Giving Thanks

This year, I'm thankful for (in no particular order) ...

... family recipes, like my sister's pumpkin pie and my mom's sweet potatoes, both of which I'll be making for tomorrow's festivities.

... the kind lady in the cereal aisle this morning who asked me when I am due, who proceeded to tell me not to believe all of the delivery horror stories I hear, and who then said, "Just get the epidural and enjoy, because delivery really can be super fun." Bless you, lady from the cereal aisle.

... web cams and Skype. Even though they are very far away, my parents and sister will be able to be part of the baby's life on a regular basis, thanks to technology.

... Little Debbie's array of snack cakes, specifically Fudge Rounds. Over the past week or so, I plowed my way through an entire box ... no guilt, no regrets. I'm not even going make excuses; it is what it is, and I enjoyed every bite.

... our jobs, home, cars, and everything else we've been fortunate enough to keep during these difficult economic times. I realize that our ability to maintain our lifestyle could disappear at any moment, and I know we're luckier than many this holiday season.

... my mother-in-law and the ladies at work who keep saying, "You are all baby; that weight will just fall off." I don't know how much truth there is to this statement (a lot, I hope), but it's nice to hear on days when I feel like little else than a blob (this feeling is in no way connected to my thankfulness for Little Debbie, so don't go trying to make connections that don't exist).

... a short break from work to enjoy breakfast with a friend, a leisurely trip to the grocery store, an afternoon to relax at home, and some baking later tonight.

... my husband, who has spent the better part of 2008 dealing with my unruly emotions and my constant tossing and turning at night, among many other "pregnancy firsts". He just texted to tell me he's on his way home from work now to hang out. I guess that makes me thankful for his boss, too!

... a relatively easy and stress-free pregnancy. There have been times when I've wondered whether I'd ever make it to the end, and now I realize how quickly the nine months flew by, especially the last three or so. Besides the normal aches and pains and the inability to sleep well (which is probably just preparation for the next 18+ years), everything about this pregnancy has been great. Now we're just ready to meet her!

... the fact that ABC still finds value in showing the Charlie Brown holiday specials. Last night the Thanksgiving one was on, and it was just as good this year as it has been forever.

... a year of growth and new opportunity both personally and professionally. So many things have just "gone my way," and I'm incredibly thankful.

I'd love to hear from you ... what are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?