My heart is full

I've felt very overwhelmed recently by all my many blessings. Daily I give thanks in my heart to Heavenly Father for blessing me with so much! It's not an odd occurrence to find tears in my eyes at 10:13am because I caught a glimpse of Jackson and he's just so beautiful that my heart is brimming over with love and gratitude for that simple moment of really seeing him. So I wanted to list a few things that I am blessed with countlessly on a daily basis.

First and foremost, Jim. I wish all women could have such a loving, patient, thoughtful, selfless man in their lives. Every morning Jim wakes up before me and gets up with Jackson so I can get a few more minutes of sleep. During those few moments in the early morning before Jackson is even out of bed he usually cleans any dishes left in the sink, or unloads the dishwasher, or makes Jackson's breakfast, or makes breakfast for me. He does whatever he can to make my day a little simpler than it would have been. He tells me he loves me several times a day, he compliments me often (even when I don't feel worthy of compliments), he rubs my achy pregnancy back almost every night, he constantly asks if I need or want anything if he's up or not. These are just a few of the small daily gestures of love he blesses me everyday. I truly believe he wakes up every morning wondering how he can make my life easier that day. I could go on and on and on about how wonderful he is, but I will never be able to really express how grateful I am for him. I only hope that he knows how lucky I am for him and that eventually I learn to be as selfless as he is. Jim Nuffer is my heart and he always will be.

Second, my beautiful baby boy of course! Jackson is so much joy. He drives me crazy and it only makes me love him more. He's the reason I want to be better. I can't imagine life without him and I'm so very grateful that he was sent to me and that I that have the privilege of being his mommy. I love every inch of that boy and I wouldn't change a thing about him, not even his stubborn streak. Someday he is going to be such a huge contribution to this world. I just hope I'm a good enough mother to help him become who he's supposed to be.

Third, baby boy Nuffer #2. We tried for a long time to conceive another child and there was a lot of heartbreak along the way. I couldn't be more excited for this child. I love every kick I feel and every ultrasound picture I get because I can't wait to meet him. He's been loved long before I ever knew he was coming.

Fourth, my mom. She's amazing! She'll do just about anything for me at the drop of a hat. She was a single mother while I was growing up and and taught me how to be independent and strong. She also embedded in me the importance of an education. I couldn't ask for a better grandmother for my children and I don't think anyone could love my children more (other than Jim and me, of course).

Fifth, my grandparents. My grandparents played a big role in my upbringing because my mom was a single mom. My grandmother practically raised me until I was a teenager while my mom worked and went to school. My grandfather has been the biggest male influence in my life and has showed me how I ought to be treated by a man. My grandparents, though divorced, are still very active in my life. I see my grandpa several times a year and my grandma calls several times a week. My grandmother taught me how to love unconditionally and my grandpa taught me kindness. They're still great examples of love and kindness, and I can't imagine who I would be without them.

Those are the big blessings that make my cup runneth over, but I have a few other, smaller, blessings that I'd like to mention:

• Modern conveniences: dishwasher, stove, oven, washer and dryer, etc. Thank you!
• Decorating for Christmas early!
• No school for 3 weeks
• The lack of Jackson's tantrums recently. Another big Thank You!
• Cold weather and leaves changing color
• My friends and extended family
• Awareness of some of my shortcomings
• The holidays and time with my family
• Jim's days off!
• Watching Jackson run and play in the leaves
• Listening to Jackson sing along to music in the car. Hilarious!
• Jim's goofy humor. He's such a nerd and I love it! ...however, I will never admit this to him.
• A safe home that I LOVE and all the memories we have here.
• Glitter and bows

I think I'll stop here, but it feels so good to recognize and write about the many blessings I have everyday. How lucky I am!