Days of Thanks

As a tribute to the November Thanksgiving holiday I'm posting this blog full of 30 days of thanks. One day of thanks for each day in the month. I thought it would be great to post this on the last day of the month, as a recap.

Day 1 - I am thankful for my job. You all have no idea how much this company and the people I work with mean to me, and how helpful and supportive they were with my maternity leave, and my transition into motherhood.

Day 2 - I am thankful for my dog. The stinky mutt that cleans the floor for me, stands protectively between my child and the door while I am in the other room, and barks at anyone that even thinks about walking into my house. You are a pain in my butt sometimes Charlie, but I love you - even if you are a beast.

Day 3 - I am thankful for my sister Jessica. She puts up with so much from me, helps me with so many things, does so much for me, and is the most wonderful Auntie ever. ♥ Not to mention is totally talented in Paint. ;p (you know, the 'graphics program' that comes on every Windows computer I've ever been in contact with that allows you to draw pixel by pixel? Yep, that one)

Day 4 - I am thankful for my phone. It sounds dumb but I really am. This piece of machinery helps me each and every day to capture memories of life with my son, watch him grow, see him learn. Not to mention does simple math and accepts my incessant assault on its face by my fingers to text, surf Facebook, Google things, and keep track of my pumping schedule.

Day 5 - Today (and everyday) I am thankful for my son, who is 11 months old this day =) I love you sweetness!

Day 6 - I'm thankful for new family :-)

Day 7 - I am thankful for such a wonderful babysitter. Having someone care for your child that truly loves them is a blessing - and a bonus that her daughter and boyfriend as well as the rest of her family also loves my TurtleLove. Super bonus, Nicole is an amazing friend all around, and an inspirational woman. ♥

Day 8 - I am thankful for WIC - which has helped us make ends meet and provide myself with proper nutrition through my pregnancy and nursing TurtleLove, as well as provided me with with a hospital grade electric breast pump for the first year so I can continue to provide breast milk for my son, even while at work.

Day 9 - I am thankful for the ability to breastfeed and provide my son the best start in life nutritionally that I was able (started putting him to breast at 4 days old). Even though we have also had to supplement with formula, today marks 11 months of breastfeeding and still going strong! For that, I am very thankful.

Day 10 - I'm thankful for downtime at home with my son

Day 11 - I'm thankful for all of our countries soldiers, past present and future - those who have served in times of war and times of peace. Those who live, breathe, and die to protect the freedoms we are provided - those that fight for what we stand for. A special thank you to both of my grandfathers(♥), who each fought for this country, and a special thank you to my friends and family who serve(d).

Day 12 - I'm thankful for my best friend Rachel - I'm pretty sure I'd be insane without you - love you!

Day 13 - I'm thankful my husband has a job he loves, with people he can call his friends =)

Day 14 - I'm thankful for my mommy who's birthday it is. She does so much for us and has always been supportive and there for me. Love you Mom!

Day 15 - I'm thankful for my husband on our 1 month anniversary. Finally got my name changed too!

Day 16 - I'm thankful to have a car to drive to work and to take TurtleLove around in. A car that is safe and reliable, so I'd like to thank my dad and step-mom for helping us find this one last year, and of course Dad's networking skills to get it lol.

Day 17 - I'm thankful for Sarah (my sister's bestie) who is awesome and amazing!!!!! (she totally hooked us up at the Breaking Dawn release - she works for the theater)

Day 18 - I'm thankful for great friends, good company, and love. (and breaking dawn part 1..... shhhh)

Day 19 - I'm thankful for my family! Every single one of them! And I'm thankful TurtleLove was able to meet both of my mom's parents and be such a source of joy for them before they passed.

Day 20 - I'm thankful for the opportunity to have lazy days at home.

Day 21 - I'm thankful for my ability to learn things quickly =)

Day 22 - I'm thankful for my childhood. My parents did a great job making sure I was happy, enriched my imagination, and helped me be eager to learn!

Day 23 - Today I'm reminded to be thankful of so many things. Medical advances, research and funds being raised by groups such as the March of Dimes, amazing nurses and neonatologists, and support. I'll always be thankful of support.

Day 24 I'm thankful for many many things. Too many things and people to mention here but for starters I'm thankful for the beautiful land we call home.
Remember in your shopping and travels your plans for the day are NOT more important than the policeman fire truck or ambulance on its way to an emergency and get out of its way!!!

Day 25 - I'm thankful for good sales - and I'm thankful TurtleLove's fever FINALLY broke!(his first fever over 100!)

Day 26 - I'm thankful to have such wonderful family that love and support us.

Day 27 - I'm thankful for access to clean water everyday and the ability to put food on the table. I hope that I can continue to learn to use these resources wisely and respect that I have them at all when so many others do not.

Day 28 - I'm thankful for my friends. Thank you for embracing my craziness =)

Day 29 - I'm thankful for my many freedoms.

Day 30 - I'm thankful for life. The gift of life - that I have it, that I've been able to create life within me, and that I will hopefully be able to do so again in the future. I'm thankful to be a part of so many lives, and to have so many lives intertwine with mine. Life is such a treasure and a gift.