Count your blessings, name them one by one...

Today is my 32nd birthday and early, early this morning, while feeding Jackson, I thought of this post and what I needed to say. In the last few weeks my little family has been on the receiving end of generosity and care from family and friends. While Jackson sleepily ate breakfast #1 around 5:30 this morning I started listing in my head the many blessings bestowed upon us just since his birth. My next thought was to document them. When I look back at this time in our lives I don't want to forget the many large and small gestures that helped us get through the early days of life with Jackson. Counting my blessings is something I don't do often enough.

1. Food
I suppose it's kind of funny for me to start with food....something I do love so much....but there's more to it than just burgers, steaks, take-out or tacos. Between family coming in to town to visit, Robbie's amazing co-workers signing up for each night of our first week home, and friends dropping by and sharing their evening meal with us, Robbie and I have certainly not starved. Our bellies and souls have been filled with delicious meals and hugs and glad tidings. Three weeks into this tremendous journey and the basic need of "you gotta eat" is still being cared for by loved ones.

2. Time
My mom came to Kansas City the day Jackson was born. She left for one weekend and came right back the next Monday. In total she spent three weeks cleaning, cooking and helping to care for Jackson, Robbie and I. My Aunt Linda and Uncle Tom arrived for a visit not long after we brought Jackson home. They fed us and even helped to stock our fridge and pantry with a few items. My grandparents came for a visit while my mom was in town and we shared a lovely lasagna dinner, celebrating Jackson's arrival. My mother-in-law is arriving tonight for the weekend and once again we will have time with family...something I hope Jackson learns to value.

3. Communication
The last couple of weeks have been rather hard for me and when I am feeling all out of sorts I usually cut myself off from, well, nearly everything. I have a bad habit of not answering the phone or returning text messages. I am not entirely sure why I do this, but I do. Despite my despondency, however, our family and friends have not given up on keeping the lines of communication open. They know Robbie is always available and check in on us through him. They've stopped by with a cup of coffee and a quick hello, sent cards in the mail, emailed thoughtful notes and reminded me they were available when needed. Their persistence reminds me there will be times when I need to return the favor.

4. Robbie
I can't count blessings without counting the Robot. He has been my rock these last few weeks and you all know I am already his biggest fan without him being my superhero. I've watched him adapt to fatherhood with such ease and grace and at the same time attend to my emotionally wrecked neediness, all while maintaining his love for bowling. Our married life has changed dramatically.....and dare I say it.....for the better.

5. A shower
Jackson contently sat in his bouncy seat this morning while I showered and did my hair. He even allowed me to start a load of laundry. All you moms out there will see the incredible blessing of this seemingly small gesture.

As with any list, there is always room for additions. I suppose blessing #6 would have to be that I realize those additional blessings will come. Take some time today and count your own.



Comments

Anonymous said…
Just when I thought he couldn't be any cuter! This pose makes me think he's just so comfortable in his own skin. I love how he does this. Speaking of blessings, getting to spend the first 3 weeks of Jack's life with him was more precious to me than I can express. When I see pictures of him, I know his expressions. That means a lot to me. Thank you both for allowing me that time with you. Love, Mom
8:47 PM
Heather, Neilson, Grace & Creighton said…
Catie Jackson is an absolute doll baby.
9:12 PM
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