Gratitude

Today is Thanksgiving. As I sit here, awake at 2:30am thanks to a little boy that seems to be trying to push his way out, I can't help but think about everything that I have to be grateful for. While I can't possibly publish an exhaustive list, here are the things that I am most readily thankful for this year.

The Husband

I think I've married the best husband in the world. In the last year I have seen this man handle challenge after challenge, and not be knocked down. He's been incredibly supportive and I've enjoyed watching him as a father. I feel like our relationship has grown exponentially. Andy is definitely top on my grateful list.

The Toddler

I have the sweetest, most sensitive, and funny little man living in my house. He wasn't born to me, but I count the day that he came to live with us as one of my most lucky ever. Recently, I've been watching videos from the past 18 months and reviewing old pictures - and I can't believe how much this boy has grown up. I can hardly believe that he'll be four in less than two weeks, and I can't wait to see him be a big brother. I am so grateful that I get to be his mom... and that the adoption is finally moving forward.

The Little Girl

Though things were not perfect, and did not work out, I will always be grateful for the 15 months that I had with my daughter. There were many lessons, most of them hard-earned, but I personally grew so much as a result. Our family grew, and I think she did as well. I will always try to hold on to the happier memories and moments... like watching her walk down a shoreline with Andy.

The One Yet-to-Arrive

This little boy is truly our miracle. This is my favorite ultrasound picture of him, although it is months old and he is hiding his face. Soon, too soon yet too far off, I will get to meet him face to face.

The Ability to Move Forward

For a good part of this year, I felt like I was stuck in place. I didn't know how to move forward, or what constituted a good decision. Andy and I struggled considerably with the possible paths that we could take. I am thankful, this year, for moments of clarity that have allowed us to resurface and forge a new path.

A Healthy Pregnancy

This one still seems too good to be true. When we found out about Little Bit, I was very apprehensive about my body's ability to carry him safely. We were prepared for an early birth, and were told that they hoped we would make it to 32, and then 37 weeks. We learned about how care is given to babies born as early as 26 weeks. Now I am one day away from being 34 weeks pregnant. My body is healthier than it was before I was carrying a baby. While I still hold my breath and hope that it doesn't change, I find myself giving thanks every day for this miracle. I also am so thankful for the things I had given up on knowing. I am grateful for the ability to experience pregnancy, with less worry than anticipated.

Grace and Thoughtfulness

Many family and friends have been aware of the struggles that we have faced in the past year. Our family has been the recipient of endless kindnesses and support, often from those that didn't even realize they were giving it. When we have met struggles this year, I have been amazed at how quickly they are overcome through the help of others. This year I have learned more about grace than I had in the 30+ preceding years. And so, to all of you, I am grateful. Hopefully I can someday repay the many favors I've received.

I hope this finds you all well, and that you enjoy a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving.

Teddy Bear Clinic at the Firestation

Back in May, (yes I am still six months behind,) I took the kids to a Teddy Bear Clinic at one of our neighborhood fire stations. There are actually three fire stations in close proximity to our house, which you would think would be a good thing. But when one of our neighbors had a house fire this past winter, the dispatcher couldn’t figure out which fire station to dispatch... It took them over an extra half an hour to get here. Anyway, I digress...

The Teddy Bear Clinic is designed to give the kids a chance to get familiar with the firemen and paramedics before an emergency occurs. This was our second time to the fire station in a brief period, but Charlie didn’t care at all! This time he got to choose a stuffed animal to bring to be a patient for the paramedics. He chose to bring his friend Buttercup.

Charlie got to help one of the firefighters organize his equipment before doing a demonstration. Then all of the kids watched as he donned his full gear, piece by piece. Then, each kid had an opportunity to sit on his lap while he was in full gear. Charlie did it, but Lynnae was too scared! (The last time we had been there, it was the opposite... Charlie was hiding behind my leg. So I guess multiple visits is a good thing!)

