Today, Christmas Eve, I spent in the hospital with my Ivy - girl. Her bottom blistered up again and so the dermatologists wanted to biopsy. They pulled out all the stops to find an anaesthetist, a theatre and a paediatric surgeon who would admit her. We were whizzed through admissions and admitted to the ward at 11 - ish. By 12:30 we were in the anaesthetic bay.

I phoned home to remind David of all the tasks that needed to be completed by the time his parents arrived. I must say he rose to the challenge.

At 5pm we arrived home. Ivy groggy from the general and I - exhausted and hospital weary. My parents in law were already there.

It was a lovely night and the children loved their gifts from Grandma and Pop. Dinner was beautiful (thank you darling) and the company in this old house was nice as well.

Ivy is a little worse for wear but happily ripped open her gifts as well. Noah had a ball.

Merry Christmas, my friends, old and new. You have each brought something very special to my life. Hope that your season is wonderful and the New Year brings your hearts desire.