Thankful we are under one roof; that is all that really matters. We opened presents over FaceTime, took Quiet for a walk in the 'hood, and simultaneously ate and watched Emily in Paris (season 2), Look Up (great, but a tad depressing), and Elf (always a winner!). Check out Meme's cool t-shirt from Chad--so true! :) LOL
Meme packed up a ton of decorations and candy for Julia to be able to join the gingerbread house decorating party via Zoom. Ethan and Kathryn brought the delivery--nice to see them! It was not quite the same, but still very special and nice to keep the tradition alive.
There was a lot going on this month--way too many nutrition presentations and deadlines that consumed my time. Quick December catch-up: Julia was on a panel at the AGU conference (virtually) and it was very successful, despite some technical difficulties on site and online. Benjamin came back to St. Paul briefly, before going to Dallas for special training. Julia was exposed to COVID after picking up her friends from attending AGU in person. :( Julia arrived in DC, only to receive the dreaded text and phone call that her friend had tested positive for antigens and then confirmed with a PCR. Julia quarantined in her bedroom, attended her best friend's wedding via Zoom, and told Benjamin not to come. So sad. Within a day or so, Julia developed symptoms--headache and sore throat. On day 5 after exposure, Julia tested positive for COVID. Steven tested negative for antigens last night after some concerns of a runny nose. We continue to be together, yet apart. While it may not be what we envisioned for Christmas 2021 (Susannah's wedding, cookie decorating party, gingerbread house decorating, time with family), at least Julia is home. I would have been on a flight to St. Paul otherwise. Thankful and blessed with hope for 2022.
