Thankful

34 weeks along
Coranelle having fun in the bath while Grandpa Steve was helping babysit.
Showing off her new, green tutu from her Auntie Rachael while testing out Sheldon's new travel bed.
Mom and sisters at my baby Sprinkle this past weekend. I didn't get any pictures of the other guests, but it was a great time and Sheldon and I feel very spoiled and loved!
Nemo to go in Sheldon's ocean themed room.
Two sisters being very good sports at a shower with lots of talk about babies, labors and toddlers.
One of my excellent sprinkle hostesses.
And the other! Thanks for a wonderful time to celebrate the upcoming arrival of baby Sheldon.


Over the past few days, I have just felt abundantly thankful for a lot of things in my life right now. I think I too often take my blessings for granted and get hung up on little circumstances that pass away. Here's my list-

1. I am thankful for a healthy pregnancy and lots of friends and family to support me and help me along the journey. I appreciate the backrubs from my hubby and his willingness to cook dinner when I'm tired or feeling dizzy and off. I appreciate all the help from family to help us clean our house and carpets. Ryan's dad and uncle are coming this weekend to steam clean all of the juice stains out of the carpet! In April, we have a whole cleaning party coming to help me with my nesting. And, in light of the stories I've heard lately about fertility issues and failed pregnancies, I am so thankful that Sheldon has been growing along well inside of me.

2. I am thankful for such a wonderful church. I have found so much grace and truth, strength and encouragement since we have been going to Flatirons. I am so thankful to have a pastor that is authentic and honest and can share openly about the hard things that happen in his own home, marriage, faith, etc. We have met a lot of really great people through this church and I just cannot imagine life without it. I have not always felt this way about church, so this is incredibly refreshing and wonderful.

3. I am thankful for my MOPs group and all of the women that I have gotten to know over the past few months. They are moms that have been really supportive and I SO appreciate their honesty about their own lives, joys, challenges and struggles. I really look forward to our Tuesday meetings. I love that Coranelle is so happy about the two ladies that take such good care of her for those 2 1/2 hours that I get to spend with other adults.

4. I am really thankful for a husband that is so often on the same page as me when it comes to... life. He supports me and agrees with me when it comes to discipline, raising our child and preparing for the next (although he doesn't have the nesting instincts that I do... funny :-) ). He shares my faith, my passions, my ideas about money, and my morals. I know that not every marriage is like this, but I just love mine. I don't know how I would have gotten through those first 6 months of colic without his strength, patience, support, consistency and love. He's awesome and I am so happy to have him.

5. I am thankful to have the rec center so close. Sounds petty, I know. But, there are a few wonderful girls that work in child sitting there and Coranelle just adores them. They are very patient with her and her opinionated and spirited ways. It is wonderful that I can leave her there and know she will feel happy, safe, and comfortable and I can have a few hours a week to myself.

6. I am thankful for our upcoming trip to Buena Vista this weekend- our babymoon- if you will. I am excited for some time away to relax, ignore chores, and spend some quality time with Ryan. We are staying at a neat bed and breakfast, right along the river. I am looking forward to walks, wandering through Salida, finding fun coffee shops, reading, playing games and relaxing. I am also thankful that we have such wonderful, willing grandparents to watch Coranelle so we can get some time away! I'm a little nervous to leave her for two nights, but it will be a great weekend!

7. I am thankful for great girlfriends whom I've met in the past few years. I am thankful for their listening ears, their smiles and their support.

Thanks to all of you who read and offer such great advice and support. Have a wonderful day!