Thankful

Brian doesn't really believe in being "lucky".  He believes that things happen due to hard work and good timing, but mostly hard work.

I do believe in luck, and I feel lucky all of the time.  I suppose another word I could use instead would be "thankful".  So, this post is about everything I am thankful for right now (and feel lucky to have).


1.) My husband.  He is starting a business this year, so his free time is rare, and yet he has co-parented with me from day one.  In fact, he changed the very first poopy diaper himself.  He loves our baby with all his heart and she is his little princess.  He works long hours and often has to continue working for many hours when he gets home at night. But when he's here, he will drop anything to hold her, sit with her, and be with her.

2.) Grace Jacqueline.  I cannot believe how lucky I am to be her mom.  She is the sweetest baby in the entire world.  My heart just aches when I look at her.  I have never felt a love like this before in my life. I can't believe this little tiny baby is 50% me and 50% Brian, and just 100% perfect.  She is growing up before our eyes (literally growing - she has gained so much weight since being born and a lot of her 3-month clothes are now snug on her)!

3.) Extended Maternity Leave.  This is one where Brian's hard work causes me to have good luck.  He works so hard to provide for us, allowing me to stay home an extra 9 weeks with no pay.  I am SO lucky to have this time at home with my little angel baby.  I've spent this past month and a half living and breathing baby Grace.  She is 6, almost 7 weeks old now, and this is the time where many women have to go back to work.  I can't imagine putting her in daycare yet.  I'm so lucky I don't have to (yet).

4.) Sleep.  We are finally getting some decent sleep at night!  Grace has been getting in at least two 3-hour stretches every night now, and at least one 2-hour nap during the day.  I feel so lucky to have a baby that likes to sleep (like her mama)!

5.) My Pregnancy/Childbirth Experience.  My pregnancy and childbirth were by no means easy, but they were perfect for me.  I planned to gain between 25-35 pounds, and ended up gaining exactly 30 (without trying to gain more or less).  My childbirth went very smoothly (despite a long labor and a perineal tear).  I was able to deliver vaginally, I was able to have instant skin-to-skin with this perfect little creature.  I was able to walk out of the hospital 36 hours after giving birth.

Seeing my parents become
grandparents has been amazing.

6.) Friends and family.  I am so lucky to have my parents only a mile away.  They have already been a huge help, and Grace is less than two months old.  My mom will be doing Grace care two days a week.  Brian's mom helped me survive my beginning days with a baby, and moves her schedule around to drive in to help us from Ludington.  We have had so many kind friends come visit us, bringing all kinds of gifts.  Friends and family have brought us dinners, snacks, wine, and lots of cute pink girly clothes for our sweet baby girl.  We've received countless packages with warm wishes and generous gifts.  They say it takes a village to raise a child.  Well, I didn't realize just how big our village is, but we are certainly thankful for it.

When times get tough, and I know they will, I just have to look at this list, and remember just how truly lucky I am.