Phew, what a week! I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted…
I know I’m done this before, but I thought I’d do another gratitude post for this weekend’s open thread. You can never have too much gratitude, right? And this week almost more than any other, I’m feeling especially grateful. My last trimester of pregnancy was a nail-biting one, with two hospital stays, three months of antibiotics, and near-constant worry that Jackson would be born premature and have some challenges. Then, of course, there was Miles’ near-death illness at the beginning of September that created even more stress.
But here we are with a healthy, albeit tiny, baby, a healthy cat (two healthy cats!), and more joy than I’ve experienced in a long, long time. It felt like a long road to get here; labor wasn’t easy, and Jackson spent his first couple of days in intensive care, which was nerve-wracking. But these last few days at home, though tiring, have been among the best ever. I’m very, very grateful. Plus, it’s October and I gave birth just in time to enjoy some pumpkin ale. Holla.
So, what are you grateful for this weekend?
And, as always, feel free to share whatever relationship issue you might have and want advice on.
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blackbird October 14, 2011, 5:09 pm
Wendy, your family is BEAUTIFUL! Congratulations on your healthy baby and kitty!
I’m grateful that my mom is coming to visit for Thanksgiving so soon after I’ve moved across the country. I’m grateful that my boyfriend’s sister-in-law gave birth with no complications and has the cuddliest, sleepiest baby ever. I’m grateful that my boyfriend got to hold the new baby soon after she was born, and that I was included. I’m grateful for my boyfriend who always makes random romantic gestures.
And I’m thankful for fall! Growing up in a desert, I’ve never seen leaves change before.
EB October 14, 2011, 5:20 pm
Wendy you look like you’re about 18…not fair! I thought childbirth was supposed to make a woman look 10 years older not 10 years younger 😉
VegasMama702 October 14, 2011, 5:22 pm
I’m grateful for the same things as most. I have a well paying job, and coworkers that are awesome people and more like family. I have a beautiful baby girl, who will be 1 in just a few weeks (she too spent some time in the NICU when she was born – 10 nerve wracking days) and I have another baby on the way; I’m due in March – extra blessings. I’m grateful that I have the support of my family – my mother, sister, father, and grandfather. We’ve been through so much drama in the past 20 years, but here we are now – as close as ever (in spirit, not physical distance) I’m happy to have my fiance, even if there are many days that I daydream about his demise; and I’m grateful to have DW to turn to to break up my days…..
JK October 14, 2011, 5:24 pm
What a beautiful family photo!!!
I´m grateful that the beautiful Spring weather is FINALLY here (after a horrible week of rain and cold).
Also for the opportunity to be a stay at home mum. And for my beautiful family as well. 🙂
JK October 14, 2011, 5:57 pm
Oops, left out that I´m glad Jackson is fine, he´s a real little cutie!
Skyblossom October 14, 2011, 5:27 pm
Your faces glow with those smiles and just looking at them made me smile and feel a special happiness inside. You’re a beautiful family! I’m glad to hear Jackson is home and doing fine. I can’t imagine the stress of having a newborn in intensive care.
Kerrycontrary October 14, 2011, 5:30 pm
Congratulations again, Wendy and Drew!
I’m grateful for a supportive family who will always cach me when I fall and doesn’t remind me of my mistakes. I’m thankful for my beautiful drive yesterday where I could see the fall leaves changing. I’m grateful for being able to find the most patient man in the world to date me during the most stressful years of my life. Oh! And I’m grateful that I finished grad school in May. It was horrible.
SGMcG October 14, 2011, 5:32 pm
You guys have the look of new parents – extremely tired, but extremely happy! Your new family looks awesome. If they allowed themselves to stay still for photos, maybe we could have a pic of the kitty babies too?
I personally am grateful to finally feel better too! I’ve been fighting bronchitis/laryngitis for over a week now. This last batch of antibiotics finally did the trick though.
Elizabeth October 14, 2011, 5:34 pm
Damn, you look good. I wanna have a baby to look that fresh… jeez.
