Puppy Love

As I look back on this week, I'm particularly grateful for my little pup. I swear dogs can tell when their humans are sick or stressed or in need somehow, and I think mine can sense I'm pregnant. She's been extra cuddly lately and curls up by my stomach at night. Even though she's only eight pounds, she's protecting me pretty nicely.

Happy weekend!

Grateful

Since I found out I'm pregnant, I've been a storm of emotions. I'm totally excited and then completely overwhelmed. So as this week wraps up, I'm especially thankful for:

* My friends who have been nothing but happy and supportive, and especially my friend Kelly who left me the most perfect message right when I needed it.

* My mom and sister who have offered advice, love, a sense of humor, non-judgmental ears and a fun shopping trip for dresses and tops to accommodate a growing belly.

* My month-old nephew for helping me keep in mind what I have to look forward to at the end of nine months. He's the best, most adorable perspective!

* Cute onesies to remind me of the little bug who'll be wearing things like this.

Have a great weekend!

Photos from here, here, here and here. 

Chirp

Today I am grateful for the simple joy of hearing birds outside. The weather may have turned cold again but the birds are chirping away, and it's a beautiful reminder that spring really isn't too far off.

Birds are also one of my favorite jewelry motifs. Here are a few Etsy pieces I'm loving:

Photos from here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. 

Reach Out

Today I am grateful for all the connections this week has brought. I had a wonderfully long chat with a friend who's living far away, and last night I went out with a great friend who lives close by. We had a blast, laughing so hard tears streamed down our cheeks. And it's truly been a blessing getting to spend time with my mom, sister and her new baby this week; it's a beautiful point in our lives that I will never forget. As we move into the weekend, I'm hoping to simply be with my husband and pup. And maybe I'll give some other friends a ring, too.

Here's wishing everyone a weekend full of connections!

Photo (of me as a child) by my parents.

Gratitude

As a very full, unusual and wonderful week comes to a close, I have so much to be grateful for. Here are a few things:

* I'm an aunt! And I'll get to spend some time with my new nephew this weekend -- and his beaming mom and dad, too, of course.

* I've rediscovered how good it feels to move my body. I've been running and strength training and stretching more and I don't want to stop.

* Although I'm mentally and physically tired from a busy work week, it's so nice to have a job that challenges me and lets me be creative.

* Birds are chirping outside in the morning. Spring can't be too far away!

* My husband and I have a weekend ahead of us with no plans.

* The fact that as my family grows and life changes, my little pup will always be my first baby.

Have a great weekend!

Photo by me.

A Moving Experience

Today, I am grateful for inspiration and the many places it can be found. Recently, I had the chance to see a Parsons Dance performance. During the show, I was completely mesmerized by the athletic and expressive dancers, the music, the imagery on a large backdrop screen -- and the way all three worked so beautifully together. I've long been a fan of dance, but this performance moved me in a new way and left me incredibly inspired. If I have an opportunity to see them again, I'll do it in a heartbeat.

Here's wishing everyone a weekend full of inspiration!

Photo from here.

Girl Time

Today, I am grateful for the small but delightful fact that the E! network has been playing reruns of Sex and the City. I'd forgotten how great that show is, especially the older episodes. Watching Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha navigate love, sex, relationships, friendships and life in New York City feels like reconnecting with old friends! It's making me think about all the adventures I've had with my girls.

Reset

It's a sleepy installment of Weekly Gratitude! The past two weeks have been quite hectic at work, but I'm glad to say a big project is done and now I'm enjoying a few days out of town. The extra stress recently has given me a new appreciation for a few things:

* The utterly restorative abilities of a hot bath after a cold, challenging day

* The quiet, check-back-in-with-yourself opportunity of time spent alone

* A fluffy hotel bed with mounds of pillows that encourages rest

* The bliss of curling up with a thick new magazine

* The fun of getting away coupled with a desire to come back home to the ones I love most

Photo by me (and my iPhone).

Time to Shine

It's a sparkly dose of Weekly Gratitude this week! With this weekend comes a ball that's held in my city every winter. My husband and I are going with a group of my friends from work, and I can't wait! I love getting all dolled up and seeing my husband looking debonaire in a dark suit.

Although I always love dressing up for this event, I kept myself to a pretty limited budget this year. I decided to go with a short, colorful, one-shoulder dress that I nabbed after the holidays at J.C. Penney, a new pair of sparkly heels from DSW and black accessories I already had. Here's a look:

Wishing a happy, glam weekend to all!

Thankful Thursday

Today, I am thankful for the simple idea of pausing to feel gratitude. It's something I've been trying to be more conscious of in my life. It's not always easy, but at any given moment there are more things than I can even think to mention that are making me happy, safe, fulfilled, challenged, inspired and loved. And today, I'm thankful to be part of Weekly Gratitude, a project started by Tatiana, the lovely blogger at Love, Life, Lace. It's a fantastic concept: Take time each week and reflect on the things that are making you feel grateful. I'm in!

Photo from here.