Lately I've been thinking a lot about gratitude. Mostly because I have a lot to be grateful for these days. Having been on bed rest for the last few weeks due to preterm labor, and my recently diagnosed SPD
http://www.babyworld.co.uk/information/pregnancy/pregnancyproblems/pregprobs_pelvicjointpain.asp I have had a great deal of time to think. I am the type of person that is easily caught up in the things that are going wrong, and it is typical for me to lose sight of all that is going "right." Ironically enough, it has been during this time of everything going wrong that I realize just how incredibly lucky I am. By the world's definition, we are not a rich family, we are not a famous family, we are not even a family that has it all together...but we are a special family, because we have each other. It has taken me a long time to learn that who we are and how we treat each other means so much more that what we
have. It is very hard for me to accept help from others, and recently that is exactly what I have had to do. To humble myself and ask my family and friends for help, especially help with my kids. And I have been blown away by just how much help I have been given. By my mother, mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, friends, and most especially my own husband.
Matthew works 40+ hours a week as an electrical engineer at Raytheon, owns a web design business on the side(another 15-20 hours a week worth of work) and has some how managed, in addition to all of that, to take over the cooking, cleaning, and needs of our children. He has also managed to finish tiling our kitchen floor this weekend (he still needs to grout and move back the appliances, but he's done so much!) He also finds time to get my pregnancy cravings from restaurants across town, rub my back almost every night, and spend time talking to me before going into his office and starting on his second job. I don't know where he finds his energy, patience, or strength, but I am so, so grateful for who my husband is as a person.
Below are a few pictures of just how wonderful of a husband I have:
Matthew STILL tiling the kitchen at 11:00 pm, after having tiled all day long...
...wishing I would stop taking pictures and leave him alone to finish!
Reading the kids a story after having worked a very long day, done two loads of laundry, fed the kids dinner, given them their baths and gotten them ready for bed...
...he still manages to smile and enjoy being a dad to our kids!
Matthew STILL tiling the kitchen at 11:00 pm, after having tiled all day long...
...wishing I would stop taking pictures and leave him alone to finish!
Reading the kids a story after having worked a very long day, done two loads of laundry, fed the kids dinner, given them their baths and gotten them ready for bed...
7 comments:
I'm sorry you're on bed rest! That's got to be so hard with 2 kids!! I'm glad that Matthew is such a hard worker and so supportive! Only a few more weeks to go and you'll have baby #3. Hard to believe, isn't it??
I think sometimes we're given trials so we have to step back and realize how much we really have. What a good husband! Good luck with these last few weeks...can't wait to "meet" your new baby. Oh, and Avery has the same PJ's Emma has on...I love those ones!
okay you have the bestest husband ever! i'm seriously so impressed, and you can tell him i said so. :)
I'm so sorry to hear that you are on bedrest! What a great hubby you have! I also wanted to let you know that the dentist we took Kyra too, Great Grins Childrens Dentistry - it is a long drive (located at Ft. Lowell and Campbell),but I think it was worth it.
Please let me know what I can do to help. I understand completely with up to 12 weeks on it myself with my kids. It is hard to ask, but we are here. Maybe I can just come get your kids and take them for the day??? Would you let me? Niki, you are a wonderful person and people love you serve and help you to show you that love!
PS Way to go Matthew - I know husbands like you are rare - I know, I have one of my own!!
I would be happy to watch your kids. I have had the flu since Sun. and this afternoon has been the worst so far...so when I get all better they can come over and play if you like so you can rest or have time w/ the baby. I know you have family in town, but the offer is always open. I would love to babysit for you anytime.
Well said! I'm sorry to hear about your bed rest... but agree it's in those difficult and interesting times we feel the most humble and realize how much bigger the world is than our own problems - we really are blessed. Thanks! I needed a reminder!
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