Giving Thanks

As Thanksgiving approaches, we have a lot to be thankful for this year. Here are few things that come to mind:

1. Baby Ben
We hadn't expected him to join us so soon, but we are incredibly grateful that getting pregnant this time around was worlds easier than the first time. And we continue to be grateful that the pregnancy is progressing so well and he and I are both healthy. I think that having a brother will be a very good thing for Jack, both in terms of having someone to play with and in terms of learning to accept that he isn't always the center of the universe -- as the first born and first grandchild on both sides, one can easily understand why he would think that! Ben will be a very welcome addition to the family, and we can't wait for him to arrive.

2. Brian's New Job
Although it was wonderful to have him home with Jack, it was an occasional source of worry for me and a regular source of worry for him. Plus, while he makes a great stay-at-home dad, I think he feels much more fulfilled when he's spending his day with adults and using his talents in a productive way.

3. Maternity Leave
Because of Brian's job (and our ability to enroll in his health insurance for a year), I am going to be able to spend almost nine months at home with Jack and Ben. Six months with Jack seemed like such a blessing, and nine months will be even more so.

4. No Car Payments This Year (Knock on Wood)
It was a huge help to our savings account this year to not have any car payments. So we're going to pray for the long life of Skippy (Brian's Civic) and Clyde (my Explorer), even though Brian is eyeing a minivan.

5. The Greenhouse Birth Center (and Dr. Herta)
I am so grateful to have such a great location for my maternity care. Although Jack's birth at the hospital was smooth and everything we asked for, the hospital policies prevented it from being everything I hoped for. So the birth center is a wonderful refuge for women with uncomplicated pregnancies who want a natural delivery in a home-like setting.
However, I am also very thankful to have a wonderful OB-GYN who supports my decision to deliver at the birth center (she had her last baby there) and who has been available for all those aspects that the birth center can't cover -- prescribing medication, getting our 20 week ultrasound, and even, God forbid, if there are any complications with delivery. This is how maternity care should operate, and she is a model for other doctors everywhere.

6. Jack's Developing Imagination
It has been so fun over the past few months to watch Jack engaging in imaginative play. He pretends to be a priest by carrying around the swiffer like a cross or a book like The Bible. He pretends to make dinner for us, using my pots and pans and bowls. He pretends to put me to bed each night by making me lie in his toddler bed and singing a song to me before we switch places. He is so much fun to watch and play with.

7. The Dedicated Ladies at Y-Care
Jack loves his daycare, and has especially loved his teachers Miss Cathy, Miss Patsy, Miss Beth and Miss Amber. Miss Cathy and Miss Beth have recently left the daycare, and we've discovered that there truly is no adequate replacement for either of them. Luckily, Miss Patsy (who has been with Jack since he was in the infant room) and Miss Amber (his current teacher) are still there and both adore Jack. And he adores them right back. It's so much easier to leave him for the day when we know that he is loved almost as much there as he is at home.

8. St. John Student Center
We love our church. I can't say it enough. Our church is an amazing, vibrant, socially-conscious place to worship. The music ministry is spectacular and a constant source of enjoyment for all three of us, and I love the ways that Jack is able to participate, from taking up the collection to taking food each week for the food cupboard. In spite of the scandals and my disagreement with the hierarchy of the church, the St. John community makes me proud to be a Catholic.

9. Hilltop Yoga
I credit much of my comfort at this stage of the pregnancy to the yogis at Hilltop. Hillaire, Janet, Rachelle, and Leeann have kept me limber, strong, and active throughout. I can feel the strength and openness of my body every time I practice there, which makes me feel confident and capable of a natural labor.

10. Seabrook Island
We spent a wonderful week in South Carolina with Brian's family this summer. Jack flew on a plane, swam in the ocean, rode on a bike and saw an alligator for the first time. It was both restful and exciting. And we got to try some delicious southern food along the way.

11. Soup Spoon Cafe
This new restaurant has become our go-to place for lunch and weekend dinners. They have an amazing selection of soups, and the apple chicken salad melt is to die for. Plus, for Friday and Saturday dinners, they are never crowded and always have delicious specials to try. And they adore Jack.