Thankful Thursday. Taking comfort in...

I've had a rough few days.  Between parenting the older kids, comforting a fussy baby, and trying to get ready for a weekend trip, I feel emotionally tapped out and overwhelmed. And my body is in need of many things.  Like sleep. And exercise (ick!). I have a sneaking suspicion that I may also be experiencing some postpartum blues. I cry a lot, often letting silent tears run down my cheeks when everyone else is enjoying sweet slumber.

Vivien isn't the happiest baby I've ever met; she is a Virgo after all. She seems uncomfortable in her little body.  She grunts and squirms A LOT.  She cries A LOT. In some moments, I feel like she doesn't want me and my heart hurts. And then my heart hurts when I can't seem to comfort her; when she doesn't want to nurse, or rock, or be held in my arms. Maybe her spirit is just too big for her small package right now, and as her body grows, so will her ease in navigating the world within it. I'm really trying to work through this with her; reminding her that we chose one another and that I'm so happy she's here. We all are. I guess we just have to convince her to be happy too.

In not being able to comfort my baby, I've thought a lot about the things I take comfort in. Maybe those things will help calm Vivien. Or myself, when I feel like my ears might explode from listening to her scream for an hour straight. When I find comfort in something it's because I can count on it. It's a rock. So I made a list.

~ James Taylor

Whenever I listen to his music, I get to feeling peaceful.  Kind of groovy even.  His voice is smooth, unique, and his lyrics conjure up images that touch me in the sweetest, most nostalgic ways. The most incredible live concert I ever went to was his.  I've danced with my babies to "Sweet Baby James" a hundred times, snuggling them up to my chest and breathing in their sweaty hair.  I've listened to "You've got a Friend" over and over on an old 45 record. I've belted out "Fire & Rain" time after time while driving in the car.  James' music has been a friend through the many bumps in my path and in shiny, golden moments.

~ Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

What can I say?  I've got a crush on Jimmy.  I often fall asleep during his show, but I love it, and him, just the same. I fell in love with him when he was on Saturday Night Live and he is even funnier now.  There's nothing like a good hearty laugh, and I'm almost guaranteed one of those when watching his show.  My childhood was filled with laughter.  From my dad and his brothers, re-telling old, crazy stories. To my mom, chatting away about silly matters with the neighbors or her sisters.  And then to my sister and I, dressed up in lingerie, singing away on our front porch or singing "Washington Woman" with my dad.  Laughter is the best medicine isn't it?

~ My well-worn, 8 year old couch

I've always had a "thing" about my place on a couch.  As a kid, I could often be found in "the crack," that most comfy spot right where two cushions meet. I wasn't the only one who coveted that position either. Us kids would argue about who got to sit in it. Who doesn't want to feel warm and cozy, right? Now I perch myself at the arm, just under the lamp, with legs curled up. It's where, for the past several years, I've read to my children, talked with my husband, and visited with guests. It's where I write shopping lists, take phone calls, and sip on the lattes that Thomas makes for me. It's simply my spot.

~ The Hubs & Kiddos

Especially when everyone is home. Then we're in our own cocoon, safe. And loud! As much as the noise can grate on my nerves, I feel immense gratitude for the people that are the source of it.  This my greatest comfort.  It's then that I'm reminded of just how beautiful, abundant and marvelous my life is.

Music. Laughter. Warmth. Love.

The things I cling to when it's almost 2a.m and I've yet to fall asleep for the night because I'm cuddling a spirited baby girl. (smile)