I’m thankful for my running partner, Jenny. She motivated me all week!
rangerchic October 14, 2011, 5:48 pm
Beautiful picture! I wish you well in your new adventure 🙂
I’m thankful for my husband who always makes me smile even when I am angry and for my daughters, age 11 and 16.
I’m thankful for my friends who let me vent while having a couple of drinks so I can be thankful for my kids – kids really know how to push your buttons!
Finally, I am so grateful it is Friday! It has been a super stressful week and tomorrow is my daughter’s last soccer game for the season and I’ll finally get my weekends back. Hope that doesn’t sound to selfish but it is exhausting keeping up sometimes.
HBomb October 14, 2011, 5:49 pm
Welcome to the Dear Wendy World, Baby Jackson!
I am grateful for time spent with my grandma. And my 3 nieces.
PinkPanther October 14, 2011, 5:50 pm
I just wanted to say that I love the picture! 🙂
amber October 14, 2011, 5:54 pm
i love the new mother glow, one of my friends just had a baby and you just like her look like you were made to be a mom, and i love the exhausted but oh so happy look too!
this week i’m very happy for my health, my husband and family. i had a health scare and had to have some testing done on my heart but it turns out the doctor was just being extra cautious and i’m fine. whew! i’m also thankful for my two dogs who are keeping me company while my husband works tonight. also very greatful it is the weekend!
Addie Pray October 14, 2011, 6:08 pm
What a sweet pea that Jackson is! I bet you kiss on him constantly.
Addie Pray October 14, 2011, 6:16 pm
And I’m thankful for: SW drink coupons (there seems to be an endless supply in my wallet, I’m blessed); the customer rep guy at Comcast who credited me with 2 free movies because he felt bad that, in short, Comcast sucks (and they do; this guy was nice though); Anthropology for selling my favorite jeans online (so I can finally replace the ones I’m wearing – at work, mind you – with a big hole in the crotch – a constant reminder that my inner thigh rub together… yes, they do, thanks, I know, jeans, seesh); and quarters (because I have a candy machine in my apartment with M&Ms but I lost the key – hence, need quarters; of course now I just realized that I don’t have a way to get the quarters out. FML).
Addie Pray October 16, 2011, 9:03 pm
For those who were worried, over the weekend I found the keys to my M&M dispenser. Now I can get the M&Ms (and quarters I’ve already spent) out, without needing more quarters. Phew.
Anna October 14, 2011, 6:10 pm
What a beautiful family photo! It expresses just the exact kind of delirious happiness that I’m been craving in my own life ever since I turned 27.
At the moment, I am grateful that I am on vacation from work until Oct. 24th. Whoo hoo! I am staying home just chilling until Wednesday, then flying out to St. Louis for a couple days to visit one of my best friends who lives there. It is my first time flying somewhere alone for a vacation without parents or boyfriend.
applescruff October 14, 2011, 6:36 pm
Wonderful friends that I finally live close to, a supportive family, a job I enjoy where I genuinely get to help people, the greatest dog in the world, and my tickets to see a sold-out performance of “To Kill A Mockingbird” in two weeks. 🙂
AKchic October 14, 2011, 6:53 pm
I had a post – then I had to shut down my computer because it wasn’t responding. Bastard computer. *laugh*
I’m grateful the weather is changing quickly so I don’t have to be in excruciating pain for a super long time. I’m grateful that my youngest is cooperating in the whole potty training thing (granted, now that I’ve said something, he’ll stop). I’m grateful that my favorite holiday is coming up.
I’m never unamazed at how small this damned town is. The 50th anniversary of my family’s elementary school was last night. Got to see a lot of old faces. Literally and figuratively!
HmC October 14, 2011, 6:58 pm
I have an open topic that I’d love everyone’s input on please…
When is a good time in a relationship to have a serious talk about a future together? Assuming you have had brief exchanges about it throughout the relationship and very much appear to be on the same page in general, when and how do you have a talk about the two of you specifically, and where you see this particular relationship going? Is there such a thing as too soon? What if you don’t know 100% what you want yet? Better to wait until you do?
