We Are So Thankful

Here are some recent pictures from our life lately!  

Thanksgiving was at the Ready's house this year. We had a day of celebrating all the things we are thankful for. This year has been especially difficult for us. Michael said this year was harder than our infertility years... I'm not sure I feel THAT strongly. But he's right. It's been a year of hell. So many medical things, so many emotional trials, a lot of grieving, a fairly-close-to-death experience (closer than we'd like to think!), no sleep, and lots of challenges within our marriage. 

HOWEVER, we have SO SO SO much to be grateful for. For starters, I get to spend a little more time on this earth. October 1st was a scary day for us and we weren't sure that was going to be the case. We are so thankful that God has allowed me to keep on trucking so our family can grow together. We are also so thankful for our sweet miracle Isla. She has been our hope and peace during our miscarriage and the frightening days that followed. Michael also got a huge raise, which has blessed our family greatly. Being on a single income has had it's challenges, so we are very excited to have a cushion again. And I'm very thankful for the ability to stay home. Many days are hard, but I go to bed every night thanking the Lord and my hubby for the chance to stay home. It's my dream job and it's been such a special year. 

Since Thanksgiving, we've just been spending a lot of time outside, we've been working on Christmas activities, and we've been enjoying this holiday season! 

Isla just keeps on growing and learning and she doesn't show any signs of stopping! She played with playdoh for the first time last week. She liked the feeling, but didn't want the mess on her hands. 

We've also been working on using the potty like a big girl. Surprisingly, she's doing well. She hasn't actually gone to the bathroom in the potty, but she signs "potty" to us when she has started going. We ask her if she needs to go and she takes off running down the hall. We usually sit on the potty for a little bit and she always checks to see if anything got in there. She at least recognizes she is going and knows what to do. Our timing just needs a little work :) 

 A dear friend from high school sent me this coat she had made Isla. I could not believe she sent me this attached to a sweet note. It brought me to tears and I just love it! 

 I had to throw in a decor picture :)

Our first baby. She's getting old and it's starting to show. We just love her so much!