One at a time

When Em and Mark decided to get married a few years ago, I sent a small gift each month of their engagement to let them know that though I lived far away, my heart was with them. I sent things like personalized stationery, monogrammed towels (I embroidered them myself!) and champagne glasses for their wedding day toast. I've decided that I will do the same thing during this momentous time in their lives. I found a bonnet that my my husband's grandmother had made and embroidered, and I bought some cute onesies and a very fashionable maternity top, as well as a few other things like books and magazines. I wrapped them all up and intended to suggest they open one per month. But since I'm terrible at keeping surprises like this, I wanted Em and Mark to open them all while I was in town so I could see their faces. It reminds me of the reason I never start Christmas shopping early: when I buy something I am excited about, I don't have the self control to save it for the appropriate time. Perhaps I just think every day should be a celebration, so why wait?