Month of Gratitude

I've never done the daily "what I'm grateful for" thing in November before. And let's just be honest, I blog so I have a place to put our pictures or else no one would ever see them. But due to recent uncertainties with my pregnancy and how thankful we are to have Kinsey in our lives, I wanted to document what stands out to me each day this month. So here it goes! I may try to sneak a pic or two in here. We'll see...

I AM THANKFUL FOR: 

1. Willing friends who help us in times of need. I'm the type of person who doesn't like asking others for help for fear of being a burden so I especially appreciate my proactive friends. I strive to be more like you!

2. My wonderful AMAZING husband who played mommy all day long while I felt like I was on my deathbed--even though it was his one day to relax. I love that Eric is such a hands-on dad. 

3. Our home teacher. I would still be feeling crummy all day without him dropping everything to rid me of my headache and give me a priesthood blessing with Eric. 

4. Competent doctors. They help me keep these babies in longer!

5. Flying. Who wants to sit in a car all day when you can just hop on a plane?!

6. My sisters. Sometimes I don't realize how much I miss them until we're all together. Nothing can replace sisters and I'm glad Kinsey will experience that type of bond. 

7. Grandmas. There's something to say for leaving your child with their grandma. I never worry if she'll be okay when grandma's around to help. 

8. The ocean! We used to go every year as a kid and I have missed it. 

9. Communication skills. It took Eric and me a little while to perfect it, but now we tell each other everything and I love it. 

10. Cell phones. Seriously, I can't imagine life with these suckers. While I was in Florida Kinsey and I were able to talk to and see Eric every day via FaceTime. 

11. My sweet baby girl, Kinsey. When I'm sad she can always cheer me up with her hugs and kisses. 

12. Our two daughters on the way. Eric and I always wanted a big family, but with infertility everything is so uncertain. Right before we found out we were having twins, I told Eric I would be okay with just one more so Kinsey could have a sibling. Now she gets two best friends!!

13. Adoption. I cannot picture our lives without Kinsey--everything before her seems like a lifetime ago. She is everything to us, and I'm so thankful her birth mom was inspired to meet us!

14. Date nights! We went on our second date today since having Kinsey and it was just like the good old days when Eric and I were dating. 

15. Modern day medicine. I cannot count how many times I have been to the doctor in the past few years, but I'm a firm believer that modern day medicine is here for us to use. It has helped us in so many ways. 

16. A good night's sleep. Not that I'm getting good sleep lately, but it sure makes me appreciate it more!

17. Eternal families. 

18. Naps! These are what gets me through the day when I can only sleep for 3-5 hours a night. 

19. Indoor bathrooms. I know this is random, but can you imagine having to go outside EVERY time you needed to use the bathroom? That would be miserable. 

20. Small blessings. I just happened to have an appointment at an office attached to a hospital with the highest level NICU...just in case. 

21. Nurses with a personality. Seriously, they make the days and nights a lot more fun. 

22. My home. It may not be huge and we are always dreaming of buying a house but I'm grateful for it and I miss being there already. 

23. Eric's mom being able to spend his birthday with him today. Happy 28th birthday to the best husband and father!!

24. Church members. The people in my church have been so great and constantly available in case we need anything. I'm grateful to be part of such a wonderful group of people!

25. Insurance. Thank goodness I don't believe in going without insurance. You never know what life will throw at you. 

26. Books! I finished my third book on day 6 in the hospital. 

27. Warm showers. It's the best break from the hospital bed that I look forward to every day. 

28. Home-cooked meals!!

29. The internet. I would be extremely bored without it. 

30. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My religion has been monumental in giving me the faith to know everything will be okay, no matter what trials are thrown your way.