I realize this is really subjective and depends on many factors in a relationship (and who the two individuals are of course and how they feel comfortable communicating), but what do you guys think some of those more important factors are? Just curious. 🙂
GatorGirl October 14, 2011, 7:19 pm
I don’t think there is a thing as too soon (well the first date may be too soon). Have the conversation when you feel ready. Maybe bring it up casually first…or talk about a friends relationship and gage his response.
HmC October 14, 2011, 7:36 pm
Thanks for your response. I don’t think there is such a thing as too soon, if you’re talking about general goals (I want to get married) but I think it’s different if you’re talking about whether marriage will be happening in your specific relationship.
Also for clarification, I definitely do have my own ideas as far as when and how to bring it up, I’m just genuinely curious what specific tips and viewpoints others on here might have. I’m especially interested in whether you should know exactly what you want before asking what the other person wants. You guys always give me a lot to think about!
GatorGirl October 14, 2011, 8:00 pm
Hmmmm. I think you need to be pretty clear about your own life goals and morals before you can talk to someone about where the relationship is going. In my experience, if you don’t know what you want in your life, you can’t figure out what you want in your life with someone else.
katie October 14, 2011, 8:03 pm
regarding knowing if you 100% know what you want…
i dont think anyone really ever could say they 100% know EXACTLY what they want in life. atleast, i know i dont, and im always open to changes to the plan- twists and turns and surprises.
i think that you shouldnt wait until you 100% know, but talk about what you think you want now. because that part will change and grow. like, my boyfriend and I have decided in the past 6 months or so that we think that we might never want to have kids…. but, when we first moved in together, we had this dream of having kids one day. and one day, maybe in like 5 years, we will change our minds back again…. thoughts and feelings change, so i think it needs to be a constant conversation
katie October 14, 2011, 8:26 pm
oh- and also, it might be easier to start the conversation as more of a what do you see your life like/what do i see my life like conversation… so that way, by keeping yours and his lives seperate in the hypothetical future, it is just a general looking into the future conversation, not necessarily a what are our lives going to look like together conversation. maybe that would be easier to do, it puts less pressure on the whole topic, and you could gauge whether you and your man are thinking along the same wavelengths or not!
JK October 14, 2011, 8:51 pm
Wow, I´d pretty much forgotten what happened in my r/ship… for ages I´d been trying to discuss where we were headed, etc. only to hear “I want the same things you want” (from my oh so expressive husband). FInally I couldn´t stand not knowing anymore, and not knowing how to get him to actually say something, on our 1st anniversary (dating) I wrote him a long letter, and in one part put something like I wanted to be with him for the rest of our lives, have kids together, etc etc. I hope it was a bit more poetic than that, but I´m not terribly good at writing, haha. I made him read the letter in front of me to gauge his reactions, knowing how hard it is for him to actually say things.
About 3 months later he asked me to move in with him, and the rest is history (married and 2 daughters :))
Hopefully your BF is at least a tiny bit more expressive than my husband!!!
MissDre October 16, 2011, 5:18 pm
I tried having exactly this talk at breakfast this morning. Didn’t go exactly the way I planned 🙁
ReginaRey October 16, 2011, 7:23 pm
How so, MissDre?? Not to pry, just want to know if we can help!
MissDre October 16, 2011, 11:38 pm
My bf is talking about buying a house in the spring. Since things have been going so well, and since we were on the subject of babies and family (in general) I asked him what he’d think of buying a house together. I told him that I’m ready to start setting my life up to have a family. Not that I want to get married and have a baby tomorrow, but that I want to actively start working toward it.
I said we could start looking at houses together, that I have a down payment to bring with me and that we could work together to build the studio he’s been dreaming of all his life. I told him that I realize he has certain things to accomplish before having children, but that he can work towards a family and his goals at the same time and I would support him.
His response… he looked down at the table and mumbled, “Mmmm… Well… We’ll see.”
I’m pretty sure that “We’ll see” usually means “No, but I don’t want to be a jerk and actually say no and hurt your feelings, so I’ll just say something non-committal”
He’s going on 32 years old. He’s told me before that he hopes to have his first baby on the way by 35. Yet 6 months from now he’s planning on buying a house without me?
