Giving Thanks

^"I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus."

1 Corinthians 1:4

I wake up every morning feeling so incredibly blessed and thankful.  I'm in a season were my felt needs are pretty high.  The first week after having a baby is a huge eye opener to pain and discomfort.  Considering what I just went through the last 10 months, not to mention the fact my body just birthed a 9.5 pound baby, you'd think the after would be a bit easier.  Well...not so much.  I have no clue what I would have done without some key people this last week and a half.  Seriously, so incredibly blessed. So, here's a tribute to some of the people that have blessed me in ways words could never describe.   I am so incredibly thankful for each of you!

1.  My husband.  I know, it's impossible not to start here.  HE has been a rockstar!  I realize I am the one that actually gave birth to our daughter, but he had to sit there and watch helplessly as I did give birth.  For those that don't know or haven't realized, I gave birth at a birthing center WITHOUT ANY DRUGS.  Yes, you read correctly...all 9.5 pounds without drugs.  Not easy folks.  Hardest, most excruciating pain ever, and he had to sit back and watch me in all that pain, unable to do anything.  On top of all that, I ended up passing out in his arms an hour after birth.  I came to hearing him say "We're losing her.  We're losing her."  Turns out not eating and hardly drinking for 24 hours combined with giving birth is a really bad combination.  Definitely took a few years off his life I'm sure!  Not only that, he really is the only reason I've been eating the last 10 days.  I'm so busy keeping track of Annabelle's feeding and trying to sleep whenever possible, eating for myself just doesn't happen.  He's also been pretty amazing at handling my 1 or 2 (or 3 or 4) breakdowns.  Hormones are real people...and crazy.  Those flood gates open and it's all over...So a super big thank you to my wonderful husband.  Travis, I love you!

2.  My mom, aka Gigi.  Where to begin!  She came over everyday after Annabelle was born.  Travis had to go train clients, so she came over in his place.  She has done EVERYTHING!  Laundry, dishes, groceries, cleaning, and of course loving on sweet Annabelle so mommy could get some much needed sleep.  She is the reason I don't have huge bags under my eyes, and I'm not a constant basket case!  Mom, THANK YOU for everything you have done for me, Travis, and Annabelle.  We are so incredibly grateful and lucky to have you! 

3.  Now on to Ashlie...Ashlie was a roommate of mine in college.   We re-connected a few years ago to do the MS150 bike ride, and have kept in touch ever since.  She has been more than a lifesaver really my whole pregnancy and most certainly the last 10 days of my life.  I probably need to help pay for part of her phone bill due the amount of text messages and phone calls we've had...it really is ridiculous.  She has 3 of her own, her last just born this past spring.  She has been a huge source of help, comfort, and wisdom to a new mom who knows nothing at all!  I know I can ask her any and everything and she will be able to give me some guidance or direction.  Ashlie, words cannot do justice how thankful and grateful I am for you and our friendship!  You have been more than a lifesaver, and you are very much appreciated!  Hoping one day to be able to repay you for everything you've done!  

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2009

4.  This one is is for all the amazing friends and family that have brought us meals over the last week.  Brooke is someone I met late in the spring, and has become a great friend.  She has such a heart for serving, and we are so thankful for that!  She started up our meals after Annabelle got here.  Grateful! We also have recently gone back to our McKinney Church home, and were shocked when they reached out to bring us meals.  We've only been back at McKinney for about a month, and already they have welcomed us, and are helping us in this busy crazy time in life.  We are beyond humbled and blessed!

5.  And thank you to those friends that have sent Annabelle sweet gifts.  Thank you to those that have called and text Travis and me over the past week.  I haven't been able to call you all back, but soon I'll get back to some kind of routine!  

Again, a huge thank you to so many of you that have helped make this last couple weeks a bit easier.  So very thankful!!