Thankful.

{me and my dancing partner, at a wedding a few weeks ago}

Sometimes it's good to stop for a minute, take a step back, and think about all of the good in our lives. I'll be the first to admit that sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of goings and comings, friends and plans and all of that goodness, I forget to take that step back and appreciate it. So right now, as I am sitting here on the couch, watching Hank and Henry play and laugh on our living room floor during Daddy/son time, I thought I would share a short gratitude list, and encourage you to do the same!

Today I am thankful for:

old friends that know you better than anyone

storytime at the library, and watching Henry interact with so many other little ones

the taste of a crisp organic Pink Lady apple, dipped in almond butter

quiet mornings with my baby boy, rocking in the green chair and singing songs

a roof over our head and food in our bellies

finding new blogs to fall in love with

and speaking of food, Greek yogurt with fresh berries. So thankful for that.

four fun weddings to look forward to

a pair of shorts that fit just right
new mama friends and upcoming plans

chilly evenings made for cardigans

the excitement of longtime friends moving up to our small town

being able to say "my boys" and the happy feeling it gives me

successfully pulling myself out of a terrible mood
thirty extra minutes of sleep

that feeling of being exactly where I've always wanted to be

Hank, and every little thing about him

...and Mexican food. Lots of gratitude for Mexican food!

How about you? Link back here if you decide to post a list- and have a great night!

Thankful.

Today I am thankful for:


my best friend Sarah. She brightens my day every single day. When someone knows you- really knows you, all the good and all the bad...and accepts you just the way you are, that's such a rare, amazing thing. We've been through so much together and it's neat that we've been side by side through so many stages and changes in our lives. I wish all of you could spend time with her so you could also know what beautiful spirit and huge heart she has. I guarantee she'd make you smile!

our new BOB jogging stroller. Henry and I have been going on early morning runs every since we got this amazing thing from Hank's Dad and Step-Mom.  I never thought I could love a baby product so much, but after using our severely lacking Graco stroller, the BOB is such a great change. It rides so well and Henry is so much more comfortable. Our Graco was so finicky about closing properly (most of my friends and family can attest to this), and now that we don't need it anymore I sincerely want to take it out back and go all Office Space on it. Ever see that movie? The printer scene? That's what I'm talking about!  But really, I love the BOB. We got the 2011 Revolution with the big wheels if anyone's curious.

 

Salads. Oh goodness. I cannot get enough of salads lately!  My current favorite: spring greens, sliced raw almonds, dried cranberries and balsamic. I just put it all in a tupperware container and shake it up. It's out of this world.

My Mom. I think I only truly realized what an amazing mother I have once I became one myself. I've always appreciated her, but this just takes it to a whole new level. So thankful for this wonderful woman.

Bachelorette Nights. Adie and I usually spend Mondays watching the Bachelor (or this season, The Bachelorette) and it's always such a fun time. We snack, we girl talk, we turn a two-hour show into a five-hour extravaganza.  Last night we had the show on pause for a good 3 hours while we talked and talked, and then around 10pm we should get serious and actually watch the episode.  And speaking of, if you're a Bachelorette fan, I am loving the recap on Hello Giggles this week! 

Lazy weekend afternoons and evenings with Hank and Henry.  Nothing is better than strolling around downtown with my boys, and our summers here are just beautiful.  I always look forward to the Bluegrass Festival and the Summer Concert Series. To me, there's nothing better than listening to live music on a blanket in the grass.

Rita's Italian Ice. Okay. Now, we definitely (and unfortunately) don't have one of these in Arizona, but in my native New Jersey there are quite a few. Just the promise of a cherry gelati is getting me through my days. We'll be on the East Coast next month and you can bet your bottom dollar I will be enjoying a Rita's every day we're near one.

And finally...this dude. For such obvious reasons. (thanks to Diana for the awesome bib!)

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I'll be back later today with a fabulous giveaway from a very talented artist!

this morning...

This morning I am so thankful for:

Hank, and his support of my fitness goals and plans. I can't tell you how nice it is to have him say, "Go ahead to the gym, I'll take over," and know that I can fully enjoy a long workout while he and Henry have some father-son time every night.  Having this time to myself has been so wonderful for me, and being able to get right back into my workout routine has made me immeasurably happy. Thank you sweet husband!  As he jokingly says, "happy wife, happy life!"

Baby laughs, smiles, and funny expressions. Everyday Henry seems to smile a little more, and it seems like these beautiful little expressions are about to become more regular and reactive.  He's the most expressive baby, and I adore all of his funny faces and sounds. I hope a genuine laugh will be on its way soon too- I can't get enough!

Sleep. Little one has been sleeping like a champ this week and he's been sleeping for at least six hours at a time at night. He'll go right back down after eating, no tears, no fuss, and stay asleep.  Even if he's awake when I put him down he'll drift off within a few minutes on his own. I attribute this to our new sleeping arrangement that I'll talk about in my baby gear must-haves part two next week!  But really, being able to log so much sleep every night is pretty insane, and I am so thankful for this in the present...because I know once teething starts that may change. So thank you Henry for letting mama get some rest.

annnd...YOU! I can't express enough how much I appreciate all of your sweet comments, emails, etc.!  I am slowly working my way through all of the lovely links you all left for me to check out, and I'm really enjoying getting to know so many more of you, and find some great new blogs to add to my daily reads.  So fun.

As for now, I'm off to tackle a few to-dos, so I'll leave you with a couple more photos! Happy Thursday!  I'll be back later this evening with my "Slice of" post.