I even said to him this morning, why are you buying a house by yourself when you want to have a wife and a baby in the next 3 years? Do you expect me or whatever woman you’re with to give up everything they worked for and move into the house you chose without them? Or do you plan to just sell the home and the studio that you’ll have worked so hard to build? He just says “When the time is right, two lives can easily be merged.”
Great, so I’m supposed to wait for you to tell me when the time is right, am I?
Sigh. So after he left tonight, I cried. I don’t know what to do because up until now, he’s been just the most amazing boyfriend and such a good friend. He’s been so good to me, and he’s been telling me since the day we met that he wants a wife and a family and we talk all the time about our values when it comes to raising children and what it means to be a husband or a wife. I thought all this time that we were on the same page. Was I wrong?
Kristen October 17, 2011, 9:42 am
I think it’s great that you felt comfortable initiating a conversation like this and just went for it.
Like you, I’m having trouble understanding his (lack of) response, though. In all your conversations about babies and marriage and homes, does he ever talk specifically about your future life together? Or is it always just in vague terms? I remember there was a clear point in time where my boyfriend went from saying things like, “When I build a house, I want it to have X, Y, and Z,” to saying things like, “Wouldn’t it be great if our home had X?” You could kind of see where his mind frame and shifted, and he was thinking specifically about a future with me, specifically.
I wish there was an easy way to find out what’s bothering him about the house-buying conversation, especially since you’ve been on the same page all this time. And if he said himself that he wants to be married and have children within three years, wouldn’t this be a logical first step toward that goal? If he’s thinking of doing those things with someone else down the line, he should be honest and say so. Otherwise, it’s not fair. You deserve to have a clear picture of where your relationship stands and is heading… you shouldn’t have to stand by idly while he decides when/if the time is right, and if you’re included in his plans.
*Big hugs*
MissDre October 17, 2011, 11:22 am
Yeah, we have often talked about marriage and babies but in vague terms. He is the one that specifically told me he was looking for a serious relationship when we first met.
I’ve asked lots of questions throughout our relationship… even about weddings and baby names. And throughout all this, I’ve discovered we both want to buy a house in the same neighbourhood, we both want to have biological kids AND adopt, we want the same type of wedding, we even agree on a name for a girl! But it’s never actually been about the two of us specifically.
So I’ve tried to start saying things like “If we had kids…” or “If we were married” and we still manage to have in depth discussions. He doesn’t seem freaked out by that.
But then I outright ask if he wants to buy a house together and he goes cold. I’ve never thought he would be the type of guy to string a girl along if he knew she wasn’t right (I’m only his second girlfriend, and he was with the last girl for 5 years, and then single for 3 years before me). I think maybe he just has this “Huxtable Vision” for his family in the far off future. He knows he wants it, and he wants it to be perfect, but maybe he’s afraid to actually start building it now… I dunno!
Kristen October 17, 2011, 11:44 am
I see what you’re saying. It’s like he knows what he wants – and it’s the same thing as you! – but he doesn’t know how to get from here to there. Like all the in-between steps are fuzzy, even though he has a clear picture of living in a great house with a wife and children in three years.
For the record, I think you were absolutely right to question him buying a house by himself when he’s indicated that he wants to move forward in a serious relationship. It only makes sense to include you in a huge decision like that.
I’m hoping he realizes he didn’t handle that conversation correctly and reassures you that he’s definitely picturing that future with YOU. I can tell how much you’ve invested in this relationship, and I’m rooting for it to work out 🙂 It would be so great if you could go house-hunting together and set all the groundwork for your future together!
MissDre October 17, 2011, 12:41 pm
Thanks. Maybe I will just take some space for now. And I’ll bring it up again in the spring. We’re going on two years now, if he can’t tell me what he wants by then, something isn’t right.
6napkinburger October 17, 2011, 12:50 pm
You can really bury this in your head for 6 months? I can’t bury anything for more than 10 mins; Its written all over my face.
