300 Days of Sunshine

Life is beautiful and there really is so much for which to be grateful.  Though my family is far away, I have the means to visit them and the technology to communicate with them.  My friends and my work team bring me joy every day.  Working as a physical therapist gives me the opportunity not just to help people, but to help people help themselves, and to give them hope for a future after an injury or illness.  My husband is my rock, an amazing father who has seemingly unlimited patience and compassion and who exemplifies a balanced life.  My smart and adventurous two-year-old makes me appreciate the beauty in the world and experience awe and wonder of the little things; everything is new and exciting to her toddler self, and she is present in every moment.  I'm thankful for my home, for our space.  While it doesn't always look as fancy as our friends' homes, it's well-loved and it's ours.  And it's hard to not be happy living in a place wher...

And just like that, we have a two-year-old!  Ady is exploring her world, talking up a storm, gaining independence, learning new skills by the minute, and testing her boundaries.  As toys and books began to take over every room in the house, we decided it was time for Ady to have a playroom of her own.  We have a four bedroom house, so building a playroom entailed combining the guest bedroom and the office (which was no small feat in a house with minimal storage space).  To have Ady's playroom ready in time for her birthday, I decided to tackle this project in a 10-day span right after returning from a weeklong vacation (while working full time and planning a work conference simultaneously)...I may have overcommitted myself a bit that week, but I am always someone who works best with a deadline and a goal in mind, and the playroom was done in time for Ady's birthday!   Painting in progress My assistant builder I spent a few hours each night...