Thankful

As 2017 comes to a close, I've been thinking about the things that I have been the most thankful for this year so I wanted to take a moment and share a few things I'm grateful for! It's a different type of post for me but I wanted to share a more personal post to end the year.

I'm thankful for...

Family: We've been blessed with two (adorable) kiddos. As Micah has gotten older, we've been able to add new traditions each year. Not only at Christmas, but-year round. There's something so special when new traditions grow organically from your own family dynamics. I have loved creating new memories with him and look forward to creating more with Alessia as well. This year I also became an aunt for the first time as my brother and my sister-in-law welcomed their first son. We couldn't be more in love with baby C.

Childhood: I purposely wanted to give this one its own space on my list. The reason for that is because it's so important to me. We strive to be parents that give their kids a full childhood. One that really milks all they can get out of it! My hopes are to give them a childhood that they'll cherish forever. One that lets them explore, create, dream; one that celebrates them for who they are and who they are becoming each day. I want them to play in the rain, laugh until it hurts, splash in muddy puddles, climb the tree, have dessert before dinner once in a while and get the most of out being a kid as they can because I promise you one thing, it goes by fast. And all while Marco and I are doing this for them...we end up with the greatest blessing of all; watching their childhood unfold.

Friends: I began blogging this past February as a means of having a creative outlet. I never would've imagined that 10 months in, I would have met such cool, supportive, fun people! Thank you for all of your DM's, your likes and comments. I had no idea that Instagram was such an amazing community. I have loved getting to know you guys, getting to know the person behind the posts and I look forward to meeting more of you in 2018. It's because of you guys that I get to do what I love and for that, thank you!

Health: With so many things going on, sometimes we take health for granted. This year, I want to devote more time to self care. Sometimes I have so much going on with the kiddos, work, blogging, and all that makes up life that I end up putting myself last. I'm the worst person at taking time for myself (I've been wanting to book a massage...it's been 4 years since I keep letting it slide "for next week." I told you, I'm the WORST!) but I know how important it is! This year I want to get back to doing pilates. I know that it may not happen everyday but I want to commit to at least 20 minutes each day. I know that if I take a little bit of time for myself each day, it will not only be good for my health but it will make me a better mother, wife, daughter and friend. You can only give of what you have so it's important that we take time for ourselves as well.

Work: One of my biggest blessings to date has been my job. I work as a consultant at a children's mental health agency in Toronto. I began with them with a contract position in 2008 and went on full time in 2012. I absolutely adore the children I work with, the team of consultants I have the opportunity of working alongside each day and the management team. I have learned so much in this role, not only about children development and mental health but also about myself. I'm thankful for the families that allow me to come in and work with their children on a daily basis. It's a role in which I am challenged each day and although it is at times emotionally draining, it is also incredibly fulfilling.

Marco: Most of all, I'm thankful for my husband, my partner in all of this. He's the one that encourages me when I want to quit or when things get too hectic. He's my ride or die and my best friend. I couldn't do all this without his support and unconditional love. I'm so blessed to have you by my side though all of this! (And thank you for all of the pictures babe!)

2017 has been great to us and I can't wait to see what the new year holds! Happy New Years, friends!!