What I'm Thankful For

Have you heard of Ann Voskamp’s book, A Thousand Gifts? I love the idea of it- “learning how to live a life full of grace, thanksgiving and joy in the midst of deadlines, debt, drama, and daily duties. What does a Christ-life really look like when your days are gritty, long, and sometimes even dark?”  When Ann asks this I feel like she is speaking right to me.

I haven’t read the book (yet) but something keeps bringing me back to it.  I need to just go ahead and order it from Amazon.

I often I get so caught up in the daily grind that I miss the blessings that are right in front of me.  Ignoring the small gifts that make me truly happy and instead, searching for the big blessings.  You know the ones that stop you in your tracks, the ones that don’t come around very often. The ones you continually pray for.

But what about the daily blessings that are given to you without even asking?  What about the ones that are often overlooked because we are so busy just keeping up.

For a while now it’s really been on my heart to seek out these everyday blessings.  To make a conscious effort to be thankful for all I have and find joy in it all.  To overlook the struggles and frustrations and see the opportunity.

When I started making a list throughout the day of all the little things to be thankful for it amazed me how quickly the list grew…

A warm bed and safe home

A reliable job that more than pays the bills

My sweet husband who sends pictures of our daughter in the morning because I leave for work before she’s up

A long and relaxing lunch break at Panera

Knowing I am forgiven for all my sins.

Today I am thankful for an old friend I went to high school with.  We weren't ever close friends but we had a few classes together and she was always a kind, friendly person.  Through the magic of social media or maybe the grace of God, this person, who I haven’t spoken to in over ten years, sent me a message awhile back that spoke right to my heart.  Encouraging words that I desperately needed to hear and have thought of many times over the past few months. Advice that fear is a form of faith and to reject the temptation to trust in what fear says could happen.  A reminder to enjoy the gift of pregnancy and to trust in God’s plan.

What are you thankful for today?

Colorado Part One - Sledding

Avery and I left DFW bright and early Thursday morning, I was nervous to fly alone with a toddler while six months pregnant but I knew if I showed up in Colorado without the granddaughter it wouldn’t be good J.  Thankfully the flight to Denver is a short one. She did pretty well… Actually, she was exactly like I would expect a 20-month old toddler to be. Curious, energetic, nervous.  Unfortunately the man sitting next to us didn’t seem to appreciate these traits.  I was very happy to hear the landing gear and touch down at DIA after the two hour flight.  We got our bags packed in my mom’s car and I just had to thank them for arranging a typical Colorado day for us.  Deep blue skies, crisp cool air, and majestic mountains. Oh, it was so good to be home.

Thursday was very low-key.  We got to my parents’ house, ate lunch and then all four of us took a nap. Once we were well rested, Avery, my mom and I headed to the hospital to visit my Grandma.  She is almost 93 and still doing great but Avery was a little scared of her. I think the hospital in general was just overwhelming.  Finally she warmed up and Grandma even got a hug good-bye!

My dad picked up Matt Thursday evening, getting those two together is usually trouble J

Friday morning we drove to Estes Park and met up with Stef and Brian.  We grabbed lunch and headed into Rocky Mountain National Park to go sledding at Hidden Valley.  As soon as we entered the park the guys spotted these Elk 100 feet from the road.  The weather changed quickly when we got into the Park and by the time we reached Hidden Valley it was snowing sideways. Perfect sledding weather! We got Avery all bundled up, grabbed our sleds and headed out.  It was pretty chilly and I have to admit, trekking up a (small) hill at 9,400 ft while pregnant had me breathing pretty hard but we had fun. 

28 Weeks

How Far Along: 28 weeks

Size of baby:   baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels

Gender: IT'S A BOY!! We finally agreed on a name... and that we want to keep it a secret! Okay, we've told a few people but are trying to keep it a surprise for the most part!

