So thankful

I just want to say that I am so thankful for my boys - all 3 of them: Eric, Mason and Miles. I am so thankful that even though Miles is always sick (or so it seems) and has been for the past two years, it is always minor and gets better.
My heart is so sad this morning. I follow several mom's blogs. I have never met these women, but their stories and their honesty makes me feel more normal most days. Like I am not the only one that struggles with the day-to-day of raising kids.
This little boy, Stellan, has been sick for almost 3 weeks. He has a heart condition that I do not even pretend to understand. He is most likely being moved to Boston next week (ironically, when we will be there for Eric's marathon) for an extremely risky heart surgery that is never done on kids his age. Scary? Yes.
This precious baby girl, Maddie, lives in California. She was born premature and has fought her entire life. Over the weekend, she started having trouble breathing. Scary, but happens often enough that they keep oxygen in the home to help her out. It usually works itself out. She passed away last night. Those big, blue eyes are almost haunting. Her personality is huge. My heart just hurts for her parents. I cannot imagine what happened and the hole that must be in their hearts.
And, one year ago yesterday, the Angie and Todd met their 4th baby girl Audrey and held her for 2 1/2 short hours before she went home to be with Jesus. She celebrated her first birthday yesterday in a big way in heaven, I am sure. The celebrations at home were probably a little more bittersweet.
So, today, I am thankful. I am thankful for my boys. I am thankful for Sweet BabyBoo growing in my tummy. I am thankful that God has allowed us this 3rd miracle. I am thankful that I can hug my babies and rock them to sleep at night. I am even thankful that they wake me up in the night. At least they can.
Hug your babies today. Spend extra time with them. Get on the floor and tickle them until you both cry. Play that game that you have been telling them "not right now" to. Thank God for your littlest blessings - may they be 1 or 12 or more. I know I will be.