A Thoughtful Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about God and thanking him for the gifts of life, love, joy, and especially family. It may be somewhat of an uncommercialized holiday without gifts or glitzy decorations, but the spirit is still there, and Thanksgiving is definitely one of my favorite times of year. This year we are giving thanks for so much - beginning with our handsome son, our health and the happiness we have in our lives.

It has become our tradition to plan a fall photo shoot during the first two weeks of October. We have chosen this time of year because there are colourful leaves on the ground, yet some still remain on the trees as well, making for an undeniably gorgeous canvas. This time last year it was just the two of us, and the air was crisp and cold. Now that baby makes three, our festive photo shoots have a new purpose. What more appropriate holiday to give thanks and cherish the gifts in our lives than Thanksgiving.

Today was a special day. We woke up with anticipation knowing that our fourth annual Autumn photos would have a new beginning; thanks to baby Milan. The weather today was as nice as it had been all summer. Sunny, clear skies and a high of 25...needless to say our little boy experienced a beautiful day surrounded by all of natures wonderful colours.

If someone would have told us at last years photo shoot that we'd be parents to a gorgeous baby boy, we probably would have laughed. Now that we have Milan in our lives, holidays such as Thanksgiving have taken on a whole new meaning. Suddenly it feels as though we will be able to experience the same holidays we've celebrated for many years through new eyes; through Milan. Even though he is too young to know it now, our excitement is growing to be with him during his first snowfall, his first Christmas, Easter and so on. It will be the greatest gift to see the wonder and amazement in his eyes that each holiday holds.

I would like to end by wishing you a warm and happy Thanksgiving spent with those you love and are loved by, and by leaving you with a quote which I find uniquely appropriate for this holiday.

"Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow."

~ Edward Sandford Martin