a grateful heart

sometimes life throws us curve balls and difficult times and it’s just plain hard. i always told myself that if i was ever able to conceive and carry a child, i would not complain- as it was my number one wish in life {along with falling in love}. however, i also want to be honest with you all. thursday evening i stepped out of my car after work to excruciating pain in my right foot and vivid memories from the past stopped me in my tracks. i had gout in february of 2014 and the pain was exactly the same- an indescribable pain. unfortunately, pregnancy hormones can trigger this horrible condition. with the help of my loving co-workers, i made it through friday teaching middle school and tried my very best over the weekend to be productive/take our maternity photos yesterday, but it has been so hard. i was so excited to be pain-free after dealing with my back/nerves and then this hit unexpectedly. there have been very few tears throughout this pregnancy, but friday/this past weekend really tried me. i really want to enjoy this christmas season; i want to decorate, celebrate and spend time with loved ones, finish preparing for baby boy {truly hoping he waits until january! but we will welcome him with open arms whenever he decides to come into this world} and just want to take it all in. being able to walk/move normally -without intense pain- is what i yearn for most at the moment, but am trying to stay positive and do the best i can. {remembering that we are both healthy- and our family and friends are healthy- and that’s what matters most.} my heart is most grateful for this. in addition, i am so thankful for so many people who have helped me overcome this crazy situation. i am thankful for their love. in the end, i just want baby to be healthy. any prayers would be very much appreciated! ♥ hopefully this passes soon. 

here are a few weekend snapshots: 

 what is your heart grateful for this week?