Gratitude Friday…

Hi.

Um…I’m tired.

Things that have come out of my mouth recently:

“In the lobby waiting on the horses to arrive.”

“Apparently, I am late to the Owl party because hello the cuteness!”

“Get it girl! Kick that elephant!”

“So how’s the pig looking so far?”

“That’s right! You got the dog too!”

All in all, it appears I am living in a zoo. Or possibly a farm. Or maybe gathering animals two by two for the next great flood.

Of course, there’s a story behind each of those. Some are interesting. Some are not. Likely you’ll never learn which is which because…well…see sentence two.

I am so tired that all creativity has been zapped from me. I blame the animals on the farm entirely.

Except for when it comes to making onesies. And skirts.

There are some others I made this week too but those are gifts for some amazing women in my life. And I’d rather not ruin the fun for them. I’m not sure what Emily Post would have to say about putting pictures of gifts before you’ve actually given them on your blog but I’m about 98% certain she would not be in favor of it.

Onward to the list!

1. My husband – having a baby is hard. No lie. There are things said at 2:00 am after only 2 hours of sleep in the past 48 that you would never say if you were functionally sane. I’ve done my fair sharing of snapping and possibly even thrown in some sarcasm. Because really, why not make a situation worse by sinking to the lowest low? So we are working on some rebuilding here. Chris is so understanding and trying as hard has his little maxed out self will give him time to do so. This week alone he’s come home with Peanut M&M’s, left me a note for me to see in the morning before the gym, sent me an email longer than one sentence, praised my mothering, thanked me for making bottles, washed said bottles after I’d worked almost a 12 hour day (note that he far works more than that everyday) and brought me roses. He rocks.

2. Spillage pleas – Pumpkin has been spilling out of her diapers at night. We went up a size but it was still happening. In frustration at having to change and wash her crib sheets, I sent out a plea to the moms at church. I got back a recommendation that has saved the day! No more spillage. She still hates to be in the full diaper though. Not sure how to stop that but at least I’m doing less laundry. Thanks ladies!

3. Computer Geeks – It’s my favorite time of year. You know. When I have to do that big fundraising campaign? I often feel like laying my head down on my desk, putting my fingers in my ears and crying. It’s that much fun. But this week, one of the computer geeks at work created this magic system that pulls 75% of the information I need directly. The other 25% is all me. This has given me back a significant amount of time. I may or may not have promised to name my next child after him. He would be disappointed to discover that’s not a done deal since it took us three years to have the first one. But it was the thought that counts.

4. Sitting up – Can I tell you that I am adoring Aubrey Kate sitting up? She is so interactive and fun. We spent 10 minutes last night playing with my hand. MY HAND! She’s got two but she finds mine fascinating. I would move it around and she would follow trying to catch it. Sigh. This whole mom thing is awesome. I love her so much. There really are no words. I tell Chris it’s like I’m missing something when I’m not with her. There’s a little part of me that doesn’t feel “full” until I see her smile and can hold her.

5. Miracle – We are nearing closer and closer to baby dedication day for Aubrey Kate. The fact that I just wrote that sentence is an amazing answer to prayer. My sweet blogger friend Sarah posted pictures of Ayla’s dedication this week. I cried all the way through her post. Partly because of her journey and partly because of ours. Sometimes, I do get so wrapped up in the day to day that I honestly forget what a miracle my daughter is. I never thought that would happen but it does. But then there are days when someone will sit in my chair at work and open up about their own journey and I have the opportunity to share our testimony. People aren’t nearly as stand-offish about miracles and God when we’re talking about babies. There’s a softening there that I believe the Holy Spirit uses. I am so humbled by how God gives us these challenges so we can share His love with others. Reminds me of Decemberradio’s song “For Your Glory”.

“Lord here’s my offering
You are the one that takes what I bring
And some how uses it
For Your Glory, for Your Glory.”

Love you all!!!