reach her light switch now, and she used to have to get a step stool.

Max went very short, and looks darling. I love it that his hair plan coincides with what I think looks good on him.

Lucas is growing his hair out and wants a shag à la Zac Efron. I prefer it short. But Marc convinced me that hair is a low-risk arena for us to allow some freedom of expression. It's only hair, and it will not stay the same forever. I had to agree. It's not my favorite, but the kid wore a hat every day we were in Paris because he hated his hair... so it's all good.

Here is the biggest news: I have not been stressed about Christmas! I know, right? I was prepared for Christmas to be somewhat of a nightmare this year, what with the move and the limited time and all. But apparently I did a great job of lowering my expectations, because I have been okay with doing lots of online shopping, reducing the amount of decorating, not making my own cards, and saying no to activities that make me feel stressed. I haven't even been staying up late!

I could get used to this.