Personally, I think the idea of having to put this on the backburner for 6 months is incredibly unfair to yourself. These are reasonable questions. You didn’t indicate how old you are, but 6 months matter to you to. If he’s planning on buying a house, isn’t he going to start to look for one soon? Aren’t you going to want to ask questions about it?
I get giving the guy time and space for him to address it again. But I would recommend 2 weeks, not half a year. Give time for him to think about his reaction and what he thinks about it. Maybe even give him a heads up, in two weeks tell him: “I want to talk more about the future and your house plans. Let’s meet on Saturday to talk about it” so he can get his thoughts together and not feel put on the spot.
If he doesn’t want to marry you, wouldn’t you rather know that now than in 6 months of walking on eggshells?
HmC October 17, 2011, 1:08 pm
Hey MissDre. Not to sound too stalkerish, but I’ve followed your comments on here about your relationship and I always thought you sounded really nice, so I have been pulling for you guys. I”m sorry this happened and is making you question things. 🙁
Honestly, from what you’ve said of the situation, it’s hard to know exactly what he’s thinking… however, if I recall correctly, you don’t want to co-habitate prior to marriage right? I remember, because that’s how I feel too.
So… you guys have been together a bit over a year (right?) and now you want to start taking tangible steps towards a solid future? I totally applaud you for asking for what you want out of a relationship, heaven knows that isn’t always easy. But, asking him to buy a house together, was basically asking him to start taking real steps towards marriage and kids too, since you guys aren’t going to live in the house prior to getting married, right? So all in one punch, you basically told the guy you want to get married and have kids, in the very near future. Though you insist that isn’t true, maybe that was how he took it.
I wouldn’t take his initial response in such a devastating way. You’ve sort of asked for a huge commitment, or he might see it that way, and I don’t think you should make any drastic moves until you’ve given him time to digest what you brought up. I say give him some space to process things. Clear up exactly what you meant by buying a house together, if he asks, but definitely don’t go desperately chasing after him or apologizing for what you asked for.
Give it time. See what he says. Answer his questions honestly. See if maybe there are compromises that you would be comfortable for both of you. Like maybe instead of buying the house and going down the marriage path right away, you can talk about how exactly he sees you integrating into his house in the future. Maybe he can include you in the decision process of which home to buy, since you would *possibly* be living there in the future, should things work out.
MissDre October 17, 2011, 1:38 pm
Thanks for the encouragement, HmC. We’ve been together for a year and a half. I don’t want to wait until I’m actually married to live with him, but you’re certainly right in that I don’t want to live with a man unless we have already decided that marriage is definitely in our plans. And he feels the same way, so maybe you’re right that he saw my question as “Let’s get married in the spring.”
I just wish he could let me know how he sees things progressing. I asked him once before, maybe after about 8 months together, if he thought we’d be together for a long time. And he said “Well, the thing is, no matter how much you try to plan these things, you never know how they are going to work out. All I know is that I’m happy right now, I care for you very much and I just want to keep seeing where this goes”.
I know that he’s the type of man who takes things very slowly. He moves cautiously, and he’s like that with everything. I’ve always said, he’s got to be the most patient man on the face of the earth.
Maybe I came at him too fast. He’s already said that I can come look at houses with him and he’s already said I can help him decorate. Maybe he just needs time to process things. He’s been a wonderful partner so far. Always makes me feel loved, valued, respected and cared for. I definitely have to give him credit for that.
Thanks everyone for listening and for your support.
6napkinburger October 17, 2011, 1:57 pm
I know everyone’s relationship is different and that details can’t always be conveyed properly on this site, but I don’t see how a girlfriend of a year and a half can “come at” her boyfriend “too fast” about what his buying a house means for their relationship. I get that you might have put him on the spot and he might need time to figure out his response (and maybe that’s what you mean). But by that point in the relationship, I can’t really see how you can freak him out or “be moving too fast” (not your words).
Are you someone who is cool with a “we’ll see how it all works out” approach? Yay to you if you are, but if you’re not, its fair to bring the issue back up. Even if he is unable to give you an answer (as that is his personality), if he is as great as he seems, he shouldn’t hold the fact that you asked the question against you.
