Reasons to Smile

When I went back to work after losing Jack, I knew it would be tough. So for about a month, I decided to remind myself of all the reasons why I was still blessed. I started a personal "Reasons to Smile" initiative, and it really did help.

These days, it's hard for me to do anything but smile, but I thought it would be good for me to show just how far we've come over the last year. So here we are, Audra's Reasons to Smile, September 2011:

This guy

My goodness, I love this man. I don't know how else to explain it, but we really are just a perfect match. He always does and says the right thing; he makes me laugh till I cry; he never makes me cry in the "bad way"; he respects me; he thanks me; he takes care of me.... and to top it all off, the way he interacts with our daughter is the most heartwarming feeling I could ever experience. I have never seen someone so excited to be a father, and I'm so happy that he is the father of my children. I must have done something right in my life, snagging this handsome fella. I hope some day our baby girl realizes how lucky she is to have him as a father. I have no doubt she will.

My new job

Though I was sad to leave all of my friends and coworkers, I am 3 weeks in and still loving my new job. The shorter commute, flexible schedule, and salary increase were certainly nice, but more than anything I am loving the potential that this new position has. I get to make it my own, and build a program from the ground up. It's an amazing opportunity, and I know I am extremely fortunate that they hired me, baby bump and all.

Baby showers!

My amazing family members have planned two baby showers for me in the month of October, the first being this weekend. I am one of those people who does not like to receive gifts. It's not like I am not grateful; I just feel really, really bad when someone does something for me, when they could have saved their money for themselves. Despite what you may experience from time to time, there really are some selfless and giving people in this world, and I feel like I'm related or friends with the best of them.

That said, we've received some gifts already, and I have never been more excited. Just picturing our little girl wearing one of these sweet outfits, or playing with a toy, or reading a book.... eeek!!! I just want her to be here right now! (But don't get any ideas kiddo, you stay put until you're good and ready!!)

Elective ultrasound

Next weekend, we decided to splurge and schedule an elective 4D ultrasound. We wanted an ultrasound experience in which I wasn't completely and utterly terrified for the first few minutes in case they found something wrong with the baby. Now that we know she is a perfectly healthy little sweetheart, I think it'll be so nice to get a sneak peek of her beautiful face. Check out these sweet baby pictures to get an idea (note: these images are not my child; rather, they are random adorable internet babies)

Pretty cool, huh?? I've said it before, and I'll say it again.... technology is a.m.a.z.i.n.g! Can't wait to see you little lady!

Fall-ing in love with the season

Scarves. Crunchy leaves. Football. Chili. Fall-scented candles. Pumpkin spiced lattes (decaf of course). The best part of living in Ohio is the fall. Our neighborhood has lots and lots of trees, and I just love this time of year. Jon may not love raking up all of the leaves, but I love the color and the chill in the air that fall brings. Fall also immediately precedes winter. And baby girl is due 3 days after the start of winter. (See how I bring everything back to my child? OMG, I'm one of those parents already).

So SMILE today. There's always a reason.

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