Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope everyone is getting to enjoy a great day with friends and family.

I know I have so very much to be thankful for.  This year has been full of big changes, and I am so happy for them.

A year ago I was still adjusting to the idea that we would be having two more babies.  And I had no clue we would move so far away.  I can honestly say I am exactly where I need to be right now.  I am spending wonderful time with my family.  We have a great new home that has the space for all our children.  Pat has a job that leaves him fulfilled and happy.  Everything isn't perfect, but we are on a good path and I am excited to see where it takes us.

Thank you to all our friends and family who have been with us every step of the way.  We wouldn't be where we are now without all of you.

I am so blessed and truly thankful this Thanksgiving.


-Kim

Thankful Thursday: The girls

I know, it has been forever since I've done one of these.  This time of year is super busy for everyone.  We are getting ready for Christmas, which means shopping, wrapping, baking, and the likes.  I am doing some year end wrap up for clients, and getting paperwork figured out for some changes with online tutoring company.  Add to that running around after a toddler.  Oh, and preparing for the girls!  So I haven't had a ton of time for posting.  But in the middle of all of this we have been blessed with so much for the girls and Ben.

I was fortunate enough to have a sprinkle for the girls at the beginning of December.  Pat and I weren't expecting one.  Ben is only two and we have been hoarding our baby stuff knowing we wanted another child.  But I was so happy and had so much fun with the sprinkle.  It was great to see so many friends, and honestly yes, it was wonderful to receive so many gifts for the girls.  But most of all it meant so much to us to celebrate these two babies.  These girls are a joy and a blessing, and I feel so lucky to have so many people ready to welcome and love them.  As lame as it sounds, I really think that is the most important thing you need when having a child- lots of love around you.  It can be hard to have a new baby.  Sleepless nights, constant feedings, general worries and unknowns of a new little life.  But knowing that you have the love and support of your friends and family make it so much easier.  I think all moms just want to know their babies are loved by others in the world.  Along with this has been a huge outpouring of love for Ben.  He has gotten big brother gifts and all sorts of attention while we get ready for the girls' arrival.  I am so grateful that he hasn't been forgotten in all the excitement.

So today I am thankful for all the love and support we have gotten and continue to get as we embark on this new journey as a family of five.  We still have several weeks before the girls arrive, but it helps so much to know all the love they need is already here.  Thank you to all of our friends and family.  Pat and I are so thankful.

-Kim

Thankful Thursday: The whole year

This Thursday I have a ton to be thankful for.  I am thankful for this whole past year.  Ben turns one in a few days.  This has been the most amazing year.  Oh sure, there were crazy times.  Tiring times aplenty.  Tears, spit up, poop.  All of that stuff.  But there were more wonderful times than I ever could have imagined.  Like the time Ben grabbed my hand for the first time.  Or the first time he smiled at us.  Or the wonderful time he let out his very first laugh.  It isn't just the firsts.  Every laugh is wonderful.  He has the best big belly laughs, and he isn't even embarrassed if he laughs hard enough to snort.  Every hug and kiss are the best.  Every time he lays his head down on my shoulder is a moment I want to stay in forever.  

I wish I could hold on to these moments with Ben at every stage.  Every point in his life has been my favorite.  When he was super tiny, it was so wonderful to just hold him and snuggle.  As he got bigger it was fun to watch him learn there was a whole world around him.  Now it is so much fun to watch him dive into the world and crawl and play.  I sometimes wish I could go back to those early days and have my newborn again, but then I would be missing out on the amazing person that is emerging.  I am so thankful for my memories of Ben's first year.  When I hold one year old Ben, I am holding newborn Ben, 3 month old Ben, 7 month old Ben, 11 month old Ben, every Ben at every stage he has gone through.  Pat and I are so blessed to have Ben in our lives, and we are so blessed by all the love and support of our family and friends.

It is so much to be thankful for in such a little time, a whole year on one day.  I am thankful for this every day.  Every day.  But today I am choosing to call extra attention to it.  I am thankful for this year with Ben.  And I am thankful for all that is to come.

-Kim

Thankful Thursday: Breastfeeding

Yes, this is probably an awkward post for some people.  It isn't something I discuss frequently because, well, it is very personal. But it is National Breastfeeding Awareness week, so I thought I would touch on it.