HmC October 17, 2011, 4:08 pm
I definitely don’t think you should turn this around on yourself and focus your energy on having done something wrong. It’s not “too fast”. Too fast for him, worst case scenario, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have done it. You were coming from an honest and loving place. If he’s not ready for that (and I don’t think we have enough information to say he is or isn’t) then better you find out now anyway, yeah?
That said, what I meant to stress above, was that you weren’t really just asking him how he felt and what he wanted. You were doing that, while simultaneously telling him that you *are* ready to go down that road. You offered to split the house and told him you have down payment money. That is definitely concrete evidence that shows you are ready, and I could see how that would give him the impression that you want this all to happen soon.
Anyway… these types of issues are tricky, because they really aren’t about somebody being right or someone being bad. It’s just about compatible timing. I do think that if he’s right for you, this conversation shouldn’t scare him away. If he’s right for you, then at the worst, he might just need some more talking and some compromising from exactly what you are envisioning. That is, if you are both open to compromise.
Give him time to process, think about what compromises you might be open to, and continue being honest. He sounds like a good guy and hopefully you guys can get on the same page and both come out of this happy and with a good idea of where things are going. 🙂
ReginaRey October 17, 2011, 3:32 pm
Hey MissDre…thought I’d chime in real quick. It’s hard to tell, but it sounds like there’s a discrepancy in the way he envisions his future. He wants a marriage, kids, house, etc. But does he actively talk about wanting them with YOU? I’m more of the opinion that after this long, you shouldn’t be able to scare him away with just outright asking him if his plans are generic, or if they include you. I’d sit down and say, “I didn’t mean to scare you or pressure you, and I’m not gunning for anything at this very moment, but it’s important to me to know whether or not your talk of marriage and kids and a home is general, or if you’re talking about WITH ME.”
Also, I think it’s important to know whether or not he’s having doubts about your relationship and its long-term potential. And truly, the only way to know the answer to that question is to outright ask, “Do you have doubts about me?” Doubts are normal, but not for an extended period of time. I know very well that doubting for months and months is a sign that the relationship isn’t right. I hope that isn’t the case for you, but I’d definitely be alert in gauging whether or not his doubts revolve around you.
BriarRose October 14, 2011, 7:01 pm
I read something recently that said something along the lines of “what if you woke up tomorrow morning with only the things you had said thank you for the night before?” It made me realize that I probably wouldn’t be left with much! So in the midst of heartbreak, money issues, downsizing my living situation, a seemingly dead-end job, etc, I’ve realized I still have so much to be grateful about.
Top on my list is the cutest, sweetest, smartest, funniest, most well-behaved little 7 year old girl ever. And amazingly, for some reason, it was seen fit that she gets to be my daughter. There has been many a day when she’s been the only thing that gets me through the day. I’m grateful to my friends who have helped me pick up the pieces after both my divorce, and my break up with my boyfriend. I’m grateful to have a job at all, and I’m grateful for knowing how to sew and quilt. And yes, I’m even grateful for my crazy dog who at the very least, gives me good material to write about on Facebook.
emjay October 14, 2011, 7:13 pm
First off, I haven’t checked the site for a while, but Congrats on that beautiful baby boy of yours!!!! He is just sooooo precious!!! I’m extatic for you Wendy!!!!
And I’m grateful for my wonderful fiance who has been working 20 hour days since right before labor day to keep a roof over our heads! He is the most caring, giving person I have ever met. I am also grateful for my wonder sister in law who has been helping me tremendously with everything. For my three nefews who I live vicariously through until I become a mommy. And my wonderful dog who may be rather needy, but always puts a smile on my face when I am missing my man, or times are getting really really hard!!!!
GatorGirl October 14, 2011, 7:24 pm
Wendy, your family is beautiful! Congratulations again!
I’m thankful for boyfriend, my cat, my family and being able to support myself. I’m also so super thankful for how open and honest my BF and I can be with each other. I feel really blessed to have someone who I can talk about everything with; the Kardashian wedding to socialism and like everything in between.
