December 2012

Perhaps it was the oysters. Or maybe it was the wassail. Whatever, I had this strange dream last night. You know the kind that are vivid and in full color. It began with a  knock at our door. I open the door to see a good friend, a friend who happens to be a fervent Christian, a true pillar of the church, if you know what I mean. Although I’d not expected her visit, I’m delighted to see her. Then she hands to me her new baby, who although tiny and swathed, appears at a quick glance, to have longish blonde hair and hazel eyes. Wait a minute...baby!?! Uh, I didn’t even know she’d been pregnant. As far as I know she’s not married. Heck, I don’t even think she’s had a regular boyfriend recently.

I love babies, so I’m more than happy to take the baby, while she has tea with my husband. It’s warm in our home, so I take off the baby’s hat and jacket and notice that the baby actually has curly red hair and deep green eyes. Hmmm..., must take after the father, I think, as my friend has ‘poker straight’ dark hair and baby blue eyes.

I carry the baby around, pointing out the holiday lights and decorations, and the baby is quite alert, smiling as I point out and name things. Smart baby, I think. But, I now notice in the sparkling tree lights, that the baby actually has kind of an Asian look. The baby’s black hair is straight, like mom’s but, the eyes have a definite almond shape. I wonder if this is a girl baby or a boy baby. Note to self: ask your friend.

I’m enjoying entertaining such a captivating baby but still, it begins to gnaw at me that I should be working on ideas for our holiday greeting card. It’s the 2nd of December and I haven’t even started picking an idea for this year’s card! I find myself thinking, “You know those ‘year in review” cards are nice, but I’ll just bet our life would sound boring to others.
“Boring? No, I think the words peaceful & quiet are more in keeping with your current lifestyle,” says the baby.

What?! This baby can not only talk, but apparently can read my mind, as well. What a genius! What a gem! Why this baby is barely 3 months old.

Hmmm, I kind of purposely think about those photo cards that are so popular now. They say that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words.’ Says baby, “Quite true, an actuality, understood by observation and inference, is certainly worth more than one thousand words, especially inconsequential words, when penned by a fledgling writer..." The baby pauses here. Yeah, yeah, I get you, baby.

“Baby,” I think, “Listen, let’s skip the philosophy, okay? Can you help me here? I need some ideas for this year’s Christmas card. How do I convey to my family & friends that my husband & I treasure each & everyone of them for their unique qualities? How can I design a card that will let them know that we love them exactly as they are, that we’d not change one thing about any of them? And that, collectively, their warmth, love, and support keep us safe, secure and upright.  And, and... And that our jointly-shared laughter & tears sustain us, as does the sun and rain”

“They already know,” Baby replies. By the way, the baby now has a decidedly African appearance. This kaleidoscopic kid is one of the most beautiful babies I’ve ever seen.

Er, uh, okay, but how do I also impart that we wish them a bright 2013, full of hope & confidence.”

“As you form the thought, it is already done,” says Baby, who now has once more morphed. This time I'm certain - the baby is clearly of American Native descent. I’m sure of it.

Securely seat-belted, friend & baby, who now looks to be either of Mexican or maybe or Jewish descent, prepare to drive away. And, I hear her murmur something to the baby.

“Hon, did she call the baby Jesse?” I ask my husband.

“No, I’m sure she said Jess or maybe it was Jem.”

And so, I still don’t know if the kid is a boy or girl. I’m just going to call him or her “Baby Gem.”

Merry everything and everyone, everywhere!