We had such a great Thanksgiving here, and I’m sad to see the weekend end.  Scott tends to go on a cleaning and organizing rampage if he’s off for more than three days in a row, and it happened again this weekend.  It’s his way of fighting cabin-fever, I think.  Or maybe it’s just that the mess drives him crazy while I grow used to it.  Whatever the reason, it was much needed, and I feel like I am out of pregnancy icky feelings and moving on from fatigue to productiveness just as the holidays begin.  It’s great timing, and I am grateful to be past a slump and looking on to bright things.

We baked cookies with cousins.

We played with a parachute on a warm Thanksgiving Day.

And we did a million other things I didn’t take photos of.  I ate so much good food that I’m pretty certain it’s not all baby in that belly.  We drove a couple hours south to visit family and also got in a quick visit with good friends and their snuggly newborn girl.  We played a lot, wrapped gifts, decked the halls, and generally enjoyed each other without much worry or rush which doesn’t happen nearly often enough.

The whole purpose of Thanksgiving is to be grateful for what you have and take time to really think of all those things, and as kids we roll our eyes when we have to list them: my parents, a roof over my head, my friends, food to eat.  All the things we are supposed to say.  But I think as I’ve grown older, and especially as I’ve been writing here, I’ve really started to see the ways that gratitude affects my everyday life.  Saying thanks makes me see more things to say thanks for, and it’s a good feeling.

This year, I am most thankful for this season of my life and all that comes with it.  Sure I’m persistently tired, all the nice ornaments are crowded on the top of my tree where little hands can’t reach them, my house is cluttered more than it’s tidy, and the time I get for myself is such a rationed commodity.

But I get to see a little person learn and grow and change everyday, and I love that.  I get to grow a whole new person in my own body, and I love that.  I get to see my husband become a father, and I love that.  Best of all, I get to see my own little family beginning and growing, and I get to dream and think about what all is next for us. It’s such a good time: to be at the beginning of so many things and looking ahead to all the possibilities.  Funny that as a twenty-something, we tend to think thirties are gross and old and what’s left then?  As it turns out, the best is left, and I am so excited to see what it feels like.

Christmas cards are ordered, stockings are hung, tress are up, and my house feels clean and cozy and festive.  The holidays are here, friends!

It’s rainy out and cold this week, so we’re looking forward to soup nights and more lounging by the tree.  I’ll check in soon with a couple of recipes that graced our table this weekend.