Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Things to be Thankful for

I'm not a habitually grateful person. Unfortunately I am not one of those that wakes up every morning to seize the day, thank the sun for rising and the day for starting. I leave all the lights off, slowly ease my way into the morning, and wait until the last minute to put my hearing aids in. It may be this morning mentality that prevents me from counting my blessings. However- today- in a random way (on my way to the bathroom)- I was struck by the things I am thankful for...

1) At my office, the bathroom is literally right next to my office. Who can beat that for a pregnant lady?
2) I work about 20 hours a week in a fairly stress-free part-time job.
3) I walk across the street to go to work, by the time I've worked up any semblance of sweat- I'm indoors with some of the most hot-natured air-conditioning loving people I know. I am not hot and it's July!
4) My husband fixes me breakfast on a semi-regular basis. I'm talking bacon, eggs and toast.
5) The way my desk is and every other place I hang out between work and home- I usually have a place to put my feet up. Swelling has not been an issue and my feet feel great. I rarely have to stand for a long period of time.
6) I have an endless supply of cold water at home and at work.
7) My dog doesn't jump on me- only on my husband.
8) My cell phone enables me to keep in touch with my family and all friends who can help me when I am clueless about what to do next.
9) I like my doctor, and she likes me.
10) I live in Northern Virginia- and although the pace is hectic and the prices are high- the hospitals are superb.
11) I have had all the right symptoms of pregnancy- down to the pelvic stretching (more on that later maybe) that will hopefully prepare me for a normal birth. I even haven't had much heartburn.
12) I am in a church that has embraced my husband and me to the extent of being beyond spoiled. This church hasn't seen a baby from the staff in a while- and seem content to be ridiculously excited about it.
13) Between church, family, and random neighbors- I am told about 3 times a day how great I look.
14) We have been blessed financially through generous gifts from our family, and also support from our church.
15) Everyone who has had a boy within the last 6 months is keen on giving us all their clothes that their little ones have grown out of, meaning we will not be purchasing clothes for about 7 years.
16) Likewise, anyone who has been pregnant, ever, has given me clothes, pillows, bras, etc- and the rest has been filled in by my mother- the world's best bargain shopper.

I'm going to miss being pregnant- I really think so. I am one of THOSE weird women. This is not so bad. I will have to remember this time- because next time won't be so easy or at least so ridiculously easy. But who knows- now that I've counted these blessings- I'm starting to think maybe this is just how things are for us! : ) We are blessed!