It’s three nights after Christmas and I’m currently looking at a pile of baby dolls, ballet tutus and candy canes that is covering at least a third of my kitchen floor (I’ll leave it to your imagination as to how candy canes ended up on the floor).  There’s a wee little four year old in my lap as I type this and, in her lap, a toy mermaid that is almost taller than her.  All she wanted for Christmas?  “A rweal mermaid, Amy Beff.”  And lo, I found the closest thing possible: a mermaid that not only comes complete with two outfits, but also walks.  In case you’re wondering, it’s just as creepy as it sounds.

I’ve got exactly one week left before I head back to work and plenty to fill that week: I’m going to meet up with Katie in Georgia to celebrate her belated birthday, head to Nashville to spend time with some roommates from college and, of course, continue Avi-patrol.  I also have a very serious appointment with my guest bedroom and laundry room; we’ll be having a sincere discussion about organization and cleanliness (I plan to drive my point home using untold amounts of Rubbermaid containers and trash bags).

In the next couple of days, I’ll be posting an overview of 2009 just like I did this time last year for 2008. And then, after that, I’ll be back with all the stories from my week with MacKenzie and Avi.  Until then, though, here’s a little peek into my world these past few days.