I admit I was hesitant to write anything about this.  I think breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed a baby.  I am very thankful that Ben and I have been able to share a nursing relationship.  He was a good eater right from the start.  I know that isn't always the case.  The one thing I worry about with all this emphasis on breastfeeding is that it will hurt the women who choose not to, or are unable to.  There are many women who decide not to breastfeed.  Honestly I feel that is their decision and that I am not one to tell them to do otherwise.  I don't know them, I don't know their situation.  A newborn eats a lot.  All the time, a lot.  Any way you feed that child, bottle or breast, is time consuming and tiring.  Support should be given to all mothers and fathers, regardless of how they choose to feed their baby.

That being said, I am thankful I am able to nurse Ben.  I do think, after the initial learning curve, it is so much easier.  I never have to pack bottles to go anywhere, I carry them all the time. ;)  I didn't have to prepare anything in the middle of the night, just stumble into Ben's room.  True, this meant that Pat wasn't able to help with middle of the night feedings, but we got through them.  I prefer to nurse privately, so that means planning around Ben's nursing when going out.  But really, it isn't that hard to do.  The trade off for that is knowing that I am feeding Ben something that is perfectly healthy for him.  I was super excited when Ben started solids, but during these times where he refuses to eat vegetables it is so nice to know he is still getting complete nutrition.  Of course I am thankful for the money saved by nursing.  Formula is expensive!  It has really helped to not have to pay for that this past year.

I am very thankful that I have been able to nurse Ben for the past year.  I feel lucky and blessed to have had family and friends that were and are so supportive of nursing and my goals for Ben.  It would have been so much harder without that support.  I am thankful I have been able to achieve a parenting goal, and I am thankful that I have been able to give Ben what I consider to be the best start on life when it comes to nutrition.  I am thankful I could breastfeed my son.

 -Kim

Thankful Thursday: New Opportunities

This week, I am thankful for opportunities.  

Pat tutors at a local tutoring center.  One evening he ended up working later than normal, so Ben and I stopped by with a sandwich for his dinner.  We had never been there before, so it was nice to see where he worked.  We got the chance to meet his boss and a coworker.  His boss mentioned that they were looking for ACT tutors.  In order to be an ACT tutor you just need career experience and to take the sections of the ACT you would be tutoring.  You don't need an education background.  Pat's boss suggested that I apply.  I hadn't really considered tutoring before.  A large reason was that I didn't realize I could do so without an education degree.  Well, before I applied Pat and I talked about it.  We decided it would be good for me and our family if I at least tried for the job.  It would give me a new challenge, and hey, a few extra dollars never hurts.  

So I went for it.  And I got the job!!  I am super excited for this new opportunity.  We are going to be a bit busy for awhile.  I have to complete some training.  After that though we are scheduled based on our availability.  That means that Pat and I can be sure to alternate when we work so we can take care of Ben.  We will be a little busier around here, but I think it will be a positive change for our family.  This opportunity is perfect for us.  I am able to work an additional job, but because I came into it through Pat, our boss knows that we have a small child that we are scheduling around, along with my day job.  (I'm not leaving Omi & Associates quite yet.)  Any working parent knows that having a work life balance can be tricky.  But knowing that our boss knew all about our situation before I was even offered the chance to apply takes a little bit of pressure off.  Everything is already on the table.  

I am excited for this new challenge.  I am a little nervous to know I will have more time away from Ben in my future.  (Not too much, but any time is too much!)  I think overall that will be good for both Ben and me though.  I am so thankful that this opportunity came to Team Cartwright.  It is also helping me to remember to be thankful for all the opportunities that I have had and have before me.  I am thankful for the fun new challenges that are ahead of me too!

-Kim

Thankful Thursday: Office Hijinks

I am very thankful for my job.  It gives me the opportunity to earn a living and take care of Ben at the same time.  Ben also gets to see Meo and Omi almost every day.  My job also gives Meo and I the chance to have a little fun with Ben while he is still small.  He's a good sport about it, and seems to enjoy the fun places we put him.

I am thankful that I work in an environment that allows for some fun.  We work hard, but you need to have a laugh every once in awhile too.  And I am thankful that Ben enjoys these little picture sessions as well!

