So Many Reasons to be Thankful

I suppose it is normal to feel thankful and blessed after the birth of a child, but I feel especially so. Many people who read this already know that I am a worrier. Most probably also know that I worried throughout this entire pregnancy - more than necessary or normal! Having a healthy baby boy, I have so many reasons to be thankful.
I am thankful for...

• bringing my baby home from the hospital WITH ME!!!
• holding him after he was born (I held Nicholas less than a minute when he was born...)
• no tubes, wires, excessive needle pokes, nurses fussing with baby, etc.
• not worrying about "bonding" with my baby
• providing milk - the EASY way!!!
• not having someone (NICU nurse) tell me I am holding my baby "too much" - is that even possible???
• no NICU at all!!!
• no tears but happy ones!
• no machines sounding off all night long (heck, no machines at all!!!)
• not worrying about the lasting effects of having a preemie baby
• pictures right after birth!!! (I may have been slightly excessive, but I think I deserve it!!)
• not spending my newborn's days sitting in a hospital wondering why everything happened the way it did...
• no guilt!!! (granted, it wasn't my fault Nicholas was born early - it was very hard to accept that)
• getting out of the house!!! this is one of the coolest things! Apparently newborns AREN'T normally restricted to their house!!! Nicholas hardly left the house prior to 5 months old - we had this baby at Wal-Mart at 4 days old!!! We've been out to eat, to church, to the park, to the doctor, Kohl's, and CAN'T WAIT for more little trips!
• I feel so much more confident - more in charge of life this time around.
• I'm sure there are more things to list here... words can't possibly describe the feeling of having a healthy child

I am also thankful for Nicholas' health. We were so lucky to have a relatively "healthy" preemie. We were frightened and worried for a long time, but he is a normal, happy, healthy 3 1/2 year old boy. Jason & I are so lucky to have our two boys...