Thanksgiving

Enjoy our Thanksgiving in pictures:

The Bird cooked by Aunt Bridget

Second cousins provided all the entertainment Finley needed - Jameson (2) and Charlotte (9 mos)

Initially, Finley wanted to ride on Charlotte.  She eventually got over this :)

Even Quincy and the catepillar got to come

Mashed Potatoes for the first time!

Finley + Football 

Finley went to bed late because we had to stay for pie and homemade whipped cream

This was the most relaxing holiday to date with Finley.  Bring on Christmas!

Giving Thanks

Obviously we have a lot to be thankful for, and my hope is that we remember this daily rather than just on Thanksgiving.  But, today I wanted to make a short list of things that come to the top of our list from this past season of our lives.

-Finley
Sleep or no sleep, teething or not, we love our little crawling, half standing, cheerio loving, chatty, bath splashing, slobbery kiss giving, always learning little girl.  She is our biggest blessing in life thus far and if we ever question whether there is a God out there that loves us, she is perfect proof.

-Family
Both near and far.  Family we can depend on, ask advice of, and laugh with.  And family that has made room for Finley and all that comes with a new baby - traditions altered, dinners shortened, babysitters needed, and naps not to be missed.  We are thankful for all of it.

-Friends
Especially those that have given us a little patience and understanding when it seems like all we have to talk about is sleep training, feeding, and the number of poops.  For friends that are happy to see us, although less frequently than pre-Finley, but allow our friendships to just pick up where we left off.

-Church
We've been blessed to find a church home that fits this stage in our life perfectly, where Finley can screech during the service and we get smiles instead of scowls and where we have joined a fabulous small group bible study of young families who are in the middle of the parenthood journey and can support our journey as well.

-Jobs
Not only having them (which is a huge blessing in itself) but having flexible jobs that allow us to modifiy the 8-5 norm to spend extra time with Finley.  For co-workers that have become friends.  For great health insurance and the ability to save money for our future.  For the ability to grow in our skills and use them to make a difference.

-Daycare
We are so thankful that we have found a wonderful safe place for Finley to spend her days, where our parenting decisions are respected, where Finley is social and active and loved.  Also, we are thankful for neighbors, family, and friends who have stepped up to the plate in a pinch to watch Finley when daycare has been closed - what a huge gift.

While these things all top the list, we are also thankful for such small things as the DVR, running a Drumstick Dash in 13 degree weather, the ability to fall asleep on the couch at 8pm, cookie dough, and a warm, comfortable house that we can't keep clean!

Happy Thanksgiving!