Very Blessed

I woke up this morning to the sounds of Blake talking to her stuffed animals and as I glanced at the monitor to watch her for a few minutes I had this overwhelming sense of gratitude.  It was as if all of a sudden I realized how blessed I really am! 

I will be the first to admit that I take things for granted - not intentionally of course- I just get swept up in the business of life and my daily routines.  I've been praying for several months for so many of my friends and different situations they are going through - different challenges they are having to face with their children, or trying to have children and I can't believe how truly lucky I am.  Chris and I definitely weren't planning on Miss Blake and to be honest - when we found out I was pregnant I think we both had mini heart attacks.  It was definitely ahead of "our schedule" in life, but true to fashion - God had other plans!  My pregnancy was smooth for the most part - aside from being extremely sick the first trimester and battling crazy heartburn - no major scares, worries, issues that in itself is a major blessing.  My delivery was smooth and essentially painless (thank God for epidurals) and our little girl is healthy, happy and so easy to care for.  I'm lucky enough to get to stay home with her this first year of her life to watch her grow and help teach her.  All of these things I have taken for granted!  As I was sitting on the couch with my beautiful baby girl I have this overwhelming urge to just cry out to God in thanks.  Unexpected surprises truly are the greatest blessings!