Here is an example of our fun.  We had a baby in the office.  We had a big basket in the office.  Is anyone surprised by what happened?

Checking out the ribbons.

Why am I in here?

This feels neat.

Still in the basket...

We do really work too. 

-Kim

Thankful Thursday: USA

This week may seem a bit cliche, but it is true.  I am thankful for our country.  It isn't perfect.  A lot of people here don't get along.  Many people don't agree with the leadership.  We are still mixing religion and politics.  But isn't it wonderful we can talk about all these things?  We are allowed to have opinions and make them known.  We can work for changes.  Of course it can be hard, but we have many more opportunities than most people in the world.

I am thankful for all those in the armed forces who have fought, are currently fighting, and will continue to fight for our country.  That is a huge sacrifice, and I am so thankful for those who make it.

The 4th of July seems like a good time to remember all the good things about this country.  I am thankful that I get to live here.

-Kim

Thankful Thursday: USA Advancing

Okay, maybe I should use this time to be thankful for something, I don't know, more meaningful.  Like having enough food to eat, or having great family and friends.  But not today.  Today I am thankful that Team USA is advancing out of group play in the World Cup!!  I admit, I was hesitant to hope.  I don't want to be a downer or unpatriotic, but Team USA hasn't always done that well in the World Cup.  We were in a really hard group.  It isn't called the Group of Death (please read that in a scary tone) for nothing.  But the guys pulled it together and made it to the next round.  True, they didn't win against Germany.  But that's okay.  They moved on and I am excited to keep Team Cartwright's world cup fever going.

Oh, and I am also thankful that Omi has a sense of humor and granted Ben the time off to catch the game.  Too bad I still had to work. ;)

-Kim

Thankful Thursday: Oatmeal

This Thursday I am thankful for oatmeal.  It is cheap and super healthy.  I have learned to use it in so many different recipes.  Plus Ben loves the overnight oats I make for us with Greek yogurt, chia, flax, peanut butter, and banana.  Granted I think he would eat anything with banana in it.  He loves this breakfast, and it is super messy.  However it makes him so happy to eat it, I don't mind cleaning up the mess.  I love that I get to see him enjoy his food with total disregard to mess or social constraints.  He is just so happy to be eating. He doesn't care that it covers his hand or face.  He is happy to be with his mommy and daddy and sharing a meal.  He giggles as I wash him down in the sink every morning.  He takes joy in a healthy food and the simple act of sharing a meal, and reminds me that I can do the same.

I am also thankful for oatmeal because I get to see this wonderful face on a daily basis.

My precious Oatmeal Monster. :)

-Kim

Thankful Thursday: Summer Festivals

This Thursday marks the start of summer festival season for Team Cartwright!!  It is Prairiefest weekend!  Pat and I love going to all the small town events that we can.  We go to the county fairs.  We go to ribfests and music nights on the river.  We love to have a reason to get out, eat some yummy (but very unhealthy) fair food, and have a ton of fun.

Prairiefest is one of our favorites.  It has a ton of vendors to look at, our favorite jerky vendor, a petting zoo, good food, and good music.  In past years we have seen Gin Blossoms, Eddie Money, and Sister Hazel.  This year we will be seeing Rusted Root.  And it is free!  This year we will also be a part of a new activity, Diaper Derby!  It's a crawling race for babies under 18 months old.  Now, Ben is great at scooting around on his belly.  He can shift and wiggle and eventually get places.  However, I wouldn't say he is technically crawling yet.  So I don't think his chances of winning are very high.  We are hoping it will show him how fun it is just to compete.  :)  And who knows, maybe he is just waiting for his big moment to debut his crawl.  (I don't think that is the case though.)  I am very excited for this chance to be with my family and have a ton of fun.  Omi and Associates is even shutting down the office a little early to be there to support one of their own in the race.  Meo and Omi are going to watch Ben so Pat and I can check out Rusted Root.  It doesn't start until 9, and that is way too late for Ben!

