December 21, Friday

Just a few more days until Christmas, and I’m glad to be busy with all the preparations for the holiday at church and all the orders I need to deliver. Sónia and I have been making soft toys for the kids, a doll for Cícera and a dog for Lorival. We chat and laugh as we work on projects after the kids are in bed. Sónia is like a sister to me now.

I hold the doll out to look at her. “How do you like dolly’s hair, Sónia? It’s just yarn but I think she looks pretty cute. I’ll make little braids and tie them with bows.”

“Eva, I think you like dolls more than kids do!” She laughs.

“With all the baking and preparations for the church and at Papai’s house, I’ll barely get everything done before Christmas.”

“You are so sweet, Eva. And everyone wants your cakes and salgados for the holidays.”

“Ooh, that feels funny!” I giggle and pat my tummy.

“What does it feel like, Eva? It doesn’t hurt, does it?”

“It feels like bubbles, or butterflies. Really odd!”

“Eva, that’s the baby moving! You’re feeling the baby moving!” Sónia jumps up and hugs me.

“I thought he was supposed to kick, not blow bubbles in my tummy.”

This strikes us both really funny. Sónia says, “The baby isn’t big enough for you to feel kicks, but you will before long. And how do you know it’s a boy?”

“Just a feeling I have. Or maybe it’s a wish, I’m not sure.”