home again.

walking off the plane today in dallas was a bit of a shock to my system. after spending the week in a hyped-up-but-not-so-real-blizzard, and then a not-so-hyped-up-but-very-real-blizzard yesterday, we are currently sitting in sunny 70 degree temperatures in our humble home.

the minute i got into the door, i let our little boy stretch out on his farm animal play mat so that he could kick his legs and reach out his arms. he's a champion-traveler, this little guy, but after hours in our arms, and a couple in his car seat, i can only imagine how good it must have felt for him to be moving on his own. and move, he does. as i speak (er, write) he has somehow moved from a vertical to horizontal position. he's growing, changing, and getting cuter every day. and he spent the week charming the pants off everyone in his presence...including his mama.  i just can't get enough of our boy.

i didn't get a chance to post a thankful post for this years thanksgiving, and i think i kind of did it on purpose. i am so overwhelmed by the thankfulness i have in my heart and for what love, laughter and happiness this year has brought to my life. being home for the holidays always puts things into perspective for me. with a family that i adore, friends that mean the world, and a particular set of boys that i keep falling in love with over and over again, it's kind of frustrating to try and even find the words to express how blessed i feel that i am.

it's the simple things this year that really have my heart at it's fullest. a warm home and bed to sleep in, food in the cupboard, clothes to wear, a daily phone call with my mom, my husband and his job in which he works so hard, a healthy, happy son, and a body that can nourish and feed him, our daily walk, the great examples of mothers i have in my life, an extended family, an eternal family, and the love i feel from them, and for them every. single. day.

tonight, the christmas lights will be going up, the garland hung, and the tree decorated. all while listening to our favorite christmas hits. it's baby's first christmas and we are creating some family traditions right from the start. then, we will put our boy in his snuggly pajamas, sing some songs, say our prayers, cuddle and love him, and then put him to bed. and first thing tomorrow, we can count on seeing his bright and smiling face. and that, is what i'm thankful for most of all.