Thankful

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it's a time to reflect on all the blessings in our lives.  I've found that over the course of a year, my outlook becomes increasingly negative and pessimistic as I tend to dwell on everything that's gone wrong or all the things we don't have or can't afford.  The holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving, always causes me to pause, rethink my perspective, and focus on all the blessings I do have.  I truly believe that while we may not live in a house on the water, wear designer (or even stylish :-)) clothes, go on exotic vacations, or drive luxury vehicles, we are rich in all the ways that matter.  We have a great family that brings constant joy to our lives.  We have each other and that's all we need.

I also believe God chooses our family.  He knowingly and lovingly pairs each child with the parents He thinks are best suited to raise that child.  Given that, I am thankful for my boys as they truly are gifts from God.

This year marks Gavin's first Thanksgiving.  We couldn't be more thankful for him, especially his health, given his scary start to life.  We're also thankful for his progress  (he's at that age where everyday brings a new discovery, a new "first," or new milestone reached), his happiness (baby giggles always make us smile regardless of the type of day we're having), and the relationship he's forging with Ryan (photos can't capture the mutual affection and adoration between the boys).

We're also thankful for our family.  Ryan and Gavin are blessed to have so many people who love them.  Each grandparent, uncle, and aunt has such different personalities, interests, and backgrounds.  The boys are fortunate to be exposed to such diverse perspectives and histories.  It'll be interesting to see how these unique, but equally loving, influences help shape their personalities, characters, and ultimately the men they become. 

Last but not least, I'm thankful for Gavin sleeping through the night.  Although he hasn't repeated it since, he did sleep through the night for the first time at Granddaddy and Grami Shar's house.  I changed and fed him just before I went to bed around midnight.  Imagine my surprise when I heard him cooing from the pack-n-play, looked out the window and saw it was light outside, and checked my watch and discovered it was just after 7:00 a.m.!  It was my first full night's sleep in almost a year since I had terrible insomnia during my pregnancy.  Now that's something to be thankful for!