I Am Thankful For...

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! I did, and it was the first weekend spent entirely with my family. My husband has been working just about every weekend (as well as during the week) so we haven't been spending as much time together as a family. I think we made up for it this weekend. We had a busy Thanksgiving Day. We hosted my husband's side of the family, then went to my parents later that evening for a 2nd family dinner. First, I'm very thankful for such amazing families- both mine and my husband's. I'm lucky to have a great relationship with my in-laws, and his siblings. And, I am very close with my family, as well. My parents are my rock and I have a brother and sister-in-law, who I can also call my friend, and a niece and nephew. My sister is 5 years younger than me, but we've always been close. I love spending time with my family! We have so many great holiday traditions, which I look forward to sharing with Ellie.

Thanksgiving Day 2011

Secondly, I am so thankful that my hubby woke with the baby these past 4 mornings at 7:30 and let me sleep till 9:00. Especially since I'm the one up with her if she wakes up during the night (luckily she just wants to eat, then goes back to sleep). Ellie has been great with her naps and takes a 2 hour nap each morning so I can catch up on emails while drinking my coffee and get things done around the house. Perfect timing! I am thankful for my husband- he is my best friend. He is also an amazing father and Ellie and I are both so lucky.

Nick & Ellie at the playground

I am most thankful that I had a healthy, beautiful daughter, Ellie. She is the most amazing and wonderful baby. I am so lucky that she rarely cries and is such a happy baby. She loves to play with her toys, read books (with or without me), engage me in conversation whether it's by "talking" or with her hand movements. We love to go on walks and runs. She is hilarious and is always making me laugh and smile. I am thankful I can stay home with her full-time. 

Ellie 7 months

I am so thankful I have such wonderful friendships with so many women in my life. I put a lot of time and energy into my friendships because they are so important to me. I will call, email, or even send a "thinking about you" card. I want my friends to know how much they are a part of my life and how much they mean to me. I have my sister, my best friends from High School, from college, and from post-college. My friendships are all unique and I truly treasure each and every one.

Abby & I Summer 2011

I am also thankful for:
My Keurig. Best coffee machine. Ever. I make sure it's filled every night so that it's ready to go in the morning. I've always enjoyed a cup of coffee in the mornings pre-Ellie, but now I not only enjoy my coffee I need my cup of coffee to start my day.

My body. I am thankful I can run and stay healthy by running and working out (when time allows). I recently ran the Philly Rothman 8k- the first 5 miles I've ran since I was pregnant with Ellie. That was a week ago and since then I've run 3 more times. The most in a week since I've been been a Mom.

Home to Ellie after my race 11/19/11

Hoola Bronzer by Benefit. My must have make-up item. The one thing I don't leave my house without. As well as Lancome's lipglosses. Best ever.

Lastly, I'm thankful for my blog and my readers. I started it with the urging of my best friends and am so glad I followed their advice. I enjoy blogging; although, my time spent blogging lately is limited. I love writing and it's a great place to express my creativity and organize my thoughts and ideas on decorating and entertaining.