grateful {remix}

dear Charlie,

Exactly one year ago today, I wrote this little letter to you. I didn't really know anything about you {besides the fact that you liked to kick me in the ribs}. We weren't even sure what your name was going to be. I wrote last year's Thanksgiving-eve blog post sitting on a bed in your grandparent's house, because our own house wasn't quite finished.

Now, a year later, here you are. And life is unbelievably, incredibly different with you around.

Last year, I went to bed knowing that I'd wake up when I wanted to. This year, your daddy rocked you to sleep while I ran out for some last-minute groceries, and tomorrow morning, I'll be waking up to your little voice, singing {er, yelling?} from down the hall.

Last year, I had an outfit planned for Thanksgiving dinner. This year, I have your outfit planned for Thanksgiving dinner {and haven't given a single thought to what I'll be wearing}.

Last year, I didn't have a kitchen. This year, not only do I have a kitchen, but I'm baking two apple pies and a pumpkin cheesecake in it. {YUM!!!!}

Last year, you were rolling around inside me. This year, you're crawling, and standing, and wishing you could walk. You're waddling, and climbing, and scooting. You're yodeling, and yelling, and--yep, just like I thought--gurgling.

Last year, I thought I knew what we were getting ourselves into with this whole "baby thing." This year, I know full well that one year ago today, I had no clue what we were in for.

Last year, silly cars were the last thing on my mind. This year, we're actually looking for another silly car. Imagine that.

I've got my own predictions for what next year might look like. But this year, I'm keeping them locked inside my head. Because for now, I'm content with the incredible, unbelievable blessings that God has showered on us, over and over again. I spend much too much time looking at what I don't have.

Right now, I'm so. very. thankful. for the things I do have.

This year, you sat on your daddy's shoulders, and looked down at me, and I snorted like a piggy, and daddy looked at me like I was crazy,

and you laughed, and laughed, and laughed.

And my heart burst with happiness. For the billionth time...

i love you.

p.s. happy first Thanksgiving. you can have as much turkey as you want, but forget about the cheesecake.