So Thankful....

On the Eve of Thanksgiving Eve....I actually find myself with a few free minutes, and I don't know the next time this will happen....so I am posting my Thanksgiving post a bit early.

I feel so thankful for so many things. My mind wanders back a year ago when Brian, Reid, and myself spent Thanksgiving week at the Cleveland Clinic after Reid's first surgery at 17 days old. It was quite a hard week to say the least, and being away from family during a very important part of the year was difficult. The hospital treated us to a Thanksgiving there, and Brian and I ate our turkey and mashed potatoes in Reid's hospital room night after night. (I think we had about 3 Thanksgiving dinners that week). It sure wasn't the same as our family get togethers, but I was definitely shown that year that I have MUCH to be thankful for. I can't even begin to explain all that I am thankful for (not enough room here)....but I will name a few of my most thankful things in my life.

If you are reading this...I am thankful for you. That means that you are a friend, a family member, someone who cares for our family, someone who prays for us, or someone who simply keeps us close to their hearts. I am thankful that you want to be such a part of our family happenings and that you smile in our day to day events. I am thankful that you let us share our lives with you.
I am thankful for little foosteps, fingerprints on walls, messes that were just cleaned, belly laughs, toothless grins, wet, messy, toddler kisses.....
Infant noises, sleeping babies, soft breathing, quiet moments, tiny hands, ears, and feet, baby smells...

Innocence, tolerance, acceptance, love that has no limits, sweet moments, tender hearts, togetherness, love pats, a brother-sister bond that was immediately formed....

Seeing my husband being a "Daddy", smiles, belly kisses, cuddles, chasing toddlers through the house with minimal clothing on (attn. Full Moon post!), family moments, completeness, laughter, love....

Brilliant ideas from toddlers (like wearing floaties in the bathtub!), baking with Ellie, reading the same book over and over until we can all recite it from memory, popcorn and movie watching (even if it is Dora or Clifford), seeing life from a child's eyes....and feeling so lucky that I am able to spend my days and nights with three incredible people. I am blessed.....and yes, I am Thankful. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.....may you feel the blessings of the holiday spirit with those you love. We wish you much love and you celebrate with those you are most thankful for.