thankful

Maybe it's because I'm a newly minted mama. Perhaps it's because I survived childbirth. Or maybe it's because we've been to hell and back this year. Whatever the reason, my heart is overflowing with gratitude and thanks as we enter this bustling holiday season.

Since our last day of giving thanks, we've been completely changed as individuals, a couple, and now as a family of three. Life has certainly thrown us lemons; but I like to think we've made sparkling pink lemonade.

Here's what I'm incredibly thankful for:

- My husband. He's been my warrior king, my rock, and my strength when I've been weak. He's proven his love for me ten thousand times over. He loves our beautiful son so much (more than he loves me I think!). He's my best friend. I am thankful for his wise advice, his patience, his sense of calm, his sweet demeanor (not to mention a sweet smile that extends all the way to his eyes), but most importantly, I am ardently thankful that he loves me for who I am.

- Our son. Colden is the reason I get up in the morning. Literally. He's the light inside of my soul. He is my first born, and forever my favorite. The joy that I see in his sweet face most often moves me to tears. He has made us both so happy. I can't imagine our life without him; nor would I ever want to. From the first moment I held Colden, I vowed that I would always take care of him. Always. Bubby, you are so loved.

My Parents. Grammy and Papa as they are affectionately known, have been beyond helpful this year. After Colden was born, and after we received the diagnosis, my mom shifted into complete caretaker mode and took up shop in our upstairs guestroom. She stayed for as long as we needed her, which meant she was here for nearly two months. Armed with a rental sewing machine, she made everything from baby clothes to floor length custom curtains while she was here. Her and my Dad have been out twice more since that visit to simply love and care for Colden. I cannot relay how truly thankful I am to have them; I only wish they lived closer. Fortunately, Matt's parents are just ten minutes away, and I'm thankful for the love and support they continue to offer us since Colden entered our lives.

Our friends. In the wake of this year's heartbreak, our friends have offered an unwavering foundation of support. They were there when we needed them, and continue to be. The irony is, one of the parents in the DS parent group shared the story of how she lost friends because of her child's diagnosis. How her friends were unable to cope, chose not to listen, and drifted out of her life. I hope this is never our case. Colden is more alike than different; and he's already teaching compassion, one soul at a time. I am so thankful to call you all my friends.

Our family health. In receiving Colden's diagnosis, I've become painfully aware of all the extra medical conditions he's at risk for- and there's an alarmingly long list. Thankfully, he's truly beat the odds and we're only dealing with a few minor issues. I cannot sing the Lord's praises enough for this outcome- I know it wasn't just luck. Thank you, Thank you.

Milestones. As Colden grows and the gap between his development and the development of a typical child widens, I'm thankful for the small victories he makes on a daily basis. At seven months young, I'm ecstatic that he is almost sitting up on his own. Despite the potential for injury, I'm so happy he's on the move- rolling across the room. Most of all, I'm ridiculously thankful for his giggles and laughs- I can't help but offer the biggest smile in return.

The future. Those two words were stripped from my vocabulary the moment they told us our son had down syndrome. My dream of the perfect family had been shattered. I had no idea what the future would hold. Would my son walk? Would he smile? Would Matt and I ever feel normal again? Now that I've had the pleasure of being Colden's mama for seven months and counting, my faith in the future has been restored. I can once again look ahead and see something wonderful. I am so thankful for this little boy and how he's melted my heart. The future is bright.

I think it's time for some sparkling pink lemonade.

Happy Thanksgiving, with love.