It certainly helps put things in perspective to see the world through the eyes of a child for a few days. Stopping to play in the raindrops, sitting on the porch to watch the squirrels and laughing for hours with peek-a-boo and foot munching help.

That being said, going back to work this morning was a brutal brush with reality. Good thing tomorrow is Friday.

In the meantime, let’s all look back on the week together and recognize what “made” our weeks.

This week, I’m thankful for…

Uninterrupted time with my tiny man

The Mister’s ability to make every single day that much better with his presence

My new look!

Halloween decorations

Diaper sales

That my BIRTHDAY MONTH is just a few days away (yes, I celebrate allllll month long)

Pumpkin spice coffee

New clothes (and picks from Mama’s closet)

The upcoming weekend

Your turn — what are you thankful for this week?

But I have my coffee and chocolate vitatop, so things are looking up.

And what better opportunity than to look back on the week and reflect on everything we should be thankful for. I know it might sound lame to some of you. Sometimes our lists are shorter and sometimes it seems silly to be thankful for the butterfly you watched with your kids or for the free bagel you got with your coffee. But these small things – if we let them – add up to something bigger. Embrace them. Be thankful for them and don’t let them go unnoticed. I find that when give them they credit they deserve, they pop up more often  

This week, I’m thankful for…

Braids and that they save even the worst hair days

Rain boots — because they turn something icky into an excuse to wear something cute

Cobbler — does this require an explanation?

30 Rock – the Mister and I are late to the party and just making it through Season 1 – we have a looooong way to go and I’m enjoying every second

My little man, and how he teaches me that each day is a new adventure, filled with wonder and awe — and that new discoveries await us at every turn. Like the fact that he can now sit like a big boy!

For the upcoming, long weekend and our plans to celebrate the Mister’s birthday, take Bean to the ZOO and spend time together in our own little world

What are you thankful for this week?

I have a big day planned for the Mister this weekend to celebrate his birthday (it’s next week). Part of the plan was going to be to see “Our Idiot Brother,” but we saw it got bad reviews — has anyone seen it? Would you recommend it? Any other movies you’d recommend?

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! And if you’re not, tomorrow’s Friday, so things should be looking up

Again, it’s that time to look back on the past week and realize the things we should be grateful for. So often the smallest things — a smile from a stranger, a butterfly visiting your yard, a child’s laughter, a warm embrace — could go unnoticed, as if they never happened. Instead, let’s call them out this week and give them the appreciation they deserve!

I’ll start.

This week, I’m thankful for…

The League – hands down, one of the funniest shows I’ve ever watched in my life. The Mister and I were HOWLING. We watched both seasons within a week and we cannot wait for season 3 to begin. Season one is on Netflix, for those interested!

My time with Bean and the fact that one day during the work week, I’m blessed with an entire day, just for me and him. There’s nothing like watching your little man smile and reach for you when you know you really should be at work. I’ve never been more thankful that my job allows me the flexibility to be the Mommy I’ve always wanted to be.

The Mister’s new gig – yep, the Mister took a new job! I’m so excited for him and all that he’s about to learn and discover in his new position. I’ve never been more proud of his brilliance and I can’t wait to see and hear about the impact he’s going to make at his new organization.

Butterflies – and the way Bean’s face lights up when they pay us a visit.

Pool parties in the front yard and that a little jar of baby bubbles can provide wonder, awe and uncontrollable laughter.

Fall – it’s coming, people, I can feel it.

Dry shampoo – it’s a godsend.

God – because without Him, I’d have nothing to be thankful for. We are all so blessed and I am grateful that I’m able to recognize each little thing for the miracle it really is — I have God to thank for that.

What are you thankful for this week? I LOVE reading your lists

Today I’m grateful for my family, for my friends and for all the opportunities life presents. I’m thankful that I wake up in a warm bed in the morning, next to my best friend, while my little urchin stirs below and never fails to greet me with a morning smile.

I’m thankful that I have a job to go to everyday that challenges my creativity with colleagues that push me and bring out my best work.

I’m thankful that we’re blessed with such a loving family. A family that loves Bean to pieces, and despite driving us crazy at times, would go to the moon and back if we needed them to.

I’m thankful that Bean is healthy and that I have the opportunity to be his mommy. I’m thankful that God gave him to me and the Mister to love, cherish and help him find his way through the world. And most of all, I’m thankful that through it all, he’s helping us find our way, too ;)

I couldn’t of ever imagined a richer life for myself and today, I am so incredibly thankful for my ordinary, but oh-so-extraordinary life.

What are you thankful for today?

This week, I’m thankful for…

My parents – who celebrate their Anniversary today – Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Our pediatrician and his lovely bedside manner

That I’m only days away from smelling the Ocean

Healthy takeout

That I can blame my dirty hair on the rain

My big boy!

A/C – this weather is muggalicious!

What are YOU thankful for this week? Please share! – let’s get the moments of gratitude going!

Despite the icky weather, I’m in a pretty stellar mood and have lots of things to smile about.

This week I’m thankful…

That I’m only 5 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight! This. Is. Major. Given that it hasn’t even been 3 month, I’m feeling incredibly proud of my progress. I’m also pretty certain that those pounds are all in my boobs (sorry, Dad), so that makes me feel even better. Now if only I were certain those will look the same after Bean is finished with ‘em! Anyway, before I get into specifics, how many of you are actually interested in what I did to get here? I’d hate to rant on and on about it if no one cares. Let me know and I’m happy to share what worked for me.

