Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving had a whole new meaning this year. We have been blessed so much and realize just how much we have to be thankful for. I know I have said this before, but all too often we find ourselves complaining about the little things. Instead of relishing on the things we do not have or our complications, it is important to remember what we do have and all of the good things in life.

Our Thanksgiving holiday was very busy. At first I was stressed about how we were going to be so many places in just a few days and how to have everything baked or prepared and packed for the right places on the right days. And then I stopped to think. We are SO blessed to have so many friends and family to share this holiday with. Not only the holidays, but every day. There is not a day that goes by that someone doesn’t ask me about our little girl or tell us that they love us. Those are the important things in life. Every morning I wake up and go straight to Leah’s room. I start my days with the biggest toothless grins and sloppy kisses any mother could ask for. It just makes everything ok. I take that back, it makes everything wonderful!

We took pictures of Leah on her first Thanksgiving, including her turkey shirt that said “Gobble Til You Wobble”. She is now eating sweet potatoes and green beans in addition to her oatmeal and rice cereals. Aside from ear infection #2, she is doing great. I will share more details and the pictures soon. In the meantime, here is an article that I came across on BabyCenter. I thought I would share it because every line is so true. If you are a parent, I am sure you will agree. If you hope to be a parent some day, here is something to look forward to. We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thirty-two things that change when you have a baby

What changes when you have a baby? A better question may be: What doesn't change? Here, writer and mom Rebecca Woolf lists her most notable post-baby observations. Then scroll down to read our favorite comments from readers about how their babies changed their lives.

1. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.

2. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.

3. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.

4. You respect your body ... finally.

5. You respect your parents and love them in a new way.

6. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.

7. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child.

8. You lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have banished years ago.

9. Your heart breaks much more easily.

10. You think of someone else 234,836,178,976 times a day.

11. Every day is a surprise.

12. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)

13. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.

14. You become a morning person.

15. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.

And from our readers...

1. "You discover how much there is to say about one tooth." — Ashley's mom

2. "You finally realize that true joy doesn't come from material wealth." — Anonymous

3. "You now know where the sun comes from." — Charlotte

4. "You'd rather buy a plastic tricycle than those shoes that you've been dying to have." — Sophie's mom

5. "You realize that although sticky, lollipops have magical powers." — Roxanne

6. "You don't mind going to bed at 9 p.m. on Friday night." — Kellye

7. "Silence? What's that?" — Anonymous

8. "You realize that the 15 pounds you can't seem to get rid of are totally worth having." — Brenda

9. "You discover an inner strength you never thought you had." — Ronin and Brookie's mom

10. "You no longer rely on a clock — your baby now sets your schedule." — Thomas' mom

11. "You give parents with a screaming child an 'I-know-the-feeling' look instead of a 'Can't-they-shut-him-up?' one." — Jaidyn's mom

12. "Your dog — who used to be your 'baby' — becomes just a dog." — Kara

13. "You take the time for one more hug and kiss even if it means you'll be late." — Tracey

14. "You learn that taking a shower is a luxury." — Jayden's mom

15. "You realize that you can love a complete stranger." — Dezarae's mom

16. You find yourself wanting to make this world a better place. — Arizona

17. If you didn’t believe in love at first sight before, now you do! — Ciara