First lady Michelle Obama greets patients, families, and staff during a visit at the Children’s National Health System in Washington, Monday, Dec. 15, 2014. With the first lady are former patients, from left, Kyra DeStefano and Aaron Kirby from Upper Marlboro, Md. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Republished December 15, 2014 - 2:25 PM
Original Publication Date December 15, 2014 - 11:25 AM
WASHINGTON - What does Michelle Obama want for Christmas? Sleep. And maybe some Christmas PJs to wear while snoozing.
Mrs. Obama visited with hospitalized children Monday, continuing a 60-plus-year tradition by first ladies. One child asked about her Christmas list.
"I don't really have a long wish list for Christmas, because I pretty much have everything I need," replied the first lady, who sat in front of a large Christmas tree and was accompanied by family dogs Bo and Sunny. Both canines sported festive holiday collars.
"I just want everybody to be happy, and I want to sleep in. That's what I want for Christmas. I want to sleep late. Maybe I'll get that," she said.
Another child asked whether she had Christmas sleepwear. The woman who basically has everything fessed up that she doesn't have that.
"Maybe that's what I should put on my Christmas list," Mrs. Obama said. "OK, Mr. President, if you're watching, I think we could use some Christmas pyjamas. That's a good idea."
Before coming down to the atrium of Children's National Health System hospital to read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and answer some of the children's questions, Mrs. Obama visited privately upstairs with other patients and staff. She also met with the infectious disease team, which has been trained to treat Ebola patients. The government recently designated Children's National as one of 35 hospitals across the country with an Ebola treatment centre.
The tradition of first ladies visiting the children's hospital was started by Bess Truman.
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News from © The Associated Press, 2014