I am happy that this means the start of our fun times at summer fests.  We always have a ton of fun, and I am so excited to share it with Ben this year.  I am thankful for summer festivals and the opportunity to attend and have fun at them.
-Kim

Thankful Thursday: Library

This Thursday I am thankful for the library.  I mean both the libraries I go to and libraries in general.  The ones I go to are great.  The staff is friendly and helpful.  I love how they  have it set up.  The new releases are in a separate section.  Our library also keeps new releases of movies pulled out so you can find them faster.  I love that we can check out movies, video games, cds, and of course books to enjoy for free!  I am loving finding new children's books for Ben.  (Team Cartwright is super into Mo Willems and Melanie Watts right.)

The library has great programs for kids.  Ben and I go to Baby Goose throughout the year.  We sing songs and play little games.  It is wonderful.  They have programs for kids of all ages, and most of them are completely free!  I took a class there on how to make toys from recycled materials this spring.  I have already made several for Ben and he loves them.  

Overall I feel so lucky to have access to such a great library.  As a big reader, being able to get plenty of books for free is a huge deal.  So today I am thankful for libraries.  It is a little thing, but Team Cartwright really gets a lot out of them

No new pictures, but here is Ben from a past library visit.  He looks so scholarly!

-Kim

Thankful Thursday: Mornings

I know it isn't a popular opinion.  And it is something that I admit I am not always thankful for.  But most of the time I love mornings.  I was not always a morning person.  I was forced to become one when I had a job which required me to get up early for a long commute.  Once you get up early enough often enough, it just becomes a habit.  

I love mornings because it is a fresh start we get every day.  I know that is totally cheesy to say, but it is so true.  A whole new day stretches out before me, ready to be filled.  Even when Ben was super tiny at least the morning meant a shift from trying to get some sleep.  During the day I was supposed to be awake.  That isn't the case for everyone, but it made me feel better.

Now I love mornings even more because I know we get to go through our little family routines.  Things get busy trying to get three people out the door to work, but those first few minutes when Ben gets up are the best.  He is so happy to see Pat and I.  We sing our morning song as a family, and yes even Pat participates!  It is a great way to start the day off on the right foot.

This week I am thankful for mornings.  I am thankful that I get to start every day with my precious little man.  Who wouldn't love mornings if they got to share it with this cutie?

Morning stretch

Reach for those toes!

I'm ready to be hugged now.

Mornings also mean coffee.  I love coffee.

-Kim

Thankful Thursday: Family Time

This week I am thankful for family time.  With two working parents it can be hard to fit in fun family time.  True, I am fortunate enough to have Ben with me every day.  But we don't have Pat with us.  And some days Pat works evenings, so he gets home either just as Ben is going to bed or after he is already asleep.  Weekends are awesome, but like every family we also have to squeeze in all the things we didn't do during the week!  Any chance that arises for us to have a few extra minutes of just us having fun as Team Cartwright is grabbed.  Today was such a chance!

We were able to have Pat join Ben and I at the office for lunch and a walk!  It is just a little thing, but it was so great to see him in the middle of the day like that!  Ben was super excited to see his daddy.  He just lights up any time he sees Pat.  Ben is also really enjoying going for rides in his stroller.  Family time, plus a little light physical activity for Pat and I? Score!

I know this isn't anything very exciting.  I mean, we didn't even eat out or anything (saving money!).  But I love that we were able to take a few moments out of our busy schedules to spend time as a family.  I am thankful for the chance to have family time with my Team Cartwright.

Daddy being silly.

My lunch dates. :)

Daddy, decorum! This is a place of business! ;)

My sweet hubby brought me flowers too!

Riding in style.

Picture with Mommy!

And one more with Daddy

-Kim

Thankful Thursday: Extended Family

This week I am going to keep going on the family theme.  We are fortunate enough to have my Uncle D and Aunt G visiting from the west coast.  (Yes, using initials until they okay names here.  I'm trying to be respectful of people's online information.) I am so happy they are here!  The last time we saw them was at my cousin's wedding, back before Ben was born.  They only time they have seen Ben he was still doing his time on the inside.  I am so happy they will get to meet him!  

