As the Thanksgiving holiday weekend comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to step back and reflect on all the things for which I’m truly grateful. I think it’s especially important to do tonight as we head into a fifth consecutive day of all the tenets of Suddreth Manor being home together.

The weather in Kansas City is a bitty nutty this week. It was cold and windy early in the week; Thanksgiving Day was beautiful. It was supposed to rain the next day. Saturday was a gorgeous 60 degree fall day. And we received five inches of snow and an arctic blast in temperature today. The snow has stopped but the frigid temps will continue through tomorrow so our school district cancelled classes for tomorrow.

Which means in addition to tending to a newborn, we’ll have an energetic toddler to look after as well. Add in to the equation that Brett works from home and I’m sure you can see that tomorrow is going to be…interesting.

But, as I write all of that out and see it in words, I also have this thought: how lucky I am to be in this situation. While my day will undoubtedly be more challenging, I’m thankful for two healthy kids.

Image by: Kelsey Admire Photography

Image by: Kelsey Admire Photography

I’m grateful for a warm, safe home to keep them in while outside temperatures are too dangerous.

Image by: Kelsey Admire Photography

I am blessed to have a husband who works relentlessly for us all to ensure we have a beautiful, comfortable and fulfilling life.

Image by: Kelsey Admire Photography

As I look back at how we spent the last four days together I am thankful for family who not only love each other but genuinely like one another. I’m grateful for in-laws who want to help out and I’m blessed to feel confident that my kids are safe when they aren’t with me.

But above all, as I sit writing this from the rocking chair in the baby’s room where I’m currently being held hostage by a snoozing baby who only wants to snuggle and sleep on me today, I realize how truly thankful, grateful and blessed I am in this very moment. I got to play with the toddler and read books with him during the 30 minute stretch I was able to get the baby in his swing. I love hearing him laugh and he has the best smile in the world.

Image by: Kelsey Admire Photography

Image by: Kelsey Admire Photography

I’m so thankful to have a strong bond and connection with the baby. I’m grateful that he feels safe and secure enough that he just curls up on my chest and falls asleep.

Image by: Kelsey Admire Photography

I’m grateful for a partner who spends almost every waking moment entertaining and tending to every need and demand the toddler has while we all adjust to being a family of four and settle in to a new normal.

Image by: Kelsey Admire Photography

I know how blessed I am to have a wonderful, supportive partner to walk through the challenges and struggles life will through at us. A partner who is always thinking about me and the kids and how he can make our lives the best they can be. How he can make things easier for us.

Thankful. Grateful. Blessed.

Image by: Arianna Suddreth

Image by: Arianna Suddreth

Image by: Arianna Suddreth

Image by: Arianna Suddreth

I hope your holiday helped remind you of the things for which are thankful and that the rest of the holiday season is filled with gratitude and blessings.