Maternity Clothes: See week 26. I despise maternity clothes

Movement: This little guy is moving all the time! I'm starting to feel a few soft rib kicks... right now they don't hurt but I had forgotten how uncomfortable rib kicks are when you start to run out of belly room! Also, I've noticed he is sitting much lower than Avery so I'm already starting to feel pressure and making lots of trips to the bathroom!

Sleep: Starting to wake up once in a while to go to the bathroom.  I've been drinking a ton of water which I know I need but doesn't help at night!

Weight Gain: 20 pounds. yikes.

Symptoms: My ankles are still a little swollen at the end of the day but are back to normal in the morning so I'm trying to keep my feet elevated as often as possible. I've started having a few contractions in the evenings.  I told my doctor at the last appt. and she wasn't concerned as long as they are irregular and only a few a night.  Just trying to drink a ton of water and take it easy so that they don't get any more frequent!

Cravings: Sweets

Best moment this week: I can't choose just one... our trip to Colorado, starting the third trimester, monthly checkup confirming everything still looks good (and I passed my glucose test!), starting to decorate the nursery! It has been a great week :)

Colorado Shower

While we were home my mom, sister and aunt hosted a shower for baby Williams!!  I am so thankful for all they did, not only did they do a great job hosting, decorating, cooking, etc. but this shower allowed me to get a chance to see all of my aunts, girl cousins, grandma and some friends.  If it hadn't been for the shower there is no way I could have seen everyone so I am so thankful for all they did!!!

My aunt did a wonderful job (as always) with the decorations!

 The guests each took home one of the vases, I love this idea!!

 Sweet little onesies, socks and bibs for the little guy :)

Opening gifts.  Our little guy got some adorable clothes, blankets and toys! 

My little helper! I can't wait for her to be a big sis!

The cake! 

The whole group.  I am so thankful for each and every person that came, I am so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.

Me and my grandma.  Everyone has always told me I look like her :) I hope so, she is beautiful!

Me, Kim and our girls.  Kim and I have been friends since second (ish) grade.  We have so many memories and saw each other through good and bad times during middle and high school.  Her little girl is nine months old, I hope Heather and Avery grow up to be friends!

The wonderful hosts... aren't they beautiful!?!?  

I had such a great time, I sure wish I could see all of these wonderful ladies more than once or twice a year.

Avery's First Haircut

We just got back from a much needed mini-vacation last night but more on that later.... I'm patiently waiting for my sister to send pictures from her awesome new camera.... no rush Stef ;)

Monday morning my mom and I took Avery for her first haircut!! It was much needed and long overdue but I've been putting it off for many reasons.  AKA my list of excuses - I didn't know where to take her,
I wasn't ready for this "milestone", I was nervous about how she'd do, I just didn't have time.

Well, I thought it would be fun if my mom could go to help distract her and we found this cut little place just a few miles from my parents house called Pigtails and Crewcuts that specializes in cuts for little ones.  It was such a great place!! They made Avery feel so comfortable and she had a blast playing with all the toys.

Getting ready to sit in the fire engine! Not so sure about this.

She really was excited to sit in these fun little chairs until the lady started spraying her hair and brushing it.  Thank goodness for dum-dums!

Overall she did pretty well but I'm glad we won't have to go back for awhile, ha!

I didn't get a very good after picture but here she is riding in the plane and playing choo-choo with Grandma. They took a few inches off the back and cut bangs. 

26 Weeks!

How Far Along: 26 weeks

Size of baby:   Baby now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel.

Gender: IT'S A BOY!! We finally agreed on a name... and that we want to keep it a secret! Okay, we've told a few people but are trying to keep it a surprise for the most part!

Maternity Clothes: Yep.  I've been searching online trying to find maternity clothes that 1) don't cost a fortune and 2) don't look hideous. When I was pregnant with Avery I was on bed rest by the time I needed to wear maternity clothes so my current selection is very limited (especially jeans and dress pants). I just hate to spend a bunch of money on clothes I'm only going to wear for 10-12 weeks. 

Movement: This little guy is moving all the time! I'm starting to feel a few soft rib kicks... right now they don't hurt but I had forgotten how uncomfortable rib kicks are when you start to run out of belly room!

