Quick Takes- Gratitude

[Lots to be thankful for this week! Here we go:]

*1. A baby shower! Some dear women at my church threw a baby shower for me last Saturday, something I neither expected nor necessarily wanted. I get horribly embarrassed when I'm the center of attention, and baby showers are no exception. I wish I was one of those people who blush crimson and get a little shaky when embarrassed. Unfortunately, my reaction is to ham it up and babble like a drunk about pretty much anything that comes into my mind. I digress, however: The shower was so much fun and I was blessed with many awesome/helpful/sweet/considerate gifts.

2. Baby shower, Part II. I convinced myself to go get my hair done for the occasion. The only times I've ever had my hair done were for Senior Prom and my wedding. I showed up at the salon with more than enough time to spare and she made me beautiful! My hair was voluminous and shiny, and I walked out of the place ready to call Expecting Models. Until the heavens opened and some of the heaviest rain I've ever seen began to fall. My beautiful hair was ruined in about 4 seconds. I looked like I'd stepped into the shower fully clothed. I arrived at my baby shower with smeared mascara and a messy bun.

3. A healthy pregnancy. At less than a month to go, everything seems to be going well with Son #3 in utero. My end-of-the-road belly, however, seems to be many peoples' tickets to say whatever they want concerning my, erm, condition. My favorite of the week: "Oh honey, you're not going to make it." I want to follow up with, "Make it to what?"

• "... My due date? Well, as long as he's healthy and ready, so am I." (I'm sure this is usually what they mean, and it's often followed up with the classic "You're look like you're going to pop!" statement.)
• "... The bathroom? Gosh, for everyone's sakes, I hope I do."
• "... Like, in general? As in, continue living? Once again, I hope I do. Last I checked, I was pregnant, not cornered somewhere in the Alamo."
  

4. New members to the Manners Club. My 3-year-old has been saying 'Please' and 'Thank You' for awhile, but this week he surprised me by saying 'Bless you!' after I sneezed. A little background: I come from a post-sneeze, blessing family. I know some people don't, but I do, and I kid you not- it has felt awkward for me to sneeze in the presence of my children and get.... nothing. I want to clear my throat and say, "So, I just sneezed... That's your cue..." No more, friends! Aside from cheering my heart with his silliness, molding my character with his constant development, and being the apple of my eye, my son can now bless me after I sneeze! My world seems more whole.

5. Blog Treasure. Some posts that rocked my world this week:

• "One Buddy a Night" at Still Learning the Game of Life. This post by Brooke made me laugh so hard that I cried. Enough said.
• "A Separation, A Detachment" at This Heavenly Life. Sarah's account of taking her toddler daughter to her first day at Kid's Day Out is achingly sweet, as real as it gets, and it will leave you with a smile on your face.
• "Pictures Speak a Thousand Lies" at A Worthy Life. Lots to chew on in this post by Dina. Definitely worth the read.

6. Post-Dinner dancing in the kitchen. While I made cinnamon bread for the husby to take into work today, the rest of the fam boogied to the amazingness that is Pandora.com. Punk-pop music makes for beautiful cinnamon bread and toddler artistic expression.

7. Did I say cinnamon bread? Yeah, a hunk of it is sitting in my kitchen calling my name, so I think these Quick Takes are about done for the week. More can be found @ Conversion Diary!

*The t-shirts with this image on them can be found at MuthaCrafter's Etsy shop. It's been one of my favorite pieces of maternity clothing this pregnancy!