A Month of Thanks - Day 30

Today, I'm thankful that I took the time to document all the ways in which I am thankful for our life.  It's easy to forget the beauty and blessings around us, but when times get a little tough, I'll have this list to look back on and simply smile at how truly blessed we are. 

A Month of Thanks - Day 29

Today, I am thankful for our photographer who is so beautifully capturing Emeline's 1st year for us.  This weekend we have Emeline's 6 month pictures (a little early, but those Christmas cards much go out on time!).  Thanks R and J Studios for freezing this time for us and for capturing the joy of Emeline's 1st year!

A Month of Thanks - Day 28

Today, I'm thankful for the beauty of the world around us.  It's easy to overlook it, but I've been trying to find the beauty in the everyday.  Instead of seeing the trash in the streets, I choose to see the trees behind it with their gorgeous changing leaves.  Instead of seeing the concrete jungle we live in, I choose to admire the beauty in the architecture.  You see, we aren't fans of Houston, but I've chosen to find the beauty in this city in hopes of learning to enjoy the city we live in a little more.  

A Month of Thanks - Day 27

Today, I'm thankful for my mom and all the ways she has stepped in to help us as Emeline's Grammy.  She watched Emeline while we were away in New Orleans as well as Oskar and George.  My dad was at the deer lease, so it was just Eme and Grammy bonding time.  I'm so thankful to have her and my dad close, so Emeline and her grandparents can share those special moments together.  I have such fond memories of days spent at my grandparents houses, and I can only hope the same for Emeline.

A Month of Thanks - Day 26

Today, I'm thankful for this holiday season.  I've been yearning for this season for over 3 years and now it's here.  I finally have a daughter to share this magical time with.  A family to start our own traditions.  I look forward to all the memories we will make and all the traditions we will instill on our own family in hopes of passing them on to the next generation.  

A Month of Thanks - Day 25

Today, I'm thankful my mother-in-love gave birth to my husband on this day 30 years ago.  She raised an incredible man and should be so proud of the husband and father he has become.  Today, we celebrate his 30th birthday and we enter the second decade of our life together.  I'm so thankful we locked eyes in a library on the UT campus almost 10 years ago. 

A Month of Thanks - Day 24

Today, I'm thankful for having received two very helpful parenting books that have we have turned to during our neediest first parent moments.  If you are a new parent, I highly recommend these two books:

Your Baby's First Year (week by week)

The Sleep Lady's Good Night, Sleep Tight: Gentle Proven Solutions to Help Your Child Sleep Well and Wake Up Happy

As well as this video:

The Happiest Baby On The Block

All three resources have been instrumental in raising our happy baby.  I'm so thankful not only to have these resources, but for the people who introduced them to us.  Now, it's my turn to pass them on!