this little gift list

Still working on my list of 1,000 gifts. It's going a lot slower than I had expected. I could write down soo many a day, but I try to only write the ones that actually make me stop, think and feel genuinely grateful in that moment. It's becoming more and more now that I seem to be making it a habit. At first I was searching and forcing, like "hmm, that sounds like a good gift" and just writing it down in a hurry. Like it was part of my to do list. I'm beginning to really soak in the moment of the gift when I realize it and find the joy in the thankfulness.

22. Ability and motivation to run.
I love running. Granted I am far from being good at it, especially after my pregnancy and this Michigan winter. When I get on the treadmill or preferably outside (sooo soon!) I really do enjoy every moment of it. Regardless of how well of a runner I am I always seem to feel confident while running. I can't wait until the weather is nice and it can be a daily thing for Reed and I. I would really love for him to grow up and appreciate it too.

23. 6-9 month farm pajamas.
I bought these at a consignment shop when I was probably 5 or 6 months pregnant. I can't tell you how many times I pulled them out and imagined my baby in them before he was born. The other day I realized he is now in them. They really do grow too fast.

 

 



24. Falling asleep with Trav.
Trav's job requires him to be away from home 6 months out of the year, but it's essentially a 2 on duty, 2 off duty schedule. This has made us appreciate the time we get to spend with each other. We have been some what separated our whole relationship and we cannot wait until the day where we will go to sleep next to each other every night.

25. Long hot showers.
I always thought I appreciated long hot showers. And I do appreciate that I have ALWAYS had access to hot water and a shower. I have no idea how much I would appreciate it if it got taken away, but mom's will understand where I'm coming from when I say you get a taste of it with motherhood. Oh man, when I get a looooong hot shower or bath, thankful and blessed.

26. Feminism and Biblical womanhood.
God is daily teaching me what this means to Him. I really do love being a woman and fulfilling His calling in this area. I know I'm not alone when I say I struggle with my post pregnancy body but God (and Travis) always remind me what my body DID. He didn't create me wear clothes that show off my body, or even be proud or worried about how my body looks. He makes me feel beautiful when media may say otherwise.

27. Anticipation and excitement when picking up your awake but groggy baby up from nap to receive sleepy cuddles.
Speaks for itself. One of the best things ever.

28. Chilling.
Those nights where you just get to chill with your favorite person/people and really just enjoy the fellowship with each other. Always so good.

29. When Trav reads Reed books.
I love hearing how enthusiastic Trav gets.

30. Getting in bed early to read.
It's just always comfy and good.

31. Art.
I always loved, appreciated and desired to do art. Any kind of art. God is really revealing His gifting in this area and I am so pumped.

32. Friends who listen to the same music.
Riding in the car singing to Jesus music with your girl is always a good time.

33. Same friends who welcome me into their home when I lock myself (and my bubs) out of mine.
Uhuumm, Dani :)

34. Sleepy growth spurts.
Because who doesn't love a sleepy baby?

35. His active spirit.
He cannot sit still and nothing will stop him from getting up and being active. It's one of my favorite things about that man :)

36. Good, clean home cooking.
I love being able to feed my family good food that I made. Especially when I just take what we have and throw something good together.

37. Learning how to use coconut oil, HA.
This kind of goes with the gift above. I'm learning ways to cook healthier meals for my family. I really want to instill healthy eating habits in Reed and our other kids.

38. Looking at them.
Because my heart almost bursts in a good way. (The flash got a little carried away in this picture... or maybe I did while editing ;)... )

39. Drawing.
I hear God when I draw and I feel so close to Him while I do. I am always so shocked that He has time to talk to little me, even if it's just one word. And there are many times when I hear nothing but I know He's watching me with so much joy.

40. Always having what I need and more for Reed.
I was so worried about getting everything we needed for Reed while I was pregnant. Literally in the matter of a month we got EVERYTHING and more than we needed. It was all exactly what we wanted and we probably only spend $200 out of our pockets.

41. Beautifully written words.
The book that inspired this list. One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. So beautiful.

42. Camera, capturing moments.
Because they're so easy to forget.

43. Reed's head turning when he hears a sound.
We never suspected him having an issue with hearing but I had never really thanked God for that either. I have thanked Him for Reed's health over all but I am so thankful he can hear my voice.

44. Amazing Grace and Unfailing Love.
Because that is what gives me hope.

45. Little friends.
The prophecies spoken over these babes are incredible.

Every single one of these gifts are from Daddy and are only even muttered to bring Him glory. I try my best to not sound self gratifying in any of this because I have nothing to boast about but Him. None of this would be mine without Him.

And I'm going to end this extremely long post by mentioning the fact that my son has officially chosen a side. And is proclaiming it all day long.

That side is da-da.

DA-DA-DA-DA-DA!

No, Reed, Ma-Ma!

... DA-DA-DA-DA-DA-DA-DA-DA-DA-DA-DA-DA!

All. Day. Long.
I mean, he doesn't have to rub it in...