Thankful for 3

In this month of giving thanks, I've been thinking about what I am most thankful for. Immediate things have come to mind over the past few weeks. I have a loving husband who is both capable of caring for me deeply and calling me out on my crap. I have two careers that allow me flexibility and the ability to do the things I love. I am grateful for our house, our home…it has shown me what a labor of love truly is, what I am capable of, and what it means to create a home with the one you love. I am forever thankful for my parents who support me, my dreams, my crazy life, every day, unconditionally. And I am thankful for my sister, my brother-in-law, my friends and every amazing opportunity this life has presented to me. But I haven't been able to put my finger on that one thing that I am MOST thankful for this year...

We spent Thanksgiving in Newport this year with Andrew's family. We did all the usuals - played a little pig-skin, told stories, ate delicious turkey & fixings, and stuffed ourselves with yummy pie. As I sat around the warm, candle-lit table (my sister-in-law has beautiful taste…see pics below!) I couldn't help but feel thankful.

As we were driving home to Tiverton, it suddenly occurred to me what I am most thankful for this year. Becoming an AUNT.  To hear Eloise and Curly call me "Aunt Maria"…there is no other feeling in this world. It is an absolute joy to call these three my niece and nephews.  I am honored. I am humbled. And I am so grateful for their love, their developing personalities, and the way they have welcomed me into their lives.

I am thankful for Eloise - for her style, her type A personality, and her ability to see the best in people. She has entered her tough teenage years and I have seen her grow into a beautiful, thoughtful and sweet young lady. She and I have become friends, and for that I am grateful.














I am thankful for Curly - for his zest for life, his love of socks, and his genuine love & kindness. This boy puts his heart & soul into the things he loves - currently, it is all things baseball and Red Sox.  He gives a pretty great hug too.

And I am thankful for Benedict, our little piggy - for his snuggles, his love of "buck bucks" (chickens), and his love of "ya-yas" (pretty girls).  I got to hold him a few weeks after he was born, and man was I hooked.

Andrew, or Uncle Dandy as he is so fondly called, treats these three as his own and I have watched him interact with them over the years. He loves these kids as if they were his own. They are his friends…his comfort…his joy. I was always hopeful that one day I would get to claim these three as my family too. And honestly, when we got married, that was also top on the list of getting hitched…becoming an aunt!

And so I am giving thanks for marriage, aunt-hood, and three little ones that warm my heart. What are you most thankful for this year?