Thankful.

For the ability to drink big gulps of water again, without getting nauceous. 

For the beautiful weather these last two days, that have beckoned me outside for long walks. Walks that have allowed to think and pray and cry and soak up the beauty around me.

That our guests this week were easy and comfortable. For the laughter shared between two little toddler girls. For the happiness Meredith found in having a playdate 24/7 for the last week.

For my husband and my daughter and the baby growing inside of me. That they are healthy and happy.

The last time I hugged her, it was the kind if hug you hug you give someone when you are in on their secret. The very best kind of secret. She was going to be a mom. And while it baffles my mind why she was denied that chance- to hold her baby here on earth- I know her final months were some of her happiest. For that I am forever thankful.

Thankful

It's the time of year to stop for a minute and think about gratitude. I have so much to be thankful for. Here's a little list of a few. 

our new house

skype/facebook/texts/phonecalls for keeping in touch

the way meredith says, "hi mama"

how meredith says "baaa" and "mooo" for sheep and cow sounds

getting to see the world through a toddler's eyes

being on the most excellent adventure with my two favorite people in the world

evenings spent on the couch talking with (or just being next to) my husband

new dishes

new sheets

being near so many beautiful new places for us to explore like lake tahoe and yosemite

the promise of visitors in our new home

my mama and talking to her on the phone everyday

a job for my husband that is stable and makes him happy

kisses from my baby girl

the convenience of our new neighborhood

having already met three mamas who i can befriend

my new running shoes

the fact that meredith got to meet her great-great grandfather before he passed away

getting to spend thanksgiving with my family

How about you? What are you most thankful for this year?

image here and here.
inspiration for this post here.

Thankful

Back in November, I wrote a gratitude post almost every day.  I do often think to myself how much I have to be thankful for, I haven't written it out in quite a while. Danielle over at Sometimes Sweet inspired me to get some new things down today.

I am thankful to be a stay-at-home mom. This week I am feeling it more than other weeks. We've gone on walks, played at the park, sat on the living room floor. It's been simple, but so wonderful.

I am thankful for the farmers market and the long walk we took to get there. It was blazing hot yesterday. I was soaked with sweat upon returning home two hours after we left, but I was so happy. Meredith had been perfectly content the whole time. I cooked up my fresh fish and asparagus last night for dinner and it was amazing. Seriously the freshest fish I've ever had.

I am thankful for my husband. He is an incredibly hard worker. He is very talented. He is the best daddy. Meredith lights up like fireworks on the Fourth of July when she sees him. 

I am thankful for our baby pool. After returning home from our walk yesterday, sitting in front of a fan just wasn't cutting it. Filling up the pool did the trick.

I am thankful for modern medicine. I just got off the phone with the pediatrician who confirmed that Meredith does have an egg allergy. I'm not at all surprised, though a little disappointed. Thanks to doctors we will have benedryl and an epipen should an accidental encounter with egg occur.

I am thankful for past year. I can't even begin to put into words how much life has changed and been bettered over the past 11 and half months because of my sweet pea. I still stop sometimes, often upon opening the fridge to see baby yogurt or while folding tiny onsies, and think I am a mom.

The Small Things

Yesterday, we had no plans. It was very cold and windy outside so even a walk seemed like a bad idea. Sometimes I enjoy not having plans, but yesterday, I was bored. I complained to my husband. I complained on twitter. I wanted to do something but I didn't want to put forth the energy to get out in the frigid weather. Wah.

But then, I started reading this blog. Seriously, if you can read through her posts, particularly this one, without crying I will be shocked. Her story is incredible and she has this amazing perspective. She is a reminder to enjoy the small things. So, that is what I did.



I spent the rest of day enjoying my perfect, precious bundle of joy.



I marveled at her new skill of rolling over. To some, it may not seem like much. But to me, it's a huge step. She has a bit of mobility. She can reach a toy. She can get wedged under the couch.





She is proud of herself.

ready to fly

I squeezed her tight as I opened our new Christmas books that came in the mail. I could burst with excitement as I imagine our little family of three sharing these two books on Christmas Eve. And while I know it won't mean much to her this year, it means the world to me. Having her, having my family, having traditions.





I watched with wonderment and peace she lounged in her jumper. She has this perfect personality combination of curiosity and chillness. Already, she is teaching me things and setting an example for me to imitate.



