Valentine's Day Gratitude

My tale begins with my Saturday laundry adventure.  Saturday is laundry day here at my house, and since I have always enjoyed doing the laundry and ironing, it is usually uneventful.  Since having a baby, the task has become a bit more time consuming because I have to cart all the laundry, keys, coin card, etc. up and down three long flights of stairs.  And this time with a baby.  Brian has been helping me with the laundry, and after this week, I think we’ll continue that; or at least have him stay with Greg while I make the trek to the laundry mat.

I started by gathering and sorting all the laundry, getting my supplies, and strapping Greg in the baby carrier, intending to get the first bit done before putting my son down for a nap.  I began the journey downstairs, dragging the stuffed baskets with me.  Once there, the laundry room door refused to open, and the baskets toppled, spewing laundry everywhere.  By the time I made it to the washing machines, I discovered that only one machine was available and it was the most cantankerous machine out of all of the finicky ones. “Oh wonderful.  Now I’ll have to make MORE trips up and down.  Oh well—getting my exercise in.”  My attitude at this point was still on the up and up.

Fast forward:

Several loads were washed, but I discovered that the washing machine had failed to do its job yet again.  It was snowing outside and the laundry room was freezing cold.  It was the towel load…and the washing machine hadn’t spun so that meant I had to hand wring everything.  Did I mention that Greg was hungry and was in the middle of a growth spurt?  Oh, and the laundry room echoes.  By the end of that session, my frustration level was pretty high: screaming baby in echoing room, hands stiff and sore and cold from wringing laundry, and upset that I’d have to spend more money to dry clothes.  AND I forgot the laundry card which meant more trips up and down the steps.  By the end of the day, I was rather frazzled—and then I remembered to pray.  Yeah, I should have been all along.  I saw the humor in the situation, and thanked God that I didn’t live in pioneer days and have to trek to a creek and wash my clothes there.  And, I had clothes to wash.

I don’t say all this to make anyone sorry for me or to complain.  I told this story because I just have to say how incredibly thankful I am for a number of things…and especially my husband.  Lately, there have been situations I’ve been struggling with, and recently, some sorrow for a friend’s situation.  Reading on Facebook today about everyone’s Valentine’s events made me stop to ponder.  You know, we don’t do a lot around here for Valentine’s.  Maybe that’s a bad thing.  But I don’t care.  Why?  Because my incredible, handsome husband does a remarkable job at being my Valentine all.year.long.  I would rather have that, than spend just one day celebrating.  So, for the record…

I am thankful for:

*A husband who daily tells me I’m beautiful, special, his best friend, and that he wants to grow old with me and hold me forever.

*A husband who arrives home after a hard, long day of work to help out with the baby, do dishes, and even wait for dinner if it’s delayed.

*A husband who goes shopping with me.

*A husband who changes diapers (!!) and plays with and comforts his son (and wife after a long day).

*A husband who listens to my endless ideas and dreams.

*A husband who loves to surprise me.

*A husband who day after day for 9 long months helped me through sickness.  Sitting with me after I’d thrown up for the 4^th time in an hour.  Helping me work through getting sick all day long, managing the house, and getting his own meals.  And rubbing my back endlessly.

*A husband who always takes time for me and gives really good hugs.

*For a good provider—going to work every day, whether he likes it or feels like it or not.

*For a tender, gentle, caring, faithful spouse.  A praying one.  A strong and protective husband. 

*For a husband who empties the trash (without me having to ask), vacuums, keeps his areas tidy, encourages my management of the home, discusses the hard issues with me, teaches me to do things, patiently explains mechanical stuff over and over and over again, and makes some killer coffee (among other things).

*I’d continue with the husband theme, but I think I’ll save that for a special note just for him.

*For a house, warm heat, sunshine, adorable little son, clothes, good food, friends, family, and all the little things I take for granted every day.

*For a God who cares, loves, and is there for me always.  For a God who gently leads me along even when sometimes I place other things first or treat him like a genie in a bottle.

*For good health.  I can’t even begin to describe how happy I am to NOT be throwing up all day anymore.  And yes, it was worth it.  And yes, I’d do it again.

I am truly blessed.  More so than I could even begin to describe.  And so thankfulness is how I’m celebrating this Valentine’s Day.

Smiles!

Our little man is 1 month old!  Okay, so he's 6 weeks now, but when I planned to do this post, he was a month.  In the first month, Greg increased his weight and length; in fact, he's already outgrowing some of this 3 month size clothes!  We're pretty sure that by the end of February (his second month) he will already be in the next size up.

Here's a video for you die-hard Gregory fans (here's the link because the video is refusing to embed properly):

http://youtu.be/fOLlxcd04x8

As you can see, we can be easily entertained for quite some time while Greg is either sleeping or awake.  He's growing steadily and it's fun to see his personality come out.  Greg loves a routine and for events to take place in an orderly, methodical manner.  He enjoys blowing bubbles, can hold his head up pretty well, and thinks tummy time is for sleeping.  He is a curious fellow, preferring to be held outward so he can watch the world around him--though he studies it very carefully.  He isn't a cuddly baby, but would rather be left to play by himself, though wants to be where either Mom or Dad are.  In fact, he becomes overstimulated pretty easily (like this weekend), which results in a fussy baby.  As soon as Greg is put down, he becomes cheerful and content (makes it easy for Mom to get stuff done!).  He's a good sleeper and a big (& slow) eater.  He's earned a number of nicknames (mostly from his Daddy): Little Buddy, Mr. Smackers, the Gregster, to name a few.  He winks his eye, adores music, and enjoys loud noises.  He doesn't cry much and tends to just ask politely for what he wants through a series of noises and facial expressions.  I could continue with this description, but I think only my journal would appreciate the details.  How about a few pictures instead?  These were taken by Brian one morning while I made breakfast.

 Greg's first snow!

 The cute outfit my neighbor bought for Greg.

 A typical Greg expression.

All dressed for our first trip to church with Greg's favorite person in all the world!  (I love to watch Brian with Greg--he's so good and patient with him.)

Smiles!