Joy...

I was just bending over to put on my shoes and found it so easy. Yes, putting on shoes made my day. So I thought I would make note of the joy in my life.

1. Miles - ok, that's obvious - but I never thought motherhood could be so amazing and wonderful. I truly love every second with him (even at 1 AM). I miss him when he naps (see #2), and I'm excited to see his little eyes peek open at me. Yeah, I'm in love.

2. Naptime - As much as I enjoy my little man I sure do love an hour or two to pee, eat, do dishes, do laundry, clean bathrooms, make cupcakes, put things away, craft, type with two hands, and the list goes on and on. (And then rest when he wakes up!)

3. Nursing - I love nursing! I had hoped from the beginning that it would work for us and I'm so grateful it has. He latched on the first time I held him and we've been able to battle through our difficult moments (why does it take so long for milk to come in??) to have a successful 3 hour feeding schedule (Jamie and Kelli, I can do 3 hours!!!) I'm working on pumping so little man can keep up the milkies when I have to go back to school.

4. A c-section - yes, be surprised, it was not in my birth plan and was fun in no way BUT it did give me one thing (besides the obvious) - two extra weeks off work! Thanks to the zipper I don't have to go back to school until Dec. 18, and will be there for four whole days before Christmas break. After the break, now that will be tough.

5. Shoes - well not just shoes, but general mobility. Going from very pregnant to a giant incision I have been itching to MOVE! I am finally feeling mostly functional, and have the doc's clearance to move, bath, and vacuum (why that was restricted I still don't know). It's so nice to hop in and out of bed at will, and crawl under the bed to get another box of diapers, and just generally sit and stand. Movement is nice.

6. My home - It's our first Christmas here. Last year we were homeless (sort-of) and did not decorate. I'll admit it was fun to get out our stuff and find new places for everything. We got the tree up last night and hung up a third stocking on the mantle, it's just nice to be home for the holidays. (wow, that sounded cheesy)

7. My family - This is the first Christmas I haven't been close to home and it's a little weird. I didn't get to hassle my mother about her hoards of decor, or help her pick out all the Christmas jammies. I won't be at Heidi's on Christmas Eve arguing with Andre (not a smart idea) in a game of Apples to Apples; however, I will get to see the whole lot at Miles' blessing on the 23rd, and we are very happy that Art's parents will finally get to spend the holidays with us!

8. My Love - We are home most of the day together, him in and out to classes, but we are home a lot. He is learning about babies and what he will do when he is home alone. He spends a lot of time talking to Miles. Together they goo and coo and make a lot of noises, and it makes me so happy to hear him giggling at Miles and finding utter joy in this tiny human. He really is a great Papa. 

How could that not fill your every waking second with happiness? (Now, talk about cheesy)