It's almost Thanksgiving

So, I thought I'd get a head-start on some of the things I'm thankful for.
I'm thankful for a husband who is willing to work twice as hard so I can stay home with our son
I'm thankful for a son who thinks that the world revolves around me... even though it really revolves around HIM!
I'm thankful for the roof over my head
I'm thankful for a family that is supportive of all of my decisions, no matter what.
I'm thankful for a God who reminds me that I am loved, even when I feel like the whole world is kicking me.
I'm thankful for all my friends, old, new and everywhere in between.
I'm thankful for a church where I am welcomed regardless of how I look, what I wear, or how often I come.
I'm thankful for my 1-minute prayer books, sometimes they're the only way I can get any Bible reading done!
I'm thankful for my cousins... even though it may not seem like it sometimes.
I'm thankful for the invention of the COFFEE MAKER!
I'm thankful for baby hugs and kisses. Nothin in the whole world like 'em!

Ok, my turn...

Ten essentials I can't get through a day without:
a pacifier,
a cup of tea or coffee,
a few minutes to myself,
at least 2 clean shirts,
2 (or more) clean outfits for Ronnie,
baby tylenol,
one small piece of candy (I don't care what kind)
Something happy to think about,
1 adult conversation,
hand sanitizer!

Nine words I love to hear:
"Hi baby," "Want me to come over?" and "mumumum" (that one counts as 2 because I hear it so often!)

Eight things that define my happy place:
music (either country or christian), baby laughter, painted nails, a clean house, appreciation, flowers, sunshine, love

Seven things I love about my life:
My husband works so I can stay home
Being able to make my son laugh many times a day
Sleeping through the morning,
my relationship with my mom,
my cats who love to snuggle up with me,
having a group of friends who don't think I'm a stupid mom just because I'm a YOUNG mom.
Not expecting myself to be perfect anymore.

Six places I'd like to see before I die:
Germany,
Ireland,
California,
My own house,
Montana,
England

Five things I do every day:
Kiss my husband,
Play with my son,
Sing something,
Read my books,
clean some part of my apartment

Four websites I frequent:
www.comcast.net
www.myspace.com
www.facebook.com
www.cafemom.com

Three prayers I say every day:
"Thank you, God, for bringing Chris back to church"
"Thank you for bringing Chris to the couples retreat"
"Thank you for giving Les a job that he loves that supports his family"

Two decisions I don't regret:
Having Ronnie... he's my joy already, even when he's teething and miserable.
Trying to repair my relationships. Some of them will take longer than others, but everything worth doing is worth doing right, isn't it?

One very important thing about me:
I don't think it's possible for a person to change for someone else. Maybe in little ways, but not in big ones.

A month ago...

I wouldn't have chosen to stay awake just to watch someone else sleep.
I wouldn't have woken up 4 or 5 times in the course of the night just so someone else could eat.
I couldn't have held still in my sleep if you'd PAYED me.
I hadn't dreamed that I could be so in love with someone so tiny
I didn't know that you could blow out of the next size up diaper!!
I didn't even know how to pack a diaper bag.

But then, a month ago I wasn't a mom... I wasn't the only person who could comfort my baby, and I wasn't looking for someone to need me.

I'm a Mommy!!!

So, Ronald Nathaniel is here, and I'm constantly amazed by how often he eats and needs to be changed. He's so small; how can he possibly have that much in his stomach??!? I told Chris that I'd TRY to call him Ronnie for the rest of the month, but if I can't make it fit, then he's Nathaniel. He's really picking up on nursing, and he's got a Jaws-of-Death grip!

Oh well... at least he's healthy!