In honor of my upcoming 33rd birthday, I wanted to create a list of blessings. I always try to give thanks at the end of the day. It reminds me of how much I have and even when I have a bad day I can think about all the good things in my life. This list is not un any particular order; except for Emma who is my number one.
1. My daughter, my life is completely different because of her. I love her too much to even try to explain it in words. I didn't know I could love this much!
2. My sweet husband who has been extremely patient with me. We've had a tough year and he took care of me and Emma with love.
3. My mom who has given me the best gift in the last few years: teaching me how to be a mom. I hope that I can only be as good as her one day. Also, she cooks so well that Emma and I are lucky when she makes us lunch (almost every day).
4. Living close to my parents who have taken care of Emma since I went back to work. Leaving my daughter was one of the hardest things to do and knowing that she is with them makes it easier. She loves her grandparents and they love her.
5. My dad who still spoils me in many different ways. Everyday when I drop Emma off, he gives me fresh fruit to go: oranges and bananas cut in pieces.
6. My sisters and their unconditional friendship and support. I love being the baby in the family. My life would not be the same without them.
7. Having friends who are all over the world. I have visited a few of them and it makes going to a new place even more exciting. I still have several that I want to visit! Wait for us!
8. I'm grateful for the first 18 years of my life in Colombia. I love Colombia so much and I appreciate many things that people take for granted when they grow up in a "1st world" Country.
9. I'm also grateful for the last 14 years in the United States. I have grown a lot. It took many years to adapt to this life. Now, I'm not sure if I belong here or in Colombia. I'm happy living here and it looks like we will stay.
10. For knowing people from so many different backgrounds. It has made me more flexible and open minded. We grow from knowing people different to us.
11. For my friends who are mothers and have given me so much support with the hardest job of all. We are closer because we now share this special "bond".
12. My favorite cousins and our funny group messages. They make me laugh every day. They were my first friends and I love them.
13. For my family vacations in San Andres. I will treasure those memories forever.
14. For Steven and Samuel giving all their baby things to Emma. Thank you Nati and Claudia!! We didn't have to spend a lot when Emma was born thanks to our loved ones generosity.
15. For my sweet nephews and my adopted nephews and nieces from my friends.
16. For all my friends with babies that make Emma's birthday parties more exciting than mine.
17. For Skype and Facebook. It is easy to keep in touch with everyone no matter where we live.
18. For still calling my childhood friends, my best friends. True friendships evolve and grow as we do.
19. For the friends that I've made recently who make my life brighter. Thank you for the good times and your support during the bad times.
20. For music and dancing. I don't get to dance as often as I want but I sign loud in the car every day.
21. For airline miles that allow me to get a free ticket at least once a year. I know it's not actually free but I can live with that lie.
22. For having my leg back even if I can't wear heals for too long. Anything is better than crutches.
23. For Claudia (Emma's baby sitter) for loving my daughter and taking care of her every day.
24. For my iphone aka my camera, pedometer, notepad, phonebook, ipod, Emma's favorite toy... I never get bored.
25. For kindle books. Now I can read everywhere. I only have to figure out what to do with my paper book library. Too much sentimental value with some of those books.
26. For Migdalia, who cleans our house every 2 weeks. Coming home to a clean house makes me happy. For all of you that live in the US knows what this means.
27. For my friends who motivate me to work out. I'm having the hardest time staying on track and I need them. Plus we can catch up before and after working out. This is my happy hour.
28. For living so close to the beach. We don't go as often as I would like. I'm sure that it will change when Emma is old enough to ask us to go. I will spend my birthday weekend at the beach and I couldn't be happier about it.
29. For all the travel memories. I am a better person because of what I have seen from the world. It has proven that stereotypes are wrong.
30. For Lilia, my great-aunt who loved me like a grandmother. I miss her everyday.
31. For the joy that the last world cup brought to Colombians. After 16 years without caring about the world cup, I was consumed by every game. Colombians showed hard work and joy with the team and the dancing celebrations. We might not be the best, but I am proud of my team.
32. For my job because they have been flexible with my recent life changes and they have helped me grow. It's up to me to keep improving. The opportunity is there if I'm willing to put the cotta effort.
33. For having so many blessings that made it easy to create this list fast. I am thankful for my life and for those around me. My only birthday wish is that I get to spend many more years with my family and friends. Happy birthday to me!