ReginaRey October 14, 2011, 6:25 pm
I’ve been looking forward to a new picture of Jackson all week, and I’m glad to see one of the whole family! Wendy – Damn, girl! You look fantastic! So young and beautiful! And Drew, Drew looks good too! 🙂
I’m grateful for my best friends. We’re all getting together tonight in my new apartment and going out on the town. It’s the first time I’ve gone “out” as a single gal since my breakup, so we’ll see what interesting men I can flirt with tonight.
I’m also grateful for my grandmother’s health. She had a hysterectomy today to remove a large tumor in her uterus. The doctors believe, upon looking during surgery, that the cancer hasn’t spread…we’ll know more in about a week. I got to speak to her on the phone right after her surgery, and she sounds as chipper as a 77-year-old who just had surgery could! I pray she’s around for many more years. I want her to be there to see me get married one day, and see her great-grandchildren.
Lydia October 15, 2011, 1:53 pm
Sending good thoughts for your grandmother! I feel exactly the same about my 74 year old grandma. I can’t imagine not having her at my wedding or having her meet my kids. Thankfully, she’s super lively and in good health, and I’m getting married in a year, so it should all work out.
katie October 14, 2011, 7:57 pm
Wendy, you looks so beautiful. and I have to say, most of the time I think that newborns look kind of gross and alien-like, but baby jackson is just adorable!!
Auntie Allison October 14, 2011, 8:15 pm
I’m thankful my parents are both healthy. I’m super thankful my sister and brother-in-law have a healthy baby and that I get to meet my nephew Jackson this weekend!!! (Okay, so this isn’t fair since it’s the same story as Wendy’s.) I’m very, very excited!
Lamia October 14, 2011, 8:15 pm
Wendy, you’re glowing! You look so beautiful 🙂
As for things I’m grateful for, there’s my job for one. The fact that I’ve been getting nothing but good things said about me to my boss and the fact that I’m no longer just a telemarketer, but now I’m involved in helping the agents with their business and with further training I’ll be given even more responsibility (which can lead to more hours!)
I’m also grateful that my dad is on his way to a job that pays at least double what he’s currently earning. He’ll also be home more (he’s a trucker) which means that hopefully he can take care of my mom and my husband and I can look into moving back out.
I’m so thankful that my mom’s cat was only throwing up constantly due to a switch in her food, rather than an intestinal blockage or something more serious. She’s a sweet cat and I was so scared she was horribly sick.
Then there’s the basics, I have a roof in my head, properly fitting clothes in the closet, and food in the cabinets.
SpyGlassez October 14, 2011, 8:27 pm
Aaw, babby! I just want to cuddle!
I’m thankful for my Ginger – we have problems sometimes, who doesn’t, but he’s so good to me. I’m thankful for my best friend/roommate/sister-friend who is the most awesome person around. I’m thankful for my jobs, because they keep us fed and in a decent place. And I’m thankful the weather has held out so long, because said best friend and I sell at the farmers’ market every week.
caffeinatrix October 14, 2011, 8:52 pm
Beautiful photo!
Specifically, this week I am grateful for the industry connections I’ve made at my job (even though the job itself is getting more unbearable by the day). I’ve been wanting to move on for months now and I’ve sent out dozens of resumes, but I know the only reason I’ve gotten any interviews at all is because of the people who’ve been willing to campaign on my behalf to hiring managers. Any day now…
Bea October 15, 2011, 11:52 am
Long time lurker unlurking to say: congratulations, Wendy!! Your family looks beautiful.
callmehobo October 15, 2011, 12:57 pm
Congrats, Wendy.
I’m so glad that both you AND Jackson are healthy and happy. Unfortunately, earlier this week, my friend’s newborn passed away after three days. The funeral was yesterday, and she was devastated. I’m just glad that you guys are safe!
Wendy October 15, 2011, 2:09 pm
Oh, that’s so sad. I’m sorry for your friend’s terrible loss.
Morgan October 15, 2011, 1:03 pm
I am grateful that my relationship with my parents has transitioned into a pretty awesome adult daughter-parent relationship, and that we can have the kinds of conversations that we do.
