Happy Thursday, friends!

What is it about a short week that makes me anticipate the weekend even more than usual? Whatever it is, I’m excited to have a short Thursday (well, I’m working just half a day, but I have a busy schedule after: lunch with Mark, tour of the maternity ward, 34 week doctor’s appointment, and our first session of our private birthing class!).

But enough about my schedule. Today, I thought I’d combine Day 4: Thankful Thursday of the September Blogging Challenge with some Thinking Out Loud. (Click on the links if you’re wondering what I’m talking about!)

Today I’m thankful for..

1) A healthy pregnancy

So far, things have been easy. Apart from occasional queasiness or dizziness in the beginning and some intense fatigue during the first trimester, I’ve honestly felt great these last 34 weeks. I feel confident in my appearance, I have the energy to work and take care of myself, and I’m just trying to live in the moment while preparing myself to become a mother.

2) Supportive parents and in-laws

Although only my parents live in town, it’s reassuring to know my in-laws are just a few hours away. Mark and I are incredibly lucky to have the best role models who will be the most loving grandparents to our little one. (They’re already spoiling him!)

3) Amazing friends

I may not call or hang out with many of them often, but just this past weekend at our baby shower, I was reminded that we have some of the most awesome friends we could ask for. I appreciate their generous gifts, and I’m excited for all of them to one-day meet Baby M and be a part of his life.

4) Living by the water

I’m so sad we haven’t actually been to the beach all summer (unless you count that April or May trip to Perdido?), but one of my favorite parts of my work day continues to be my lunchtime walks in the park. Watching the ships chug along and the pelicans dive into the bay just calms me and reminds me to breathe a little.

5) A job that’s willing to work with me regarding maternity leave

Sure, they’re legally required to give me up to 12 weeks off, but so far, I’ve experienced no real pressure about my choosing to take off a full 12 weeks. While I’ve worked extremely hard the past couple of months to issue some of our big purchase orders, my boss and coworkers have always made sure I wasn’t overwhelmed. I just hope my transition away and my return in late December/early January go just as well.

6) Financial stability

I’m not going to lie: raising a child is going to be difficult for us financially, but I’m grateful that Mark and I both have decent jobs with affordable health insurance. Will we be able to dine out, buy new clothes at a whim, etc. like we used to? No, and we’re going to need to come up with a reliable budget. But I do know that we are far better off than many and will make it work. Our priorities will undoubtedly shift, and we may learn to do without some non-essentials (cable?), but we’ll do it. And we’ll give Baby M an amazing life.

7) My dog, Iggy

I’m so comforted by our dog’s unconditional love for us—and his soft, pink belly, adorable floppy ears, and sweet puppy kisses. If I can love a dog as much as I do, then the love I’ll have for Baby M is going to be almost unbearable.

There are many other things I’m thankful for, but I think 7 is a good number to stop at. I’ll be back tomorrow with my 34 week “bump date.”

Question for you:

What’s something you’re thankful for today?