Giving Thanks

Today, I am thankful.

I am thankful for a God who loves me no matter what I do, where I’ve been, or what I’m going to do. I put Him first here not because it’s always the way I live my life, unfortunately, but to remind me that He’s supposed to be first. I am thankful that He forgives me for being the sinner that I am, and that I am saved by His grace each and every day.

I am thankful for a husband who is not just my husband. He is my best friend on this earth, and he knows me better than anyone else. He may not like me all the time, but I know he loves me and I think we have a pretty good life together.

I am thankful for a daughter who lights up my life like I never imagined. Who keeps us laughing and challenges us in so many ways. Who makes us want to be better.

I am thankful for the rest of my family. Sure, there are some that I wish were in my life that aren’t, but I certainly am grateful for the ones that are around and that I can count on and that can love on my child.

I am thankful for a good job in these hard economic times. I am thankful for good health, good friends, near and far, and for a nice place to call home. I am thankful for my sweet dog, Brandy, and her loving temperament.

I could go on and on, and for that, I am thankful.

Letter From Mom

Dearest Abbie,

I never knew…

That sleeping in now means 7am instead of 10am on Saturdays.

That I would have an instant connection with other moms, suddenly understanding the challenges and joys that go along with having children. And that hearing stories of children who are sick would make me so sad, yet thankful that God has given you good health.

I never knew…

That I would look at other children at stores or restaurants who were misbehaving, and rather than get annoyed or have disapproving thoughts, I’d think to myself, maybe they had a rough night, didn’t get a nap, or are not feeling well.

I never knew…

That I’d be trying to avoid work-related travel and late meetings at all costs so I’d be able to spend more time with you.

I never knew…

That I’d be going around singing Nickelodeon or Elmo songs in my head, even when you weren’t around.

That a Friday night at home with you would be so much more fun than a night out.

I never knew…

That whether we have one more, two more, or no more, I would feel so blessed and thankful that God picked you out, especially for your Daddy and I!

Happy 18 months sweet girl. You have brought so much joy into our lives that I never knew before….

Mom

Good week

I had this last week off, so today is my final day of freedom before heading back to work. It's been a good one overall, but very difficult at times as I had a head cold and Abbie is cutting so many teeth I lost count. She is not sleeping well AT ALL, like it's worse than when she was 2 weeks old, so it's been tough. Thankfully I had family in who helped me tremendously and tended to her in the early morning while I caught up on some sleep. I am really praying this is over soon. I am over teething, I'm sure she is over teething, and I think Wes wants his wife back, instead of the small devil I turn into sometimes when I get just a couple hours of snooze time! But it's been good. We had some professional pics done Wednesday - I will share them as soon as I get the DVD (they turned out fabulous!) and then we celebrated Halloween yesterday and Abbie was the cutest ladybug I've ever seen. She has really started forming sentences this last week too. It completely amazes me to see this little tiny girl talk the way she does! She says "bye-bye Brandy, see you tomorrow", for instance. I mean, really?? And my new favorite is when she tastes something, she says "I like it!!". It sounds like "I yike it!" but it's so darn cute. She counts to ten all the time now, and when she says "ten" she says "YEA Abbie!" because that is what I always do when she is done. Also this week she has become completely attached to her baby doll and blanket, and drags them around everywhere with her, talks to her baby, rocks her, tells her to sleep, etc. She has quite the imagination. When she wants something, she says "uh-huh" and nods real eagerly. Like she will say "Mama, cookie, uh-huh??" and nod like a hundred times. Cracks me up. So if anyone has any advice on teething other than Motrin and teething tablets, I'd love to know. I have read mixed reviews on Orajel, it just seems so temporary. She is cutting her molars and I think her cuspids are on their way in too. Hopefully next time I post this will be done....maybe??!!