Beyond G and D, I have a great aunt and uncle in my Uncle W and Aunt C.  These four people have been there for me my whole life.  They've been to birthday parties, soccer games, school plays, graduation.  I know I can count on them to be there for me on a moment's notice, and to be there for Ben.  We are so blessed to have these people who love Ben so much.  Along with these great aunts and uncles come some pretty amazing cousins.  I am lucky that I grew up with all my cousins being in the same town.  For awhile Uncle D and Aunt G lived two houses away from us.  I went to school with my cousins.  We were all at each other's events.  We still have a great time when we get together.  Unfortunately, we are all spread out across the country now.  But every time we get together it is wonderful.  Pat is also blessed with some pretty great extended family.  He also grew up close with some of his cousins.  Some of them I am now fortunate enough to have as friends too!  

I am so thankful for this extended family.  Family really means the world to me, even more so after becoming a mother.  I am so thankful I know Ben has an amazing extended family.  While I'm sad his aunt and uncles live farther away from him then I would like, I know the love and think of him often.  Uncle J is already an amazing uncle.  He loves Ben so much.  Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Chris are wonderful too.  I am so excited for Ben to get to meet his cousins in person next month.  I wish we all lived closer together so Ben could grow up with his cousins, but sadly that isn't in the cards right now.  But I fully plan to do everything I can to get those kids together anytime we can.  I will do my best to foster friendships between them.  Cousins are some of the best friends.  They know you, they know your family.  And they are family, so they are hard to get rid of. ;)

This Thursday I am thankful for extended family, mine, Pat's, and Ben's.  Team Cartwright is really blessed.

And here is a picture of Ben.  You know, because he's cute. :)

I'm so excited to meet more family!!

-Kim

Thankful Thursdays: In-laws

Oh yes, you read that title right.  I am thankful for my in-laws.  I know that sounds crazy.  Pat and I both got very lucky in the in-law division.  Don't get me wrong, I know we drive our respective in-laws crazy sometimes.  And we both get annoyed by our in-laws at times too.  Overall though, we both came out ahead of the game.  Both sets of parents love and support us.  We've had our not so great times, and both sets of parents stood by us.  Plus both sets of parents love Ben unconditionally.  And really, how could you not appreciate people who would do anything for your son?

Beyond just great parents, we are lucky that we get along with each other's siblings.  I know J and Pat don't talk all that often, they are typical guys in that way.  But when they do get together they enjoy each other's company.  They want each other to be happy.  I know I 100% lucked out with my sister in law.  Lindsay is fabulous and I feel so lucky to have her in my life.  She is so supportive and kind.  Honestly, I just have so much fun when I get to spend time with her!  I so wish we lived closer together.  We would have so much fun!

I am so thankful for good in-laws as I am planning our summer trip to visit them!  It is a long drive, but so worth it.  Gramma and Grampa are now much closer to Lindsay and her gang, so we get to see them all at once.  I am so thankful that I am excited to plan this trip.  Yes, I am spearheading and handling pretty much all the details for a week long vacation to go stay with my in-laws.  And I am so excited.  How many people are lucky enough to say that?

I am so thankful that my family want to be good in-laws to Pat as well.  They want to help out and support him in all he does.  My entire extended family is behind him and Team Cartwright.  It is so wonderful to know we have so many people in our corner.

Pat and I are truly blessed with our families.  It is so wonderful to have all these amazing people in our lives.  We love and appreciate them so much.  I guess overall I am just thankful for our family.  The in-law distinction isn't really needed.  :)

-Kim

Thankful Thursday: Babies!

Today I am thankful for babies.  This seems obvious since I am the proud mom of a wonderful baby boy.  And I am so very thankful for Ben.  I am not just thankful for him though, I am thankful for all babies.  I am thankful for the ability of babies to make adults do crazy, silly things just to make them smile.  I am thankful that they remind us it is okay to announce our needs clearly.  I am thankful for how adorable they are.  I am thankful for all that they teach us.  Babies are so in the moment.  They are so curious and open.  They want to learn and experience and love life.  They bring so much joy.  I am so happy to be in that stage of life where it seems like everyone is having babies.  I love seeing the pictures of them pop up on facebook.  I love hearing about what they are up to.  Friends of Team Cartwright are welcoming a baby girl into the world today.  Another had a baby several months before Ben.  And yet another is expecting a baby in August.  It is so exciting to see and be a part of all these new beginnings.  I am thankful for the happiness babies can bring.

