- SANTANA -

No. Or at least I don’t think that I did. You know that I’m like putty in her hands. Trust me. I definitely restrained from just buying her everything. You really didn’t need to. Of course we’re working us out though. I mean, did you think that we wouldn’t? You don’t have to thank me though. Unless you’re thanking me for helping create Avery, then I’ll accept it. Hm. Well, I do think that I’ve gotten better over the years.

I always start after thanksgiving, avoid the rush. She does take after her mom, just look cute and bat her eyes at you when she wants something. There is too much toys nowadays, I see more things she’d like and I keep telling myself no. Well, deep down I always pictured we’d be that old couple in rocking chairs together. I’m thanking you for many things, Avery is the best reason. Plus, I can be naughty for the rest of the year. You learned from the best, how could you not pick up a few of my skills?

She’ll probably get a shoutout in every one of them and a pre-release for every book, but that is if I ever get to writing books. Don’t say that too loudly cause if she’s anything like you she’ll go do whatever she wants. You still have to feed it and clean the tank. Thank sounds absolutely ridiculous which I might try when I get too desperate for a date. Anything that’s more my budget and something I can wrap without him suffocating.

That would be awesome for her, she’d be famous. Honestly, for a five year old she’s pretty independent, which is humbling and pretty scary that she’s growing up too fast. Ugh, even the smallest of animals need a lot of care, even a Tamagotchi was hard work. Ridiculous but effective and sometimes invites the creeps if they see you have mistletoe on your head.

I hope that none of the presents I bought are going to be late getting here. That’d suck if they were. Granted, I already have Avery’s bought and wrapped. That little girl has everyone wrapped around a finger. Honestly, you didn’t have to get me anything though. I’d be happy just being in the same room with you and Avery, watching her open presents.

Did you start your shopping late again? Well, I’m glad that Avery’s will be piling up as always. I mean you just have to look at her face and you melt. I’ve been trying to restrain myself from buying everything on her list, but obviously I can’t buy her a real unicorn unless I hot glue a horn onto a pony. Of course I did, you’re her dad and we’re working us out and thank you isn’t enough. You still are a smooth talker though, Hudson.

Well then she gets it from her mama! And is proud of it! Yes! I am already planning it with Sparkling Cider and all that good stuff,

Totally the Lopez attitude. Yes, I’m excited and if I’m lucky I’ll get two kisses when the ball drops. 

You already know she is resourceful just like her mama! It will be, I think this Christmas we all will get somethings we truly want.

Thanks. Come to think of it, I was very forward with Santa when I was young. I was like, no sitting on laps, here’s the deal. I’m expecting a new years party, I wanna celebrate the New Year with all of you, Avery included.

It’s also the longest story, writing stories for kids is just easier especially when they’re as cute as Avery. Maybe someday she could have her own farm, till then she could at least dream about it. Not much, I’ve been hoping for this cute guy to ask me out so I guess that’s on top of my list. What about yours?

I could see you writing a children's book. I’m sure Avery will have fun reading Auntie Quinn’s story. When she’s eighteen, she can do whatever she likes. Maybe I could get her a fish, it’s pretty low maintenance right? Just attach mistletoe to a hat and put it on when he comes near. Pretty simple but can be affective. Oh, you know anything from Tiffany’s, a nice new car..the simple things. Kidding, I already got my wish, all I need is a 6′3 box.

Are you insulting my writing? Cause it’s actually quite an interesting story if I may say so myself. Maybe, although Avery seems more like a cat person to me.

Not at all, but I know Avery’s is definitely better. She’s a dog, cat, horse, mini pig person. She’d have her own farm is she had her way. So, what’s on your Christmas list, Q?

OMG!!! She did not! But then again I can believe it. She is too smart to not have a plan already. Yes a cousin is on my list too! I can’t wait to see if I am going to get my Christmas Miracle.

Yep, I was shook. Like how does this tiny person get hold of a stamp? I’m excited. Christmas will be awesome this year, we all know it!

Thats because I always told her to be prepared and be early so what she wants doesn’t get sold out. I got my list from her too lol. I know right I am crossing my fingers and praying that I can get him or her before New Years.

She is an adult in a teeny person body. I asked if she wanted to see Santa at the mall and she handed me an envelope addressed to the north pole with a stamp already on it. She’ll be a CEO in no time! We’re crossing our fingers and toes and I’m pretty sure a new cousin is top of her list.

Well if I remember correctly your short story is about how one lady goes running around the town trying to find the cookies that are on sale and getting into all kind of mishaps. Avery’s story is about a dog which I’m about a 100% certain you’ll like more.

Sounds like the plot for a very mundane movie. A dog? Are you trying to put thoughts of getting a pet into my daughters head, Quinn?

I don’t know how I got to making Christmas cards from scratch but you should all expect personally made Christmas cards soon, with of course a short story written in there cause crafting unexpectedly gave me inspiration.

How thoughtful of you, Q. I’ll be expecting mine to tell me to warm my icy heart. Kidding, I’ve decided not to go to stores and just buy online, I can’t with crazy old grandma’s going cuckoo over how cookies are on sale.

Christmas is around the corner and my place is decorated, my gifts are bought and I have my final meeting with the adoption lady, I might have to start with fostering a child but I am more than okay with that!

Seriously, Avery’s had her list ready since Halloween ended. That’s so exciting, Mercedes! Your Christmas miracle is almost a reality.