Sleep: Starting to wake up once in a while to go to the bathroom.  I've been drinking a ton of water which I know I need but doesn't help at night!

Symptoms: My ankles are still a little swollen at the end of the day but are back to normal in the morning so I'm trying to keep my feet elevated as often as possible. 

Cravings:  Fruit and ice cream.  I can't get enough! 

Best moment this week: I've been feeling great this past week! We had a wonderful weekend and I've finally started getting things ready for his nursery.  Oh, and we leave for CO in THREE DAYS!! I cannot wait to see family and friends, I've been looking forward to this trip for almost six months!  

TGIF

Yay, we made it through another long week and it is FRIDAY!! My weekends are so incredibly precious to me - I just can't wait to have two full days to hang out with this sweet girl and her daddy :).  I know I complain a lot about working and being away from her so much but it really does make our time together that much sweeter. Last weekend she wanted to go outside so bad before church.  She stood at this window asking over and over again.  How could I say no?? :)

Pretty please, mommy...

YAY!!! We love being outside! And we love jumping!

Having so much fun!

This sweet little girl just makes my heart melt.

I'm counting down to 4:30 when I get to head home!! We have a fun weekend planned!

Smile

It's dark and gloomy outside today and in turn, I'm feeling dark and gloomy too.  Thankfully in my new effort to be more organized this year I pulled all pictures off my phone from 2011 and found a bunch that made me smile.  I needed this... I am so thankful for this little girl. Her smile gets me through the day. 

25 Weeks!

 

 

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 25 weeks

Size of baby:   Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat.

Gender: IT'S A BOY!! We finally agreed on a name... and that we want to keep it a secret! Okay, we've told a few people but are trying to keep it a surprise for the most part!

Maternity Clothes: Yep.  I can still wear my jeans and dresses but most of the tops are maternity.  I think maternity clothes are one of my least favorite parts of being pregnant.  They are so expensive and often hard to find. I wish I could wear sweatpants everyday!

Movement: Our little guy is constantly moving.  Matt felt him move for the first time on Christmas day.  He's definitely getting stronger.  I forgot how much I love feeling a baby move, it is such a special feeling.

Sleep: No problems!

Symptoms: Nothing really, I feel like my ankles are a little puffy and I might be retaining water so I've tried to cut back on salt.  Other than that, feeling good!

Cravings:  I haven't been craving anything, in fact, I haven't had that much of an appetite.  I guess I ate more than enough during the holidays!

Best moment this week: We are finally starting to make progress on this little guy's nursery. I bought fabric for his crib bedding and found a crib online that I think we're going to purchase this week.  I'm very stressed about what where I'm going to put everything that is currently in his room... right now it is our guest/sewing/craft/storage room and I really need to start moving stuff out.  Not looking forward to that!

2012

We had a wonderful weekend ringing in the new year! It was so nice to be home for a long weekend, hangout with my favorite girl, have a date night with my hubby and get together with friends.  What a great way to start the new year!! I'm excited for 2012, we have so much to look forward to in the coming months.

A certain little girl is in love with her baby dolls.  It is so funny to me how little girls just seem to know how to love on babies. Avery got these two babies for Christmas and plays with them constantly.  She asks about her babies when I pick her up from daycare and wants them to sleep with her during nap time. It makes this mommy's heart very happy!

We had fun playing outside on Saturday.  The weather was just perfect and Avery had a blast playing on her new playset! I still can't believe how grown up she is, she climbed right up the stairs on the first try and seems to have no fear!

We spent New Years eve with our good friends, it was fun to get together with everyone! I had to steal these from my friend Melissa because my camera sat in my purse all evening.  I'm so thankful for this group of friends!

Sitting around the campfire, it was very windy but we had a great time!

New Years Day was very low key around our house.  2:00 am is way past my bed time so I was pretty lazy all day Sunday.  It was great!

Here's to a wonderful New Year, I can't wait to see what is to come in 2012!!