And of course, I am always super thankful for this particular baby.  :)

-Kim

Thankful Thursday: Little Things

This week I am thankful for the little things.  I know it is important to be thankful for the big things, like family, my home, my job, my health.  But the little things are sometimes what get us through the day.  I am thankful for so many little things.  I am thankful for ice cream.  I am thankful for books.  I am thankful for good movies.  I am thankful for so-bad-they-are-good movies.  I am thankful for silly cat pictures on the internet.  I am thankful for sunny days.  I am thankful for coordinating outfits.  I am thankful for crossword puzzles.  I am thankful for bunnies.  I am thankful for chocolate.  I am thankful for cute shoes.  

I think these little things matter.  They make us smile.  They might not be life altering, but they have a valuable place in the world.  And I am thankful for them.  I am also thankful that I can take the time to be thankful for them, if that makes any sense. 

And ice cream.  I know I said it, but it bears repeating.  I am thankful for ice cream. :)

-Kim

Thankful Thursday: Baby Kisses

Today I got the greatest early birthday gift a mother could hope for.  Ben learned how to give kisses.  Okay, so it is more of him just pressing his mouth against your cheek.  It is drooly.  It can be sticky.  But they are the greatest kisses I have gotten.  (Sorry, Pat;))

I know some day he won't want to hang out with his mom.  He won't wiggle with excitement to be picked up.  He won't smile at the sight of me.  He certainly won't want to kiss me, or let me kiss and hug him.  But today I get all of these things.  Today my mere presence makes my little boy happy.  Today I get to love on him all I want, and he loves it.  Today I am so thankful for this moment of being a mommy.  I am thankful I get to experience this great love for my child, and I am thankful that he can share love back with me.  I am so thankful to get to be Ben's Mom.

Sweetest kisses ever

-Kim

Thankful Thursday: Health

This week's Thankful Thursday is for something I know I don't always appreciate enough until I no longer have it.  Health.  Don't worry, nothing is seriously wrong with anyone on Team Cartwright.  But this past week all three of us human teammates have had various illnesses.  Nothing big, Ben and Pat had colds, and I just had a little flu bug.  But it was enough to make me remember how lucky we are to be healthy.

Pat and I are fortunate to not get sick very often.  We are extremely fortunate that Ben has had very few illnesses in his short life.  This is just his second cold ever.  He handles it like a trooper.  I just feel so bad for the poor baby, he wants to play but is all congested.  Of course I am happy that he is at the age where one of the best cures is mommy's hugs.  

Again, this was just a normal little blip that every family goes through.  I know there are so many people who have to handle such heavy burdens with the health of themselves and their families.  But it never hurts to take the time to be grateful for the blessing of good health.  Today I am thankful for my health, and the health of my family.

Is it safe to come out yet?

-Kim

Thankful Thursday: Meo and Omi

Our anniversary weekend was so much fun.  It was made possible by my wonderful parents.  This week I am thankful for my parents, Ben's Meo and Omi.  They were so happy to take Ben for a night to give Pat and I a chance to get away.  They cleared their schedules and really focused on taking care of my son.

Meo and Omi are so helpful with Ben.  I work for Omi, and Meo has her office there too.  So we see a lot of each other.  Let's be honest, that could be tough.  Not with Meo and Omi.  They make it so nice for Ben and I to work with them every day.  Ben gets the benefit of seeing his grandparents practically every day.  (Sadly he doesn't get to see Pat's parents as much.  They live to far away. :( )  I love that the three of them can be so close.  It is so helpful for me to have Meo and Omi there as well.  I can ask them questions, get their opinions on something going on with Ben.  And I have people to hold Ben for a minute so I can use the bathroom alone.  Every mom needs that.  ;) It is wonderful to have people so excited to see your son every day.  They take delight in him.  It is also super helpful to have an understanding boss.  Ben always comes first, no questions asked.  If he isn't feeling well, or is just having an off day, it is understood that I will take care of his needs first.  Am I a lucky employee or what!

Besides just being great grandparents, Meo and Omi have been great parents.  They are and have always been so supportive.  They cheered me on with everything I have done.  They were always in my corner.  They were the parents at every single activity my brother and I had.  And I know they will be there to cheer Ben on through every thing he does as well.

So thank you for being my parents, and Ben's grandparents, Meo and Omi.  We both love you so much.

Buddies for life!

Already the best of friends

-Kim