What I'm thankful for...

Tonight is the eve of Finn's first birthday. I remember how nervous I was this time, last year. I would have a c-section the next day and all the unknowns were nerve racking. Here we are...time has flown by and I just cannot get my head around the idea that my 'baby' is now 1.

Since we quit nursing he's had a hard time sleeping and it's been really hard on both of us. I don't do well making him 'cry it out' and since I did force myself to do that a few nights, he was beside himself, insecure, not napping, not sleeping, etc. I finally called the pediatrician for ideas and I could go back and kiss the nurse. It was so simple...yet I totally missed it. He needed a new 'comfort' to sleep with since I had been taken away. So he now sleeps w/ his best buddy, Curious George. It is one of the sweetest things I've ever seen. He cuddles up with him and goes right to sleep. Last night was WONDERFUL and today he napped 2 1/2 hours...ahhh. Thank you, George!!

Crazy thing is I am thrilled that we made this transition as I know HE's ready. I don't know that I'm ready. As liberating as it is to be done nursing, I miss that time. As much as I'm thrilled he is easier to put to bed now (especially for nights we'd like to go out) I am a little sad that he is less dependent on me. Crazy...I know. But I love my kiddo so much and these steps...as small or silly as they may seem, have been monumental for me. I have cried several times over the last few days...in joy. Watching my little guy walk around and realizing how big he really is.

Happy birthday baby boy! I love you so very much and always will. You have made this year the BEST year of my life. My life has so much more purpose now that you're in it. Thank you. Thank you for the sloppy, open-mouth kisses too. I never knew I'd like those so much.

So the other day we were at my mom's and she had a Telly-tubby book. We don't watch that cartoon here (can never find it) so it was new for him. He was really taken by it. The 'noo-noo' is in there which looks to me like a canister vacuum cleaner. He says 'slurp-slurp' and my mom would tickle Finn's belly when she read that page. After a few times of reading the book, he decided to read it on his own. You can see him 'tickle' his belly himself when he looks at the 'noo-noo'. Not only does this blow my mind...but it is so stinking cute!!! I love you, Finn. Happiest, sweetest, best birthday!!!

Here is the other video I have to share... We were at my mom's another day and she has all kinds of little bears and dolls around in little chairs...at heights the kids can reach. Every grandchild has grown up to know and love her 'friends'. Here you see Finn find one of my old baby dolls, Emily. Finn liked her...and gave her 'love.' Too sweet!!

Tonight is also the eve of Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for!

I thank the Lord for my husband every day. He compliments me better than anyone. He grounds me, he makes me laugh. He still makes me tingle when we kiss. He hums music in my ear and slow dances with me in the kitchen. He is my best friend. I am so very thankful for my gorgeous honey, Shane.

I am thankful for Finn. I wrote about him above some and I just want to add that I stand in awe of this little man...and that God would bring him in MY life. I don't know why I deserve him...and I can only pray I raise him the way God wants me to...but I am ever so grateful to have him. I cherish my days with him. I cherish my time at home with him. I cherish his smile, personality, bright eyes, laughter, hugs, kisses, conversation and I am amazed at his love for me. He is the greatest gift I've ever received. Thank you, Lord.

I am thankful for Hudson. My step-son has been both a joy and as most of you know, a challenge. It is hard to blend families, yet we have a bond that will last us a lifetime and I am thankful for his sweet spirit in my life. I am thankful for the ways he pushes me to be more. I try my hardest every day to be a positive, bright spot in his life. Even on the days I fail...I know I will be stronger, better and wiser b/c of him. Thank you, Hudson, for loving me...even when I don't deserve it.

I am also thankful for being home. I love the time I have with Finn. I could not imagine taking him to day care every day and missing all of the wonderful, sweet moments I cherish and keeps me going. I know so many friends who do not have the luxury of being home and I am ever so grateful to be able to be here. I love getting Finn out of bed. I love feeding him cheesy eggs for breakfast. I love rocking him before his naps, I love reading books together. I love when he helps me empty the dishwasher and do laundry. :) I love taking him out for errands...he is so much fun and full of wonder. I love watching him learn/grow each day. Thank you, Lord, Thank you, Shane, for giving me one of the best gifts ever.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! May God bless you and your families abundantly.