The Small Things

It doesn't get much better than some baby bed head.

It's the little things that get us through day to day. It's 6:15 in the morning and the sun has just barely begun to rise. I was dozing in and out of a nice warm Nyquil induced sleep when it happened. Out of the corner of eye I saw the little flick flick flick of green light. The light that means little Aubs is stirring in her crib. Stirring loud enough to make the light flicker. With in minutes you can hear the first "mama" and "all done" of the day muffled by the binkie in her mouth.

All I want to do is hit the off button and roll over and go back to sleep. I don't do that of course but I do roll over for about five more minutes with the monitor on. Than I fumble around for my glasses and slowly creep out of bed. I have to pull some Cirque du soleil moves to get out from under the covers without waking Ruby, the dog who is sleeping on my legs. If I wake Ruby, I will not only have Aubs needing to be changed and fed but I have Ru wanting the same thing. I rather break those needs into two if I can help it.

Thankfully I make it into the hallway without a hitch. In the din light of the hall I give myself a little pep talk before opening the baby's bedroom door. "Alright Mal, you're up and that's just how it is. I know you feel like crap but you are not exactly on your death bed. Just go in there and get the baby and start the day."

With that I crack open the door to see Aubs sitting up in her crib. She is having a conversation with her stuffed doll when she spots me. She pops out her bink and says, "Hi Mama". If that alone didn't make me forget about staying in bed than seeing her with crazy baby bedhead surely does the trick.

We often dream about life in big moments. I often forget to stop and recognize the little things that come in between those big moments that make everything worth it. Things as simple as a happy baby with messy hair, a text from my husband in the afternoon just to say he loves me or the way the sunlight pours on to the lawn in the afternoon through the palm trees. It's those simple things that count as much as the big moments, if not more. I am so grateful for every one of them.

A Grateful State of Mind

I have trouble keeping a positive attitude when my life is going in the right direction. Completely crazy, I know. It just always seems like when I have to really buckle down and get through something unpleasant, I just do it. No second thoughts, no negative nellies keeping me from pushing though, just a can do spirit. I wish I could be like that now but I'm not. Don't get me wrong, I'm not depressed or anything. I guess the right word for it would be lazy. When I could be cleaning, organizing, crafting ect ect... you will find me on Pinterest or browsing blogs instead. It's not everyday but definitely more often than I'd like.

My bloggy friend Sandra over at Vegan Mother Hubbard asked me if I'd like to join up with her Gratitude link up and I jumped at the chance. I don't know anyone better than myself that could use a few quiet moments to reflect on the people and things in my life that I am grateful for.

I pretty much have it made right now. I have a wonderful husband and a great daughter plus a ton of extended family who love and care about me. I have a roof over my head, electricity, clothing and food to eat (even though my diet barely allows me to eat). I am able to stay at home with my daughter, which is the biggest thing. I can teach her what I want her to be taught and see all the little moments that no one else sees. That time alone with my daughter just makes every thing right in the world.

I want to make a vow to myself not to be one of those people who doesn't really get it until it's too late or until something tragic happens. I want to get "it" right now during the best time of my life. I want to lead Aubrey by example and show her to be grateful and enjoy the everyday. I want her and myself to be the best we can everyday. Being grateful for what you have is powerful. It shapes who you are and I'd much rather be thankful than bitter.


How can I not be grateful when I have her as my sidekick?


Do you ever struggle with this?
What are the things you are grateful for?






I'd be super grateful, if you clicked this button.