Thankful...

As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself thinking of all the things I have to be thankful for. I am thankful to have such a loving and supportive husband. Charlie leaves for work around 5:00am each and every day (and sometimes Saturdays)and doesn't get home until around 7:00pm. He never complains. He comes home and spends time with his family. He knew I would like to take as long a Maternity Leave as possible and never gave it a second thought. Most mothers never have the opportunity to be home with their baby during the first few months, so I am truly thankful to have been given such a precious gift.

My love and I...



I am thankful to have such a wonderful family and am thankful to be close to them. My family is my world. I love them so much! I live about an hour and a half from my parents, brother, sister-in-law and nephew, so we often go weeks without seeing each other. I do talk to my Mom every single day and my Dad and brother at least a couple times a week, so we are always up to date with each other. I am especially thankful I will be able to see them on Thanksgiving!

My Mom and I...



My brother and soon to be sis-in-law(!)...



My nephew, Brandon, and I...



My Mommy and Daddy...



Charlie and I are very lucky our families do not live too far from each other, so we are able to visit with everyone on holidays. We will be visiting with Charlie's family on Thanksgiving morning. His best friend, Dave, will even be joining us! He has never met Eli, so I am excited for them to meet. Many people do not have family close and are not able to visit with family and friends around the holidays...so we are very thankful and consider ourselves truly blessed to be able to celebrate with our families.

Dave, Matt and Charlie (they have all been friends since elementary school)...



I am thankful for Lulu. She makes me smile every single day :). She is part of my family. She has really done a great job stepping into the "big sister" role to Eli. It sounds funny to say, but she really watches out for him just like an older sibling would. It's very sweet!

Sweet Lulu...



Of course I am thankful for Eli, who amazes me every single day and defines love. I am thankful to have such a happy, healthy baby. Charlie and I are so grateful to be Eli's parents. It is the best job in the entire world.

Precious Eli...



It is so easy to take things for granted and sometimes we need to take the time to stop and think about all the things we do have. We have much to be thankful for.

Wishing you all a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!