A Letter...

Dear Porter,

As I sat in your rocking chair holding you close the other day, I thought of the many things I wanted to tell you. We rocked for an hour or so, your little body so relaxed in my arms, I couldn't help but be so grateful for you. I love you my little boy, I don't think I could ever tell you how much. I love being your mamma. You have brought me more joy than I ever thought one little person could! I want you to know that I prayed for you, and I still pray for you. I prayed for you before you were born. I prayed for you to be happy and to be healthy. I prayed that we would one day be able to hold you. You took your time coming to us. You see your daddy and I wanted you to be with us much sooner. We cried together, hoping that one day you would be more than just a dream, we visited doctors trying everything to bring you here. I remember perfectly the day that I found out you were coming to us. I cried happy, thankful tears. I couldn't wait to tell your daddy that you would join us in just 9 months. Your daddy cried too.

Those 9 months didn't go by very quickly. All the growing you needed to do made me sick for a little while, and tired too. But your daddy was there to help me the whole time. The day you were born was one of the happiest days of my life. The doctors put you right in my arms and I couldn't believe you were here with us. It was truly a miracle. I held you close and you snuggled right in. I was so happy to finally meet you. You have grown so much since then. Your little giggles always make me smile, I laugh when you laugh. I love you my little boy.  I hope you will always know how loved you are, and how wanted you are. I pray every day for you. I pray for you to be healthy, I pray for you to be happy, and I pray that I might know how to take care of you.

I'm not the best mom, it's still new to me, but I'm learning. I've had lots of help too. Your Nanny and Gramma have been here lots taking care of me and you. Your daddy helps as much as he can, and more than most daddies. He works hard to keep us safe and secure. You are lucky to have such an awesome dad. I think you know that though. He's your buddy. He makes you laugh the most and the hardest. You always have a big smile when you haven't seen him for a while. I know you'll be good friends.

Don't grow too fast little man. I want to enjoy every minute. If I get frustrated with you from time to time, I hope you forgive me. This being a mom thing is hard. Just know that I love you, and I will always love you. You are such a kind little spirit. Already I know how much you care. When other babies cry, you cry too. It's like you know they are hurting and it makes you sad. Always keep that kindness. The world out here isn't always a kind one, but you can help make it a little brighter.

I love you little boy. I'll always be here for you, to take care of you, hug you, laugh with you and snuggle you. You can tell me anything. Your daddy and I love you so very much. You are one of the greatest blessings in our lives.

Be good little man, grow big and strong. Keep that kindness you have now. One day, hopefully, if all goes right, you'll have a baby brother or sister to share your journey with.

Love,

Mommy

Thanksgiving Weekend

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a great weekend. This Sunday we blessed our baby boy and my sister blessed her little guy. After the blessing we had some people over for a little bit of lunch. It was really fun to have people over and just chat with them. We then had dinner at my parent's house that evening, which was great. I love thanksgiving! I am soo grateful for the meal that was prepared for us! My whole family was together this year and it was just great to have my family close by. I'm really lucky in that respect. My family is all pretty close together with my parents and brother in Okotoks, my sister basically down the street and my other brother a couple of hours away in Edmonton. 

Porter and Tucker. They will be best friends I'm sure!

Our little family.

Looking adorable in his blessing outfit. 

Thanks Nanny!

Monday was the Whiteley family thanksgiving (also an awesome meal). Again so thankful to be close to Matt's family. We went over a little early so that Matt could help his dad and brother hang Christmas lights. He had hung all of ours on Saturday and they really look great. They spent a couple of hours with Matt climbing on the roof and subsequently ripping his pants. But we had great meal and Porter was awesome. I got a couple of great pictures to remember this year by.

This guy is just adorable!

This was the scene BEFORE dinner. 

Such a happy little dude.

Hanging out with Grandma.

Alright so now for just a few more random pictures I've taken this month!

Love this sleeper!

Oh such a silly boy.

Father-Son bonding after a bath.

He really loves bath time. 

All dressed up for church!

My 2 handsome men.

Another one before church (aren't overalls the best!?)

An Ode to Matt

Sooo I can't sleep. I have far too many things running through my brain. I attended (and am in the process of attending) a Dental Hygiene conference here in Calgary and it got me thinking about a lot of different things. It's been a while since I had to learn stuff.. I'm off topic.

So one thing I appreciated today was Matt. It was a really long day. I had a headache all day that turned in to a migraine (I hate it when that happens). Anyway when I got home my awesome husband took care of me, he went out and got me some Ben-Gay (which really helps with my shoulder tension), bought me a fruit tray (fruit is pretty much the only thing I can eat with a migraine) and got me some Pom (a drink I love..). Anyway that got me thinking. I don't show as much appreciation to him as I should. I was laying in bed trying to sleep and I just couldn't shake this feeling that I should write down my thoughts. So here we are.

Meet Matt. He is awesome. I will start by telling you Matt is a painter. Now I feel I need to make a case for this. A lot of times when I tell people this, they have a predisposed notion about painters (they are uneducated, when are they going to university to get a more professional job, they don't make a lot of money). This makes me mad. I'm not going to get in to that. 

Matt is one of the hardest workers I have ever met. A lot of people would love if work wasn't happening for a week or two due to weather or other factors (myself included). Matt goes stir crazy after just a day. If something needs to be done, he will do it. If he has to work seven, 10 hour days one week, he will (I can't say he loves these times but he is willing to what has to be done). I don't know many people that would take that on. He works so ridiculously hard and I appreciate it. I cannot say I have the same drive.

Matt is skilled at what he does. How many of us can say that we can paint a perfectly straight line between the wall and ceiling or even wall and baseboards without tape? Definitely not me... and not a whole lot of people I know. That takes skill. 

Alright, I love my husband. But I also have a huge amount of respect for him. I am grateful for his talent and skill along with his work ethic and drive. I don't think he hears me say that enough. So I am proclaiming it to the world. My husband is awesome. He's the best.  He's just right for me.

Just thought you all should know.

I am now going to crawl in to my nice warm bed and try to sleep. I apologize for  spelling mistakes, uninterpretable (that's a word right) sentences and confusing paragraph structure. It's late. I'm tired. I just had to get words down. Alright all you internet surfers. Goodnight! I hope you look at those who are most important to you and take time to let them know it. It's a great feeling to be appreciated.

Just a treat. He doesn't always look like this.

This is the Matt I  know and love.

Goodnight,

Emily