THANKFUL- DAY 28

Today I am thankful for an organization that has been a huge part if my life. I'm thankful for my sorority that I joined in the Fall of 1996. Zeta Tau Alpha has been an organization that gave me some of my best friends.

In college I was introduced to an instant group of girls that mean the world to me. When you pledge an organization like Zeta, you are told from the beginning how you have made friends for a lifetime. As a freshman you don't understand that meaning, but as college goes on you begin to understand.

Through this journey with Mary I have had the support of so many of my pledge sisters and other sisters who have fought this battle as well. Just hearing their stories has made this journey easy. I'm blessed to have the encouragement and understanding of so many. I'm also blessed for just the support of my sisters. The many inbox messages and post mean the world to me.

Thankful doesn't do enough when you say Zeta is for life!

ZLAM!

THANKFUL- DAY 27

This is a short one today. I'm thankful for lunch dates with my husband! Yesterday we went and ate Sushi! It was the best Sushi I had in a long time. I know it's minor, but it was nice just to have us time!

I love my husband, and I love our lunch dates!!

THANKFUL- DAY 26

Today I am thankful for my work family. This picture is a small portion of the many friends I have made over the years of working at Shawnee Trail!

Shawnee Trail has provided me with so many friends that have been such a strong support system! I wish I could name everyone, but my cup runs over with so many!

I know the next few weeks will go by fast, and I'll have to return to work. We don't know Mary's time frame, so I'll have to be prepared for anything. I know that my return to work will be supported by all my friends. They will be the system that will get me through each day!

Again, it's amazing how wonderful my school family is. I do miss my daily chats, and can't wait to make my daily rounds!!

THANKFUL- DAY 25

Today is my mom's birthday. I'm very thankful for her. She has been a huge help the past few months. I'm very blessed for all she does and the love she shares with our family.

Happy birthday mom!

THANKFUL- DAY 24

Today I'm thankful for the healthy little fighter I have. Mary is 3 pounds 5 ounces today! Back to birth weight! She is taking over an ounce of milk at each feed. Today they had to stretch it over an hour to get her to digest it better. She has little episodes called Brady's. These are little things where she has to be reminded to breath. She's dealing with a little acid reflux, but overall is doing great! I'm so proud of her!

I also got to go to a birthday party with Maggie today. We had a a great time shopping and hanging out together!

What a great day had by all!!

THANKFUL- DAY 23

Today I am thankful for medicine. Well, we will see. It hasn't started working yet, so cross your fingers that it does. My body is revolting and I itch like crazy.

It is all worth it for my sweet baby who is here safely! Love both my little girls!

THANKFUL-DAY 22

Today I am thankful for the gift of time. God has blessed me with two precious little girls that I now get to share my time with.

On Tuesday I took the day to go to the mall and have a playdate with Maggie. We ha so much fun. With me being in bed rest the past 6 weeks and a week on the hospital, Maggie was really feeling my absence. She has told everyone how mommy is home. I know it's been a hard time in her, so I'm doing what I can to be with her.

With Mary now here and spending time in the NICU, we are really having to figure out our time. While we want to spend every minute with her, that is not a possibility. It's not good for her, for Maggie or for us. It's a balance we are adjusting too.

In the NICU they encourage you to come and hold your baby twice a day for 3 hours each. While you think that is easy, it's harder to accomplish. Then as a parent you feel guilty for thinking you can't give 3 hours. However, you have to let go and do what you can.

We have worked out a little schedule with me being off work. I go in the mornings and spend my time with Mary. In the evenings Jack gets his time in, and I stay home with Maggie. We get the best of both worlds. You can tell both girls need our time.

Again, on the Thanksgiving day I am so fortunate for my gift of time. I got to snuggle with both girls this morning. I got my Maggie time in before I came to snuggle with Mary.

It's so hard to let time take over. However, it's a gift that I have to value and respect.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. May today you be given the gift of time to spend with your loved ones.