I am very very grateful that my grandfather got a kidney, and so far has had no serious complications.
I am grateful to be in a very short distance relationship, in which we can sleep in one of our beds basically every night (well, mostly mine. I spent a ton of money on my mattress to get one that actually addresses some of my back problems. I didn’t pay up to never sleep on it)
I am happy in an entirely selfish way that my baby sister is applying to my alma mater. I love that school, and I think she’d love it there. It’s not her first choice, but she is applying.
Also congrats, Wendy. You look beautiful in that picture, and I’m so happy that after a rough pregnancy you and Jackson are both healthy and well.
bittergaymark October 15, 2011, 2:25 pm
That I am having such a blast with improv comedy here in LA. And that in two weeks I shall be in Dallas for my nephew’s first real halloween! He’s over one — and was around last year, but was so tiny and cute that it all went OVER his head… So much so that my sister didn’t even do a costume then as it seemed too silly… This year, he’s going to be a skeleton, I think.
Wendy will TOTALLY get what I mean a year from now. 🙂
Marie October 15, 2011, 3:24 pm
You look so beautiful Wendy! Congrats on your new little sweat pea, he is so adorable! (I’m sure that is not the first or last time you will hear that!).
I’m thankful for my amazing boyfriend, can’t believe how lucky I was to meet him 🙂
Amybelle October 15, 2011, 4:06 pm
Beautiful family photo (and makes me a wee bit jealous as I was nowhere near so glowing and gorgeous as a new mum!)
Trying to be grateful for all of my problems, sorrows, heartbreaks, and mistakes; they’ve taught me so much…not quite there yet, but trying. Grateful for my three sons, and my job that allows me to make a difference in people’s lives and not just a paycheck. Oh, and Winesap apples…yum!
FireStar October 15, 2011, 4:08 pm
I’m grateful my puppies are sleeping quietly and not chasing squirrels in the yard. I’m grateful my loved ones are healthy and that my husband makes me laugh every day.
Amanda October 15, 2011, 11:22 pm
Wendy, congratulations! Could you and your family BE any more beautiful? I don’t think so! I’m grateful that my fiance and I have made progress in planning our wedding next summer. We have booked the ceremony and reception venues and contacted the three preferred caterers for the reception. It’s a lot of additional stress on top of our graduate work, but I look forward to making my new family “official” next August!
TaraMonster October 16, 2011, 8:10 pm
I’m grateful that I got to read a whole week’s worth of DW in one shot after coming home from vacation. It was like gorging on chocolate ice cream. Reading that Wendy had baby Jackson was the cherry on top. Congratulations, Wendy and Drew!
And I’m grateful that I was able to take a vacation; I’ve never had the financial security to afford something so wonderful before. It was restorative to spend time alone with the man I love, shut off from technology and the bustle of NYC. Being surrounded by crystal blue waters with a corona in hand didn’t hurt, either.
Sue Jones October 16, 2011, 11:07 pm
Lovely picture! You both look radiant! And the babies do break you in slowly. At this stage they are so portable and sleep a lot you can sort of have the illusion that you can continue your old activities. Just get ready for once they become mobile at 6-8 months… then it all changes and you will probably become obsessed with baby-proofing… my son skipped the sit on the blanket and play slowly with toys stage and went right to crawling… it is all wonderful in different ways so enjoy every moment! Oh I wish I could hold a baby right now but that is what my small chihuahua is for and my 8 year old still wants to sit in my lap! Thank goodness for that!
Jess of CityGirlsWorld.com October 17, 2011, 9:58 am
Photo is just stunning Wendy. The happiness just radiates off of you and Drew and right through the screen. Happy for you guys. Hope you keep us updated about the day to day developments with little Jackson. He’s darling.
AndreaMarie October 17, 2011, 11:23 am
Oh Wendy, congrats to your beautiful family! You can literally see the love and joy in that photo.
I am continually grateful for having a stable, well paying job in such a tough time. I’m so thankful for unconditional love and support of my parents. I can never repay them.