After that, we went to the paramedic clinic where they treated Buttercup for a fall and concussion. Lynnae’s bear received a full leg splint. Then Lynnae and Charlie were able to climb up in the fire engine and play around. They also got to see one of the fire fighters climb up to the top of the fully-extended fire truck ladder. Then, they got to climb into the ambulance, where Charlie and Buttercup got strapped down to the gurney. (Lynnae was strapped down on a side bench.)

The kids also got to practice dialing 9-1-1, and enjoyed a cookie and lemonade. All in all, they had a lot of fun. We will definitely be doing this again!

Easy Bake Oven Night

One of Lynnae’s most prized Christmas gifts this past year was her Easy Bake oven. Her friend, Madison, also got one for Christmas. And they were very excited to get to bake with them together. One night when we were heading down to Madison’s family’s for the evening, we brought the Easy Bake with us. Madison and Lynnae had a great time mixing their cakes, putting them in the pans, baking, decorating, and most importantly... Eating them. :) (They also had fun licking their bowls!) While I can't put up the pictures of Lynnae - here are some of Madison and her little sister Natalie!

Madison dressed up and ready to bake!

Cakes mixed and baking in the twin ovens.

Licking the bowls while the cakes are baking.

Natalie wishing she was older than 3 with an oven of her own.

Accepting her exclusion with a shrug. I think Charlie was disinterested and off watching TV!

Decorating time!

Madison with her creation.

Lynnae's creation all lit-up. (Madison's was too, but I couldn't take pictures fast enough!)

Very excited to enjoy the cake!

Oregon Coast - On The Road

We had some fun on our road trip back up to Washington. As usual, we were late risers, so by the time we got out of the condo we were hungry. We decided to stop at a Mo’s to see if their clam chowder was really as good as everyone says. Andy, Lynnae and Charlie all thought it was awesome. I enjoyed my usual hamburger, as I am really NOT a seafood fan. :) The Mo’s we stopped at had a really old pier that the kids spent some time walking down. Mr. Squirrel enjoyed it too.

We stopped at a couple of other lookouts on the way back as well. Unfortunately, I don’t have much memory of this, but it looks like everyone had a lot of fun. This was the first day that I had the flu this past year, and I was running a 103 degree fever the whole 5 hour drive back. (Thank you Andy, for driving!) Charlie also got sick, and woke up that evening with the croup – which was a fantastic experience. (Not really.) But luckily he was not sick on the way back and enjoyed the stops. I’m also glad that he didn’t get sick until we were home!

We gave both kids a disposable camera earlier on in the trip – and they were having a lot of fun taking pictures of each other, random objects, and the scenery. Charlie still has a couple of pictures left to take on his – and then we need to get it developed and see how he did.

All in all, this was a fun little trip. Hopefully we will be able to do it again soon!

Hatfield Marine Science Center

Since I just blogged about recent activity, I figure... why not take a step back over six months ago? Since I've been pregnant, I have never finished posting about our spring activities. And I don't want to forget them!

You may, or may not, remember that we took a trip to the Oregon coast for Spring Break this past year. We spent a day in Newport, which is a cool town with a harbor and a couple of lighthouses. They also have this awesome, FREE place called the Hatfield Marine Science Center. Lynnae loves science, and with the price, this was one of our main destinations. It was basically an aquarium/museum with some really neat exhibits, sponsored by the college. Charlie and Lynnae both had a great time. They got to learn a lot about fish and food chains. I think their favorite parts were listening to the whales on the phones and playing with the tide pool exhibits – which they also enjoy at the Seattle Aquarium.

Andy and I had a lot of fun watching an exhibit about chaos theory, which was driven by a water wheel. I spent at least thirty minutes watching how the water filled up and waiting to see how long it would be until the wheel started spinning and loosing it’s contents. Charlie was running around playing with the exhibit while I was doing this. :) We spent several hours at the center and supported them by making a little purchase at their bookstore on the way out.

Next time we go back to the Oregon coast, which will hopefully not be long away, we will definitely stop here again!