thanksgiving 2007

in case it isn't ridiculously obvious... i'm so thankful for you. here, i'll be more specific:

i'm thankful for the way you wake up from naps. happy and singing for me to come get you. your face lights up and you giggle like a pillsbury dough boy when you see my face peek over the top of the crib.

i'm thankful for your cute little feet. so tiny and petite i hardly ever have to buy shoes for you because your feet barely grow. such thrifty feet you have. also, you have my toes... which is really something you should be thankful for because i have amazingly cute feet.

i'm thankful for every smile you make. basically, i'm happy you're happy. i try so hard to be the best mom i can for you, and when i see you beaming and giggling and squealing with delight it really makes me feel like i'm doing ok so far. the beginning was so hard - the nicu, prematurity, milk allergies, terrible acid reflux... i was so close to feeling like a total failure. but now you're thriving and beautiful and cheery. being your mama has become so fulfilling and rewarding, and really just so unbelievably happy.

i'm thankful for your scream. recently you've discovered the depths of your voice box. in the middle of grocery shopping, diaper changing, car riding, song singing, food eating - you'll let out the most ear piercing, terradactyl, horror movie, dog whistle of a scream. it's monumental. and then you laugh. so, i give thanks to the fact that you are not screaming because you are pissed and about to throw a fit... you're screaming simply because you can.

i'm thankful for your kicky little legs. i miss them kicking my belly. i miss having you with me every second, all snug and safe and kicky in my belly. the pregnancy overall was a painful experience, but i will always cherish those special moments we had in the evenings, laying in bed (dying of high blood pressure and suffering from insomnia) with my hands on my belly feeling you move around. it was such an amazing experience. now i look at your little kicky legs becoming steady and learning to stand and i'm so proud of all the things you are learning to do. and i'm so thankful that you are healthy enough and smart enough to do them.

i'm thankful that you made me a mother. your nana thanks me for this every year on my birthday, and every mother's day. i didn't really get it until now. you've changed my life more than anyone ever has or ever will. you took me from ordinary person - to extraordinary mother. that's kind of a big deal. you totally win. i love being your mom. i will thank you for that gift every mother's day and every march 2nd.

most of all, thank you for being you. i promise to do my best to give you the tools to become the best you that you can be.

i couldn't be any more thankful for you if i was wearing a pilgrim hat and playing football with a turkey.

xoxo

-mama