It is officially November. November equals Thanksgiving, which to me equals not only food, but a time of year that I truly think about all that I am thankful for. Sure, I probably should be doing that all year and I do in smaller quantities, but November just brings out the gratefulness in me.

When I think of what I am thankful for I could ramble off a long list- coffee, iPhones, acrylic nails, mascara, warm weather, etc. etc.

When I think of WHO I am thankful for I get a little more serious. My family means so much to me, and you know who started my life and my family? My mother.

Yes you, mom. Hi! I know you will read this because you are still so invested in my life. You sure are golden. I have decided to write you a little letter and share it with the world because you are JUST THAT GREAT.

Dear Mom,

Thank you for carrying me inside your stomach and providing your body for my first home. Dad always jokes that every time I moved, you had to pee. After having my angel I know exactly what he meant… and he was not kidding!

Thank you for giving birth to me. Even though it was in the middle of the night and you say you did not feel much, I know it hurt.

Thank you watching over me so carefully while I was so tiny and new. I know for certain I would not have made it without you.

Thank you for bath time, play time, and nap time. Although I do not remember those first few years, I know they were filled with joy.

Thank you for setting up play dates and taking me to nursery during church. I imagine the transition to school would have been even harder if I had not been given the opportunity to be around other children.

Thank you for enrolling me in school. I know this seems silly to say but you did exactly as a parent should. No, you did not just throw me into school so that you could have a few hours of free time each day, you were invested in my education. You helped me with my homework, read books with me, and packed my lunch each day.

Thank you for teaching me morals and standards. I did not walk down the perfect path but I know that without your guidance, I would be long gone from any light in my life.

Thank you for teaching me responsibility. Sure, I did not always clean my room or fold my clothes (I still do not fold them, sorry), but I know how to work hard. I know how to go above and beyond and sometimes I even get recognized for it. You should really be the one getting recognition though.

Thank you for not giving up on me. I was mean to you. I am sorry for that but thank you for always holding your arms out towards me. For having an “I’m ready when you are” attitude about my affection and love. Thank you for believing that I was still good and not too far gone.

Thank you for supporting me. When I got pregnant. When I decided to graduate early. When I became a mother. When I got engaged. When I got married. When I began working and going to college.

Mom, thank you for showing me love. Thank you for being the best “yaya” in the world to my little angel. Most of all, thank you for setting the example of the type of mother I hope to be.

xoxo,

Your “Baby Doll”