It’s birthday season at the NortAnderson residence. I go first, because I’m the old lady. Eight days later James follows me into old age. And today the Grey turns two. He has started telling me, “I big boy!” and he really is. He chats away to me all the time, has opinions and ideas and a sense of humor. He has the biggest, truest heart and loves fiercely. My life is infinitely better with him in it. I can’t believe my luck and I’m immensely grateful for the chance to spend some time with this sweet little being.

I used to think it was so cheesy when everyone started talking about what they were thankful for during the holiday season. I still feel a bit cynical about it, because I think there’s a tendency to think really superficially about what you are thankful for, maybe post it on Facebook or talk about it before your Thanksgiving feast, but then continue being surly and selfish in your daily life. Which is fine. There’s a place for surliness and selfishness and I think everyone who knows me will agree that I keep a candle burning for them. But I’ve started to explore the effect on my own life of making a habit of gratitude and I can’t deny that it changes things.

So, cheesy or not, I want to acknowledge what I am thankful for. If it’s too sweet, if you’re having trouble getting it down, just remember that ultimately my reasons for doing this are selfish: I want to be happy. I haven’t changed much after all. If you don’t want to read some sappy shit, you can skip the next section.

I’m thankful for my two loves, James and Gulliver, and our life together. Sleeping, eating, bathing, singing, walking, hopping, hugging. James is a thoughtful, loving partner and father. In many ways having a child can complicate a relationship, but I think it has deepened ours. I’m thankful for our beach wanders and our trips to the store with the Grey in the back of the car asking, “Push car cart?” And the park, where people watching is almost as much fun as playing. Almost.

Thankful for my dad, who spends two days a week with the Grey so I can go to work and make progress on my BA. He’s so enamored of the kid that I’m sure he never says no. When the Grey takes his nap, so does my dad. They’re quite the duo. And thankful for my mom, who is the person the Grey adores most on this planet. She cheerfully engages in whatever small game he has in mind for as long as he wants. I’m grateful that the Grey gets to know his grandparents and feel their love.

My brother and sister, who are on the same page with me in a way that no one else will ever be.

My friends, who love me even though I never see them and selfishly talk all about myself when I do.

I’m thankful for my job, for being in school, for the Grey’s child care. For living above the Homer Bookstore. For books. For the Complete Works of Shakespeare, which the Grey sits on to eat at the big table with us. For naps, for coffee, for chocolate. For my glasses and my shoes and my warm winter coat. I’m thankful for the moon, which the Grey greets joyfully whenever he spots it: “Oh, moon! I FIND it!” I’m thankful that, though we are fighting colds and ear infections, my family is healthy, for the most part.

So there you have it. An abbreviated list of things I’m thankful for in my fortunate life. It’s obvious and simplified, but it’s true and that’s as much as I’ve promised anyone.

Now that most people are done publicly giving thanks, are there any thankses you’ve held onto? (Yes, I know thankses is not a word. It is now.)