Giving Thanks (And Very Funny Pictures - Literally)

This time of year is always good to think about all of the things you are thankful for.  Over the years, the things I'm thankful for have changed a lot.  This year it's changed drastically. 

This year I'm thankful for wonderful family and friends.  My amazing daughter, who has been through more in 8 months than I have in 29 years, yet she still has the best outlook on life.  Her giggles and smiles melt my heart, and she can make even the worst days better.  My wonderful husband, who has been by my side through everything.  We have grown together in ways that we would never imagine, and we have been able to turn our dreams into a reality as we have started a new chapter in our lives.  He has worked so hard to make sure that I can stay home with Kennedy.  My parents, who have once again shown their love and support endlessly.  And to our families who have been by our side through some of he happiest and some of the hardest moments in our lives over the past year.  For all of our friends that have offered support, encouragement, an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on.

I'm thankful for the medical community.  Not just any doctor.  The Cardiologist who took such good care of Kennedy and got her to surgery in such amazing condition.  The Surgeon who fixed my daughters heart, at just 4.5 months old.  I'm thankful for the loving support of the midwives and doula who have played such a special part in our lives over the past year.  And of course, the therapists that *try* to work so hard with Kennedy every week.  They really do put up with a lot of tears and resistance.

I'm thankful for the Internet.  It has allowed me to meet so many people who understand what we have been through, and the challenges (and happiness) that we face day to day.  I've been fortunate to learn from these individuals, and am now helping to educate and inform others, as well as provide the same support that we received. 

I'm also thankful for my camera and digital photography.  My camera that allows me to capture the best moments in life.  It lets me relive the giggles, smiles and milestones over and over.  The last few nights I've been looking over pictures of Kennedy from the time she was born until now, and I just can't believe how much she has changed.  And I can't believe how many photographs I've taken.  In fact, I've taken roughly 20,000 photos since she was born.  Some day I'll have time to scrapbook them all. 

Kennedy is working on her own list of things she's thankful for.  But she wasn't quite ready.  She said she needed until sometime next week, so be on the look out.

Here's some photos from today.  Apparently, mommy was THE funniest thing on Earth tonight.  And french fries (don't worry - not fried) just might be a new favorite. 

Can we read this one next mommy?

Thanks mom.  This thing feels really good on my toofies.

Mommy, you are sooooo funny!

Mom, stop it.  

You crack me up!

Really mommy, stop, I can't take it anymore!

MOMMY! No more!  I can't take it!

Please mommy!  My cheeks are getting tired from laughing.

I mean it now mom!  I'm ready for dinner! Please stop making me laugh!

Nom nom nom...something new.

Well, this is different.

But I think I like it.