Even on the most boring of days, this little babe gives me a mound of things to be grateful for, to delight in and to be in awe of.

Gratitude: Nov 24

On Wednesday I was grateful for a fun shopping outing with my family. I got some new jeans because my old favorites were pretty beat up and a bit too big. Who doesn't like getting new jeans for that reason??

trying on hats :)

Gratitude: Nov 23

On Tuesday, I was grateful for pie-making with my mom. The house was smelling so delicious and it was so nice just spending time with my mom.

Gratitude: Nov 22

On Monday I was grateful because I got to spend the day with my brother and sister. My sister was working on a project for class making a stop motion video and she chose me to be the star! It's so not my thing normally, but I had so much fun posing and making very slow movements. The best part was hanging out with Joe, Lydia and Meredith all afternoon. Being with them makes me happy.

This is (obviously) not me or my sister's video, but a cool one. Ours will be posted once she's all finished editing it.

Gratitude: Nov 20 & 21

meredith and i enjoyed a sunday morning sunrise in abilene

I think it's obvious what I was grateful for this weekend: being in Abilene with my family! It has been a great trip already. Meredith traveled very well and is sleeping like a champ here. I am enjoying lots of laughs with my siblings, walks with my dad and outings and conversations with my mom. I'm so glad I still have 8 more days to go!

meredith and momma dee at church

evening stroll with pepe and daddy

Gratitude: Nov 19

today i am grateful that i got to see old friends. some of our dearest friends moved to chicago last summer and we haven't seen them since. they left with their 4 month old baby and today we re-met him as a walking, talking 19 month old! it was so nice to catch up, introduce them to meredith and just enjoy the company of good friends.

Gratitude: Nov 18

Today I am grateful for getting to play with Meredith. She's becoming very interactive and today we had a raspberry-off. It was the cutest thing to see her respond to my actions.

Gratitude: Nov 17

Today I am grateful for the companionship of my little girl. She still a baby and not much in the way of conversation, but geesh, I love her company. I love that we spend our days together. That when I am feeling lonely, she's with me. That when I am feeling sad, she's a guaranteed smile. That when I need a hug, she's eager to cuddle.

Gratitude: Nov 16

Today I am grateful for our new Christmas stockings that arrived. I am even more grateful that this Christmas, instead of a just couple, we are a family of three.

Gratitude: Nov 15

Today I am grateful for morning snuggles with my baby girl. We had a very slow morning, staying in our PJs and playing with pillows and toys in bed.

Gratitude: Nov 14

Today I am grateful for bedtime stories with daddy and Meredith. I am usually on my own for the bedtime routine, but Chris has joined us this weekend. He read Meredith Goodnight Moon and The Going to Bed Book while we all cuddled on the couch. Life is sweet.

Gratitude: Nov 13

Today I am grateful for the amazing nap I got to take. Naps are hard to come by these days. Between Meredith's own short naps and my inability to calm my busy mind, I struggle to fall asleep before she wakes up. So today Chris was on duty when Meredith woke up and I got to sleep as long as I wanted. I really needed it after a week of late going-to-beds and new earlier wake ups.



image ...i don't even like cats but this is cute.

Gratitude: Nov 12

Today I am grateful I get to have dinner with my friend Alanna. We worked together for the past 3 years. It is no exaggeration when I say I couldn't have done it without her just down the hall from me. We both have new jobs now- her at a new school, me as a mom. I miss our daily car rides and conversations. I am grateful we get to catch up tonight!

Gratitude: Nov 11

Today I am grateful because I get to go to a concert with my hubby tonight. We are seeing Sufjan Stevens. I love his music and think he will be quite an interesting live show. He has a new album out that is very different from his old stuff, so I'm curious to see how it all comes together.



Are you a Sufjan fan? What do you think of his new album?

Gratitude: Nov 10

Today I am grateful for my baby's first laugh. It was like music to my ears and brought tears to me eyes.

Gratitude: Nov 9

Today I am thankful for technology. How cool is it that my baby can see her daddy while he's at work??
As you can see, he'll do anything for her and she adores him. I'm also grateful for that.

Gratitude: Nov 8

life as we know it

Today I am grateful for the baby friendly movies at the movie theater in my town. Today was my fourth time going. It's so nice to get to see a movie and play with your baby at the same time. Meredith has been so good each time we've gone. I went with a new friend and saw another new friend while there. And the movie was really cute too, which really is just a bonus.