Best gift of all

Some 24 hours ago, I wasn't so sure this was going to be a good Christmas. Niranjana still runs hot and cold on me. She'll push me off until she wants something, then try to manipulate me into giving her what she wants. She's pretty smart, but I am on to her.

Frustrating - and hurtful - is the fact that everyone seemingly gets more hugs from Niranjana than Daddy. I don't understand it, and I eventually run out of patience. Last night was one of those times. This also is my first Christmas without my father, and that has me feeling pretty blue.

Attachment issues stink.

So when we went to bed early this morning after getting all the presents under the tree and stockings filled, I had no high hopes of this being some kind of magical first Christmas with our daughter.

This morning, we all slept in a bit. When Niranjana was ready to come downstairs, I went first and shouted, "Santa's been here!" Niranjana came running down the stairs with wonder in her eyes. She went over to her table to see that Santa had, in fact, eaten the yogurt-covered pretzels and drunk the orange juice box she left out for him.

Then she came over to me, looked in my eyes and said, "Is Daddy sad?" I said, "Yes, honey." She leaned up, kissed my cheek then gave me a big, long hug.

I know we opened a bunch of presents after that, but I'd already received the best gift I could ever have hoped for.