Thankful, a Little Late

I really wanted to write a Thanksgiving "thankful" post, but everything I was thankful for would have been a dead giveaway for what I wasn't ready to announce just yet. But since you now all know anyway, here's my thankful list for 2010. And it's must be said these things are obviously after more serious things like my family, my testimony, my Savior, and my ability to bear life at all:

*Tums

*Ginger ale (the real deal; none of this Canada Dry business)

*Humidifiers

*Apples, apples, and more apples (they are proving to be my magic nausea antidote)

*Tylenol PM, and the dear, dear nurse who told me it was safe to take it while with child

*The movie Australia. Found it on sale at Target on Black Friday. Don't know exactly why this movie is calling to me at this particular point in time, but there you go. Something about it makes me feel better.

*The fact that my nausea this time around seems to be mostly controllable

*So far, no migraines like I got in the 1st and 2nd trimester last time

Side by Side

So, it's funny when your child turns 1; suddenly, there's a buzz. Suddenly you can tell that people are just awaiting the announcement of a second child. The question, "So how are you today?" is loaded with implications and hopes that you'll respond to those implications. So it's not with a little snarky satisfaction when people come into my home, look around, and see this on the refrigerator:

"Oh my gosh! What is that?!" they exclaim.

"Oh no," I say sweetly, laughing, "That's Will's."

I have never gotten over having his ultrasound pics hung up for all to see. Even though pregnancy is an experience best left forgotten, I remember the day of that ultrasound as the day that I found out I was going to have a son. It was the day, for me, which began the transformation from being merely a pregnant woman to becoming a mother. This wasn't just a baby; it was a boy. A man-cub, a man-child. Something about knowing the gender made my role as a mother a little more clear.

Right now, Will is in the best stage. I've been saying that for about 6 months, but it's true. This phase is so rewarding. I love that he is talking and carrying on conversations. I love that when I'm not understanding what he wants me to go see, he will simply slip his perfect hand in mine and lead me there. I love that he is nice to other kids. I love that he has personality and silliness just spilling out of him every waking moment. I love that he believes he is capable of anything. I love his infectious belly laugh, his kisses, and his random need to strip down to his diaper. I guess it's short-sighted, but I can't imagine motherhood being more rewarding than it is right now. Even when I am tired and frustrated, there is a sweetness that pervades my relationship with this little guy. Loving him has never been an option; it simply is.

Therefore, it is with even more satisfaction that when people come into the house from now on, they will see this:

Can't wait to meet Tinglet #2. Coming July 2011. Woot!