You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile

Posted byAbPosted inADHD, adoption, Christmas, FASD, gratitude, love, music, ParentingTags:, , , , , , , ,

Christmas was full of relaxation and melancholy.

We kept plans to a minimum – family dinner on Christmas Eve and dinner with friends tonight – and otherwise, lazy days at home.

On Christmas, I opened my eyes at 7 am and T’s head was poking through our door like a ferret. I quickly shut my eyes, but it was too late.

So we all got up to open gifts. I love that T still gets excited about Santa.

He asked to put out carrots because Santa is fat and 1,050 years old so he needs to be healthier.

“Yes, Jenny Craig,” I said, the reference going over his head.

The hubby got me wireless headphones I’ve been wanting for my commute and workout. I also got this awesome custom Funko from a colleague.

T got toys and clothes from family, friends and his CYW. It never gets old watching him open gifts.

His grandparents got him a cool marble race track builder, which helps him exercise STEM skills. He’s so good at figuring these things out.

My goal for the holidays was to recharge. Lots of sleeping in, binging shows (Squid Game Season 2 is excellent) and spending time with T.

Yesterday morning, I took T to the dentist. I always find it ironic how calm he is during teeth cleaning which is pure sensory overload.

The hygienist praised him for being excellent and let him play with the suction tube while she went to get the dentist.

You’d think this kid was at Club Med by how relaxed he was. 😂

With a smile good as new, we set off to run errands; the first stop was the bookstore.

I told T to sit on a chair near the entrance and gave him my phone to play with.

“What if someone kidnaps me!” He shrieked and the older man sitting next to him looked at me.

“Don’t worry, they’ll return you very quickly.”

The holidays have been a season of lighthearted fun and heavier reflection.

I gave myself the space to acknowledge the recent losses and to not grin and bear the harder feelings.

Because they pass.

I allowed myself to embrace the joy of the season, because smiles and laughter are healing.

Earlier this month, we enjoyed T’s school’s annual holiday concert. This year’s theme was broadway.

T was part of the opening number, standing at the front row, singing “All Aboard for Broadway.”

Dressed in a white shirt with his hair combed nicely to the side, T’s smile was infectious. I was so proud of his confidence.

T’s class appeared again midway through the show, singing “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile” from Annie.

The number opened with a skit and T was one of the students who had a solo speaking part – at the 1:41 mark. He spoke clearly and with a smile.

Stationed in the second row, T then did a great job singing and dancing – even brought out jazz hands.

It brought a huge smile to our faces.

31 thoughts on “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile”

  3. LOL – What if someone kidnaps me!” He shrieked and the older man sitting next to him looked at me.

    “Don’t worry, they’ll return you very quickly.”

    I used to say that about my son – Ha!

    Love the dentist zen – when i take Jess, i wear full garb – my gloved hands are in her mouth holding suction and I am singing at the top of my lungs – by the end of the session, i feel like i ran a marathon – and I have high respect for the hygienist who takes it all in stride.

    Have you watched Red One? I think T may love it! Merry- Happy and Healthy wishes to you and the family! XOV

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    1. Thanks Vickie. We so know our kids very well. 😆 T had a big laugh over my response too.

      Dental hygienists are unsung heroes in dentistry, I think!

      I haven’t watched Red One. Will add it to the list. Thanks! We watched Inside Out 2 last night before midnight. Was a wonderful story about childhood emotions.

      Happy new year to you too!!!

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      1. red one explains how Santa manages all the houses in one night. And it’s good for kid are questioning, huh? How does this work! lol

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      2. That sounds like fun. We’ll have to add it to the list. I suspect this will be the last year we believe in Santa in this house.

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  4. I’m glad Christmas went well for you. You really know how to respond to T at the bookstore. The best reaction ever! I love seeing how relaxed T was at the dentist. I don’t think I’ve ever been that calm at a medical setting. I hope you’ll have a great New Year’s Eve party! (although I totally get it if you decide for something more low-key)

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  5. Glad to hear you managed to have a low key Christmas break. Ha, I totally remember Jenny Craig! I am dyinggg from your comeback to T’s question about what if someone kidnaps him! So good!! It sounds like T put on a good performance!

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  6. Wow – T was so clear! I love it. Isn’t it interesting what things kids stay calm through and then the unexpected ones that cause melt downs? Fascinating! I love your beautiful description of Christmas – and this post brings many smiles! Happy New Year, Ab!

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  9. this sounds like and utterly wonderful holiday season for all of you! I definitely loved the magic of Santa and was sad when my last daughter finally caught on. it sounds like t got the perfect gifts and love the funko of you! good response to t about any potential kidnappers ).. nice to reflect and let things go, to lighten the load in heart and mind. I absolutely love love the performance, I am such a fan of children’s school shows, and go to every one of my grannies that I can, this is where they can be their dramatic selves and feel proud, no matter what happens on stage.

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    1. Thanks Beth. I do think this will be the last year with Santa. There really is something magical about kids believe in Santa and in the magic of the season. An innocence that will be gone before we know it.

      Yes, I remember a post (I think it was yours) about school shows. The kids are all so cute and the teachers put in so much hard work into it too.

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  10. So glad you are all having a great holiday Ab! I was just thinking about New Years Eve pasts with my kids. For years it was a junk food night free-for-all. After the first few years we found ourselves always requesting the same food. That really became a major tradition. The one that really sticks was the Bagel Bites mini pizza things 🙂 I think I need to research if those things are still around…

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    1. Thanks Deb! It was a mostly relaxing Christmas break. And like you, definitely a junk food free for all – for the past week! 😆 I loved bagel bites growing up too. Such a treat for us. Along with pizza pockets. I bet they’re still around.

      Wishing you a Happy New Year’s!

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  11. Ab, your writing and your family descriptions always bring me moments of joy, and this post was no exception. Your response to T, “Don’t worry, they’ll return you very quickly,” wins the prize! Savour the remaining few relaxing days!

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    1. Thanks Jane. I have another week off to go then back to work. It’ll be a busy but exciting new year ahead.

      Yes, I do cherish my banter with T. Drives me nuts most of the time but I do love him dearly.

      Have a wonderful new years!

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