Thankful for: a definition of marriage that includes my relationship

I love being married.  It's even, oddly, more fun than living together for 5 years monogamously.  Really!  I read a quote once from Scarlett Johansson (of all people, cue the sheepish embarrassment!) reflecting on how marriage gives you a "home" in a another person.  It's hard to describe why that really captures it for me, but in Eric, I have unconditional acceptance, a constant source of entertainment, a person to take risks with, and a live-in cheerleader.  I am complete, anywhere I go, because he is always with me.  It's such a privilege that our heterosexual relationship is recognized by the state and the world as right and normal and a healthy way to have a family.  I'm sad that other couples that feel the way we do must be relegated to a lesser 'civil union' (if they're lucky enough to live in a progressive state!).  I know how fortunate we are, and I'm very thankful for my marriage.

Thankful for: mamas!

Oh man, becoming a parent has been the most wonderful experience of my life. It has given me new appreciation for my own parents, of course, but today (Mother's Day), I'm also feeling love for the wonderful mamas that raised the people I love most.  Jenny, Susan, Beverly, Lolly, Jane, Margaret, Harriet and Lisa are quirky, smart, beautiful and accomplished in so many ways.  I'm tremendously grateful (there aren't words, really) for the sacrifices my own mother made in raising my sister and I, but I am also fortunate to have had a abundance of wonderful mothers in my life over the years.  Each one is inspirational to me. Yay for mamas!

Thankful for: breastfeeding

Feeding Hazel the old-fashioned way has been such a pleasant surprise.  I was afraid I'd feel limited by it, trapped and glued to my baby 24/7... and well, I practically am (less and less so as she gets older, though).  But no one could have explained how good it would make me feel to snuggle in with my soft and sweet babe several times a day.  Nursing has been a huge confidence-booster, and has helped me see myself as a competent mama.  I also believe it is the healthiest way of feeding a babe, especially in a country with potable water issues.  Hazel is so very healthy, and I'm so thankful that nursing has been part of our journey.