E M T
Hope Valley
December 24, 1918
Dearest Lucas,
I can't believe how time is flying by so quickly since our parents arrived. It has been a grand time and I will be so sad to see them go the day after tomorrow. I expect that we will want to make a journal entry after they leave so we can reflect back on this heartwarming holiday. But first, I want to write you a brief note on our first Christmas Eve together as a couple.
The day was so full, but there are a couple of things that are at the forefront of my mind. First of all, thank you for making Jack's birthday such a special event. With all the family and friends that gathered, there is just no way I could have hosted at my house, so you were a dear to host the party at the Queen of Hearts and enlist Gustave to make the food and the delicious birthday cake. It was very sweet of him to include me in the cake decorating; he knew I was feeling a bit sad not to be making the cake this year. I appreciated his thoughtfulness. I can't believe my baby turned three today. It made me a bit teary as he is growing up so fast and becoming so much more independent. It did not escape me that it was you that he wanted to spend every moment with this afternoon. He did check on me to make sure I was still around but for the most part, you had him very entertained. I am not sure what all you find to talk with him about, but it doesn't seem that there is any lag in conversation. He received so many wonderful gifts but of course, what he enjoyed most, is the fort that you, Jack, Allie, and Robert made out of boxes. How you folded up those endless legs of yours and crawled in, I do not know. Thank you, my darling, for giving Jack the best birthday imaginable.
And when our day finally wound down and it was time to put Jack to bed, it was you he wanted to read him a story. Do I sound jealous? I might be just a little bit, but I am so happy that the two of you are as thick as thieves, and that far outweighs any pang of jealousy I might feel. It really isn't jealousy as much as being a bit emotional about the fact that he will need me less and less. I am so glad he has you in his life now, it is important that he have a male role model who will help show him the way to adulthood.
I was quietly listening outside the door as you told him about Saint Nicholas and how he is also called Papa Noel. It was very thoughtful of you to bring him a pair of wooden shoes so he could set one out for Papa Noel along with his Christmas stocking. He did figure out that, with a stocking and a shoe, he would find double the treats in the morning. When you began to read to him "Twas the night before Christmas…." I peeked in to see the two of you in the special "reading chair" you brought for his room. He was all cuddled up on your lap with his head against your chest looking in awe at the beautiful pictures in the book my mother used to read me. Your deep melodic voice held him in a trance, but as tired as he was, he managed to hang on to every word right up until "….and to all a good night". He didn't even complain when you announced bedtime and tucked him in and wished him sweet dreams. I stood watching you with tears rolling down my face. You are the perfect man for me and you are the most wonderful father already. I am truly blessed.
It is very late and tomorrow is a big day for all of us as we gather early to open presents and enjoy our special Gustave brunch. So, I will end this here. I am still a bit restless with the excitement of the day but once I get in bed, I plan to close my eyes and remember your voice reading about Saint Nick and I am sure that it will lull me into sleep and a dream about sugar plums and my sweet Lucas.
Good night my love,
Elizabeth