Christmas Blessings

We have had a wonderfully blessed Christmas, just as we do every year. Our family is fortunate in so many ways, even though it's often easy to lose track of that on a daily basis as we go through the motions of our hectic lives. All of us have been enjoying tons of awesome new gadgets and gizmos all day long, and while that is loads of fun, what I'm most grateful for today is my beautiful, healthy family. I love being mommy to four little people, and I cherish our loud, crazy holidays together. There is shouting, shoving, kissing, hugging, dancing, singing, fighting and sharing going on every moment. At times it can get exhausting, but just when I think I can't take the chaos for one more second, the calm rolls in and everyone goes off to a different room to quietly play together, taking turns and getting along like little champs.

I try to always be cognizant of how lucky I am, that I was able to so easily become pregnant four times, to have had four pregnancies that were 90% easy-peasy, to have given birth to four perfect, healthy little babies.  I can't imagine the heartache of those who struggle with infertility. Several years ago I even looked into egg donation to help someone else experience the miracle of becoming a mother, but I believe I was already getting too old (I think 30 is typically the cut-off age). Recently I replied to an ad I saw about becoming a surrogate mother because I think maybe I could do that, knowing I was helping someone fulfill a dream of parenthood, but then I discovered that Michigan is not a "surrogate-friendly" state. Some may believe that egg donation or surrogacy would be too strange, but having a family is such a life changing and wondrous occurrence that I can understand why someone would go to any lengths to make it happen.

This past week has been tough, with all the holiday preparations, and five basketball games and two pediatrician visits thrown into the mix as well. Lucy has been sick, first with an asthma flare up and now with an ear infection, and while having a sick little one at Christmastime is no fun, I know that what I'm dealing with is nothing compared to what Chris's cousin is living with as her small daughter struggles with her recent leukemia diagnosis. I know that for 10 years we have been remarkably blessed with good health, even though there have been some bumps and worries along the road, and Chris's major scare three years ago.

As challenging as family life can be, I am so very blessed to have been given the opportunity to overcome the challenges I face. I wouldn't trade one temper tantrum, sleepless night, potty training obstacle, sassy mouth, messy bedroom, or sticky hand for anything at all. We are perfect in our imperfections.

I hope that you, too, are giving thanks for your blessings today and realizing that they are plentiful. I hope that you have spent your day with people you love and who love you, having fun and smiling and laughing a lot. Merry Christmas!