Today, despite the fact that Alex woke up with a fever, our little family went to see the Houston Ballet perform 'The Nutcracker.' I really was quite conflicted about going: on one hand, I really wanted Alex to stay home and rest; on the other, I knew that if we didn't go, and Alex didn't get to wear her fancy new sugar-plum-fairy dress, her head would spin on her neck and she would spit pea soup a la The Omen. Since she was in good spirits and never seemed to lose her appetite, I dosed her up on Children's Motrin, and off we went.

It was lovely, and now, as I type this, I'm sure she's fast asleep in her bed with visions of sugar plums dancing in her head. And not just because of the Motrin, either.

Merry Christmas, everybody. May your day be filled with peace, love and joy.