Having a kid changes everything. Yes, I know it's cliche, but it's so true.

I haven't slept all the way through the night, other than the weekend I was in a friend's wedding and Alexis stayed with her grandparents, since before she was born (I wasn't sleeping through the night at the end of my pregnancy). Even if she doesn't wake up, I do because she makes a noise or has rolled into a corner. I also haven't slept until my alarm goes off, but I still set it every night because I know the one night I don't, she'll sleep in.

I don't get to see my baby nearly enough during the week - just a few hours a day; but the ladies at her daycare sure do love my little girl and that makes it a little easier, as does the fact that her daddy gets to spend more time with her because of his schedule.

I think about things differently now that I'm a mom. It sounds silly, but I've never really thought much about severe weather ... until last week when there were tornadoes around and Alexis was at daycare and I was at work.

Watching Alexis grow is the coolest thing. I swear she gets a little bigger every day! And she's starting to develop a personality of her own. She may only be 7-and-a-half months but I can already tell she's going to be stubborn! She likes to play, reaches for anything and everything, and is so close to crawling it could be any day now! She's not talking yet, but we think we heard a "mama" this week. She likes funny faces and sounds, both making them and seeing/hearing them. Her laugh is just about the cutest thing ever!

Experiencing all of her firsts has been amazing, from her first ride in a grocery store buggy to trying all her first foods (so far the only thing she's turned down is "hawaiin delight" baby food).

About the only not-fun experiences we've had have been the illnesses. It's amazing how she can go from fine to sick so quickly!

Becoming a mommy is definitely an adventure, a fun, scary, learn-as-you-go adventure. I never would have guessed that this little cutie would make our lives so much more complete!

In three days I will be one year closer to 30. That's right. On Thanksgiving, I will begin the last year of my 20s.

I've accomplished a lot during my 29 years of being alive, and while the past month or so hasn't been the best time of my life, I really do have a lot to be thankful for. So as I wind down year 28, I'd like to reflect on those things, hence the following list of 28 things I'm thankful for.

1. My wonderful husband, without who I probably would have gone crazy over the past five years.

2. My beautiful baby girl who brings joy to every day, no matter how terrible of a day it was.

3. My parents. Growing up we didn't always have the newest or most-expensive things but when it came to love and involvement, we truly were spoiled. Now that I'm older and a mom, I'm truly grateful that I had such great examples to emulate.

4. My three best friends. You know you share a special bond when you can see each other once a year but it feels like you were just together yesterday.

5. Growing up in a small town. There's something to be said for knowing your neighbors.

6. Being able to lose myself in a good story.

7. Having a job. I may not like it every day, but I know I'm incredibly lucky to be able to do something I enjoy for a living.

8. Mountain Dew.

9. Situations that show people for who they really are, even when you don't like what you see.

10. All of my followers - here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

11. Naps.

12. Bubble baths.

13. Living close enough to my family that I can see them whenever I want.

14. Cell phones. As aggravating as they can be, I am thankful for the ability to stay connected.

15. Music.

16. Date nights, even when we don't do anything at all.

17. DVR. Otherwise I would never get to watch my favorite shows.

18. Sleep!

19. My coworkers. I may not relate to them all the time (age difference) but they keep me laughing most days.

20. The production crew at the station. None of my "visions" would come to fruition and look the way I imagine them.

21.Our pediatrician. He is so good with Alexis and patient with us new parents.

22. Sunshine.

23. My Jackson pup.

24. Warm, fuzzy blankets.

25. Orajel, especially the night-time formula.

26. Criminal Minds marathons on ion television; Supernatural marathons on TNT; and The Big Bang Theory marathons on TBS.

27. Crock pots.

28. Another birthday.