Family Updates
In recent weeks we have had lots of family visits which have been wonderful accompanied by gifts for Ben. This baby almost has a bigger wardrobe than I do! All the grandparents love the chatty happy baby that Ben has become. We have adjusted well to daycare and Ben is stimulated and engaged in play much more now. I am still adjusting but have become more comfortable with him there. He is sitting up more and engaging in play more which is great to see. Mostly we are just excited for the holidays to start some new traditions with our family.
What I’m Thankful For
Now, I want to take some time and share what I’m thankful for this year because I feel like life sometimes moves too fast to really take time to stop and be grateful. I know on Thanksgiving the meal is time for us to pause and be thankful, but it doesn’t feel like enough.
Last Thanksgiving, I knew I was pregnant but hadn’t been to the doctor yet for confirmation, so Andrew and I had to hide it from the family that came to our house to eat. We did a sitcom-esque wine glass swap with Andrew drinking both his and my glass. We are still amazed we got away with it because I like a good glass of wine! So that’s where I want to start:
I’m thankful for my son, Ben.
It has been a tough journey to get to this point from morning sickness in the first trimester to labor and delivery to the first month of his life that had lots of crying and sleepless nights. He has grown into this 4-month-old little person who smiles and laughs. He grabs his toys and is getting better at sitting up. Many people say that you don’t know love until you have a child and I believe that now. He means so much to me and I love coming home from work each day and giving him a big hug. It is a joy to see him grow and change each month.
I’m thankful for my husband, Andrew.
Without him, there would be no Ben. He is my partner in so many ways. I can be difficult sometimes because my type-A personality can get the best of me wanting things to be a certain way, but Andrew is so patient and understanding. I couldn’t do so much of what I do without him. He works so hard to help support our family and watching him with Ben always brings a smile to my face.
I’m thankful for my dog, Jeter.
Even though he can be needy and crazy sometimes, I love him. He watches out for us as a family. He loves a good walk and will always be ready to play to bring a smile to our faces.
I’m thankful for my family.
This is a big category and there is not enough room in this post to thank everyone for all they do. I will get to see some of my family for Thanksgiving when we host and some at Christmas. For Andrew and me, having a supportive family has made a big difference this year. They have all helped us out so much this year. They all love Ben and Jeter and do so much for them. I can’t wait to see them get to know him as he grows.
I’m thankful for the friends who are like family.
This includes people like our neighbors with the son a month younger than Ben, both our bosses, co-workers and friends near and far. These are the people that have supported us in so many ways and stepped in when family wasn’t available this past year. Having a baby is a lot of work and having a support system is essential. There are also the friends who I don’t see or talk to as often as I would like but hopefully they know that they mean a lot to me.
I’m thankful for our financial security.
And here is where I tie this post back to the “Millennials, Money and Marie” theme. Being able to afford our lifestyle and family without having to worry (ok we worry a little bit but that’s because we are worriers) means that we should also help others. Through the local Junior League chapter, I’m sponsoring a child for an Angel Tree gift and helping to make meals for a community organization that distributes them to those in need. I am grateful that I have the financial means to help others.
I think that at this time of year especially, it is important to remember that we should be thankful for what we have and also think about what we can do to help others. Whether it’s donating money or volunteering time or skills, philanthropy can improve the lives of others. I hope to instill this value in Ben as he grows as well.