19, 20, 21, 22

Thankfulness Day 19:  On November the 19th the majority of my day I spent crying.  Everything went wrong.  Ethan had a horrible day at school.  My emotions felt like they were on a never ending roller coaster.  Nick DID NOT want to be away from us.  Our fantastic anniversary weekend was quickly going very very wrong.  So on November the 19th what I am thankful for most is the fact that these type of days don't happen everyday.  The anniversary weekend still happened, and the world still continued to turn!  Bad days will happen, but I'm thankful that bad days don't happen everyday. 

Thankfulness Day 20:  I actually got to have a conversation with my husband that didn't take place in 5 minute segments.  Since it is rare that we get to have long un-interrupted conversations I am very thankful that we still have things to talk about.  Allen and I lived 2 1/2 hours apart up until we got married.  Phone conversations happened every night for hours at a time.  We could go on and on having a blast talking to each other.  I have often wondered if we could still carry on conversations like that.  Our typical talks include a whole lot of interruptions, and we are usually discussing the kids.  So it was wonderful to still get lost in conversation with a man I am still very much in love with.  I am very Thankful for long conversations with my husband.

Thankfulness Day 21:  Nick has formed attachments!  This is a huge step in the emotional health of Nick.  For the longest time everyone (especially myself) wondered if Nick was ever going to start showing progress.  For the past 10 months I felt like all we've done is tread water.  But being away this weekend really showed me how much progress he is making with his behavior, and with forming attachments with us.  For the past few nights he has insisted that I rock him to sleep.  I have cried every time I have rocked him because for the longest time he wanted nothing to do with us in the emotional department.  Due to his mental disabilities it has been very hard to explain to Nick all that is taking place in his life right now.  So this step in the right direction is just the thing I have needed to be able to continue this journey.  I am so Thankful for Nicks new healthy attachments!

Thankfulness Day 22:  Online Christmas Shopping!  I love real shopping just as much as the next girl, but I have to admit the long lines, and tons and tons of other shoppers isn't a favorite of mine.  So tonight Allen and I were able to get the majority of our Christmas shopping done.  That is a good feeling!  I am thankful for online Christmas shopping!