Gratitude

As I was going to bed last night I was thinking of something my husband said at dinner. He looked at me and said, "I am daily reminded that we are so blessed to have the children that we do. The Lord has been so gracious to give us such good kids." As I went to sleep I was thinking about all the times I easily focus on the negatives of my kiddos. I easily get overwhelmed by their misbehavior and lack of sleep. Then I started thinking of all the great things they do and who they are and was filled with gratitude. A book I read a few years back called "Loving the Little Years" also talks about seeing all those frustrating characteristics as positives rather than negatives so it led me to this post.

 August - I am so grateful that he sleeps well. He takes 4 naps a day and sleeps 6-7 hours at night. He is so laid back and is completely content sitting in his bouncy seat or swing or even laying on the floor so he can see his big sisters. He doesn't cry very often and is definitely our chill baby. He's growing and gaining weight and even though he came later than I would have liked, he is by far our chunkiest kid. He eats well and loves to smile and babble even at almost 2 months.

 Emma - I am so grateful she is a free spirit. She is so spatial and creative. Though her stubbornness sometimes derives me crazy, I am so grateful that she is independent and knows what she wants. She is growly daily in her verbal skills and has been such a healthy little girl. Other than a few sniffles, one case of pink eye and a few ear infections, she has been super healthy. She fights for what she believes in and is passionate. Her little chipmunk voice brings a smile to my face and even though she is often super serious, when she smiles it melts your heart.

Maddy - I am so thankful for her life! She was born at 35 weeks in a foreign county and we had no idea what to expect. Though she gets sick easily, she is still a fighter. She has gone 4 months this round with no seizures. Through the issues with seizures that we have battled with her, I have gone from being so disappointed that God would allow this to realizes that she is beautiful and perfect just as God made her even if she requires a bit more attention. She is detail oriented and a mother hen. She loves routine, like her mother, and is sure to keep everyone on track.  She loves to dance and sing. Her blue eyes and blonde hair have always made her stand out in our family of brunettes. She loves to talk and talk and talk! She tells you how she's feeling, whether good or bad, and is not afraid to passionately yell it out when she's getting over a fit.

Even though there are tough and exhausting days, I love my children. I love that they are specifically made by a Creator who loved them when He knit them in my womb and that He gave them to me for a reason. He uses these little hands, feet and voices to sanctify me on a daily basis. I realize that the mimic what I do and I think this is a great challenge to be sure I am living a life of grace and transparency so I can show them not a perfect life, but a life that holds tight to a gracious and merciful Father because that's the only sustaining thing in this fallen world.