If you are a parent you know the drive. That first one when they put you and a tiny baby in a car and let you leave the hospital. If you’re the mom you probably sit in the back seat and question your husband’s driving abilities. Every bump, every sharp corner brings a gasp. Someone has made the unforgivable mistake of entrusting you with a baby. And, as you will many times, you wonder who is in charge to let such a thing happen. I made that drive with my husband and our baby girl years ago. It was just starting to snow and there were decorated flatbeds gathering to be a part of a Christmas parade. As we drove through the frosty afternoon every house decorated with Christmas lights seemed especially important because they were part of her world now. This little package dressed in pink ribbons and flannel deserved the best. I sat in the back seat of our red station wagon with an arm draped across her car seat to protect her from whatever danger I perceived and grinned the entire way home. I was exhausted and I’m pretty sure I still had mascara smeared across my face, but I remember having such a feeling of magic. I couldn’t wait to get started. I couldn’t wait to be her mommy. When we finally pulled into our drive way I realized my husband had somehow gotten the Christmas lights up. They shone brightly in the blue afternoon and I was so glad. I gathered that tiny warmth against me and whispered in her ear, “This week I am taking you to meet Santa.” And I did. I dressed her in a tiny red velvet dress and her brother and I took her to see Santa. I have the picture in a box somewhere. Santa looks terrified to be holding such a new little person. You can tell he’s wondering who put me in charge of a baby. Same Santa same. But I’m so glad they did. She’s out there in the world now and she’s her own kind of Christmas light. If you know her you’re glad you do. I still try to make sure she gets to see the best the world has to offer and I still throw my arm across her in the car whenever I perceive danger. Doesn’t matter that she’s grown with kids of her own. Turns out she and I are still on that first car trip and always will be.