Make a List Monday

I am participating in my first Make a List Monday, courtesy of Robyn. This week’s edition of Make a List Monday will focus on things you are most grateful for.
                                                     

1.  Having a healthy daughter. I had a difficult labor (aren't they all) and my daughter suffered nerve damage to her shoulder while they were trying to pull her out. She was completely unable to move her left arm. I am very thankful that this healed after a few months and she has no sign of that disability.
2. My husband. We have been together for almost 9 years (married almost 4) and he is the best husband and father to our child I could have ever asked for. 
3. Having a job. I was laid off from my job of 6 years just one day before I had my daughter. I was able to stay home 10 months with her, but I suffered from some pretty bad PPD because I was embarrassed of my situation (a whole 'nother post.) My new job is not ideal and quite a pay cut, but I am thankful for it.
4. My husband having a job. The day we came home from the hospital my husband had received a lay off notice in the mail. He is a firefighter in the city we live in and we knew that it may be coming, but we were hoping that he would be safe. It was a horrible moment to have both of us facing unemployment with a newborn and no insurance. Thankfully, the decision to lay off the firefighters was overturned and he kept his job.
5. My mother. I have posted before about my mother having issues physically and mentally. She has come a very long way in the past year. She cares for my daughter during the day at our home and I was very nervous in the beginning. My husband would even make surprise visits just to make sure all was well. I am very thankful that my daughter is being cared for by someone who loves her. Also, my mother's health is to be improving drastically.
6. The struggle of those before me. I am thankful for the freedoms I have today. I never want to take for granted what I can do and have today that those before me had to fight for because of their race, sex, or religion.
7. My friends. While we don't always see eye to eye, I am glad that they have my back.
8. Medical advancements. Man I am so glad that someone came up with the Lap-Band. I can't wait to be banded and I am so glad that this is even an option for those struggling with weight.
9. Birth Control.  I really really like nookie and I don't want to worry about having a baby every time I get busy with my husband. I believe it should be covered by insurance and Rush can suck it!
10. Blogging. I am thankful to have a community to listen to my struggle without thinking I am so whiney and or ungrateful. I am not perfect,  and I have things I need to get off my chest. So, thank you all for listening.

Thank you for reading
xoxoxoxo