For Bean’s laughter. We heard it this past week and I don’t think there is a greater sound. In fact, I can I literally feel my chest warm from my heart melting.

That we finally have our game plan figured out for Bean’s Baptism and after-party (whoop, whoop!)

That we’re heading back to church this week! It’ll be Bean’s first time listening to Mama cantor (sing, for you newbies) outside the womb

For promising weather this weekend

For my brother’s creative genius (Clevelanders – check out this new line of CLE pride tees! – Unlikely Optimist - would make a great Cleveland Father’s Day present)

Marotta’s – ’nuff said

Alright, time to dive into the busy day! I’ll be back later

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What are YOU thankful for this week?

Such a lovely day yesterday with little Bean! Filled with fun walks, adventures outside, lunch dates and plenty of smiles. Makes going back to work today just a little easier

Well that, and my cute outfit! I can’t wait to share pics with you tomorrow for Fashion Friday — Mama’s out of the sweatpants, folks — well, at least until I get home, anyway

Today is Thursday and you know what that means! That the weekend is just around the corner and it’s that special time to make sure we count our blessings from this past week.

I’ll begin.

This week, I’m thankful for –

Spring fever and all the upcoming walks I see in our future

The fact that I packed healthy, delicious lunches all week — today I’ve got a Turkey sandwich with cheese, spinach and french dressing to look forward to! And yummy snacks, of course!

New outfits that make me feel pretty

My desk fan - not only is it a cute candy apple green (thanks, TARGET!) but it keeps me cool while other complain from poor office ventilation

My colleagues and friends at work, who’ve made me realize this week just how much I missed them

Starbucks — and that there’s one in our new office building. Makes compelling argument for mandatory coffee breaks, no?

New challenges and diving in to new projects at work

The upcoming weekend — the Mister and I need some quality family time together. Between early morning meetings, late nights at the office (for him) and overall exhaustion, our evenings together have been almost non-existent these past few days and normally end with one or both of us passed out on the couch with Bean. I can’t wait to re-connect over the weekend and get my best friend back in my life

What about you? What are you thankful for this week? And how are you making sure today is going to be a masterpiece?

I’m in an unusually chipper mood this morning, which is a bit odd since the week has been so long and daunting, but I’ll take it! Maybe it has something to do with the fact that tomorrow is FRIDAY – and a shortened work day, at that! It may also have something to do with the fact that the Mister basically said his only plan for this weekend is to do whatever I want (you are all my witnesses) – too bad I am indecisive and will likely come up with nothing more exciting than dinner and a movie — which, if good food is involved, is totally fine by me (any ideas for a lame pregnant woman?!)

Alright, for those of you who don’t share my vim and vigor this morning, let’s get you all on the right track, shall we? And there’s no better way than to take a few minutes and recall everything we are thankful for this week. I’ll start.

This week, I am thankful for…

• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Our new Keurig – I’m in LOVE with it!
• 4-wheel drive
• That I’m only three weeks away from meeting our little man (If he brews up until the due date)
• Hard work that pays off
• Kiehl’s unscented deluxe hand and body lotion
• 1000 thread count sheets — because if I have to keep waking up all night, at least my sheets are divine
• Bathtubs (a bubble bath is on the agenda for this weekend)
• Discovering leftover holiday Starbucks giftcards
• Starbucks’ decaf offerings (nonfat decaf Misto and pump of sugar free vanilla WITH WHIP, please!)

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What are you thankful for this week?

Because I’m fairly certain that today, I’m going to feel like I’m in the third circle of hell.

And instead of wigging out and letting it get the best of me, I’m going to take a deep breath and QUICKLY take a moment to realize what I’m grateful for this week (then maybe I’ll get one circle away from the inner depths … of hell that is).

So without further delay, this week, I’m thankful for:

Getting to see the Little at my doctor’s appointment yesterday — and getting reassured that all is going well

Productive workdays — despite the business and never-ending to-do, it’s an amazing feeling to leave at the end of the day knowing you made a significant difference.

Quick dinners — Thank you, Progresso — your Chicken Dumpling Soup was just what I needed yesterday

…and grilled cheese sandwiches

Waking up in the morning and being blessed with a good hair day

My upcoming date night with Jenn this weekend – oh, I have missed her so! We are planning to eat delicious food and see the Black Swan (I’m really scared, people. Seriously) 

Stretch mark cream — because even if it doesn’t end up working, it gives me hope

What are YOU thankful for this week? I love hearing your lists!

First of all — keep those tips coming on my post-pregnancy workout plan – I love your suggestions!

Despite the 1 and 1/2 hour drive in this morning, I’m staying positive.

Why? Because tomorrow is Friday and I have so much to be thankful for. Such as…

My crock pot — I have pork tenderloin with spiced peaches currently cooking, I can’t wait to share my recipe with you!

My date planned with the Mister this weekend

That despite my whining, I’ve had a pleasant pregnancy (dare I say that the third trimester has actually been…nice?) and am almost at the finish line

Fresh oranges (Specifically, Cara Cara) — I can’t get enough of them lately

Zulily — Moms, this site is a MUST

John Mayer

Mall walks with my Mama (even if I hobble at a snail’s pace)

Cute sweatpants

Kat Von D — and that she has some of the most excellent eyeliner I’ve ever come across (available at Sephora)

What are YOU thankful for this week? Remember, nothing is too silly or cliche — everything that makes your smile and turns your week around should be accounted for!