+ Giving thanks +
Not surprisingly, we had many things for which to give thanks this year. There have been some challenges this past year, I won't lie. Some more serious than others. But in the end, we have nothing but blessings to dwell upon. And you are such a major part of the story. I'm thankful for every day I wake up, knowing the wondrous miracle going on inside of me. I'm thankful for the aches and pains, even the heartburn, because they remind me of your presence and assure me that things are going as they should. Another due-in-March mother wrote a message today that 3 weeks ago, at 21 weeks, her baby was born and shortly thereafter passed away. I have so much to be thankful for so far, that you're healthy and happy in there.

You moved a lot this weekend, and I grew just as much as you moved. Ha! One morning, you were sideways, and very high. I could tell the main part of your body was high, at and above my navel. Then last night, I realized you were really really low, kicking down into some uncomfortable territory. Today you seem to be back to your normal sprawling self. We walked a lot on Friday, shopping in the after-Thanksgiving sales. I learned that I really do need to take it easy now. I'm a pregnant woman (and very noticeably - I had lots of salespeople ask me about you), and I can't walk as long, as fast or as far as I used to without breaks. I need to drink lots of water (which I did), and it's okay to rest. Getting up out of some chairs is already getting harder, and my balance is changing quite a lot.

Anyway, I got some cute Dad-to-be and Mommy-to-be ornaments. They were expensive, but handmade and very cute. They're on the tree right next to each other and the (little, and oddly proportionate with the others) scottie ornament that looks so much like Princess. Our little family as it is today. I like the milestone ornaments we have, like our first married Christmas ones. I can't wait to see the beautiful ones for your first Christmas too.