Spirituality Part 3

Dalen just finished biting Cola's nose and exclaiming, "Got your nose!" Then he poked her eye and explained, "I am just putting her contacts in!" Man, oh, man...will he ever learn?
Little Lady of the house had her check up this week and all seems to be well. Besides some frequent tummy aches and spitting up (which may be a small case of reflux) she is the perfect picture of health. She weighed in almost a whopping 1 pound heavier than her birthday! YAY! I am ready for NB clothes to not be falling off her skinny little body.
And yes, after four years, two babies, lots of weight gain and even looking like this-we are still in love. We celebrated four years of marriage yesterday. With baby in tow and Dalen at school we joined for lunch and every few bites we switched off holding Miss Fussy Pants. Wow, how different life is after four years! Mario brought me a vase full of one of my favorite flowers (tulips) and a matching card.
Tonight is Dalen's night away at Parent's Night Out. I began warming Dalen up to the thought that he would be going to * Baptist tonight and that he would get to play with his friends. Our conversation went a little like this.

me: Dalen, tonight you get to go to * Baptist and play with your friends.

Dalen: where?

me: * Baptist

Dalen: What's Baptist?

me: * Baptist is a church and you are going there tonight to play.

Dalen: But what's Baptist?

me: Baptist is a kind of church and the people that go there are called Baptists.

Dalen: I'm Baptist?

me: Well, we don't go to a Baptist church so I guess not.

Dalen: No, mom. I'm Baptist. Baptist is fun.

me: Ok, well when you are older and know more about being Baptist you can decide if you are Baptist.

Dalen: No, mom. I am Baptist.

me: Well, ok.

Dalen: yea, cause I am fun. Fun Baptist.

So folks, looks like my little pentecostal boy is questioning some theology and is convinced he believes more like a Baptist.

Sweet, Stale and Sour

Tomorrow Mario and I will celebrate 4 years of marriage (hand clap please)! Tonight while leaving Wal-Mart, in the freezing cold, I was praying for lots of sunshine tomorrow, clear blue skies and NO wind. I blinked and it began snowing...literally! Needless to say my faith is a little shot.

This week is my last week sitting out of church and so it's just me and little lady again while Mario and Dalen are off to church. I realized tonight that I am finally getting back in the full swing of normalcy. Although we are still experiencing a lot of transition I am starting to feel like my life feels more and more like MINE. For a few weeks there I was feeling like an alien to my own home and life.

I also realized today that it's time to start losing that baby weight after I had changed clothes three times because I had been puked on. I began praying after the 3rd time, "Lord, please help this baby not to throw up on me again because I only have three pairs of pants that fit me and if she does it again I will be in serious trouble!"

I was rocking with one arm and eating with the other hand tonight when I was COMPLETELY showered with puke and I actually contemplated finishing my meal before changing (don't worry I didn't!) but there is just something about the strength a mother's stomach has. My new perfume scent-sweet, stale,and sour. I am constantly smelling like that sweet baby smell and soured milk and stale poop (and yes, poop does get stale).

I felt pretty successful when I fit my baby bag, about 30 items, my baby and her car seat in one Wal-Mart buggy. I totally forgot that when you bring your baby with you to Wal-Mart you have no space left to actually fill your buggy with what you need. I think this is a great method to eliminate all of those last minute impulse buys I just can't seem to resist at Wal-Mart.

Now please allow me to stop and smell my tulips that my husband just brought me for an early anniversary present :)

Follow The Leader

Going back through my previous posts, I realized I have thought about so much lately but I have strictly been blogging about motherhood. So, here's to all of the readers who like it when bloggers spice things up a little by sharing some thoughts on something different, than the same old stuff.

I've been thinking a lot about leadership lately. What makes a good leader? How do you become a good leader? Can you learn leadership skills or is it something you are born with? I have come to the conclusion that just because you are the "head" doesn't mean you are a "leader".

While I believe there is certain criteria that makes a good leader, I think it's safe to say that if someone is following you, you are a leader. Forget a fancy explanation or an intellectual definition, leaders are individuals who have followers. I'm not so much interested in the title or definition of "leader". I am more so interested in the characteristics of a good leader. I want to be a leader who leads people towards purpose, calling, fulfillment and success. If you study the history of leaders you can find that there have been many "leaders" who have led multitudes to destruction, failure and even to their own death. With that in mind, we must be careful who we follow.

Successful leaders, lead others while following God.

The foundational element to being a good leader is knowing that you will never lead any one to a place worthwhile, if you are leading them somewhere without the direction of God. We must acknowledge John 1:1 and Psalm 119:105 with the realization that God is the only one who can adequately direct us in the way we should go. Leaders who lead others without following God, are leading others in the arms of destruction. These leaders refuse to recognize the influence they have on the direction of their follower's lives. They not only steer their own life irresponsibly but steer the direction of others lives as well.

Successful leaders never make excuses because they are too busy taking responsibility.

There are plenty of people in the world who aren't doing what they said they would do but I can assure you a leader's word will be their action. Leaders will find a way when there is no map and try again when their previous attempt leads to failure. One thing is for certain, a leader is not one to end their failed attempts at success with excuses. They will try over and over until they have succeeded.

I know so many people who attempted something and they weren't pleased with the outcome. When a leader isn't pleased with the outcome they stop and reflect upon what THEY could have done differently or how THEY will approach the situation again until they succeed. This is taking responsibility. Individuals who aren't leaders are too busy making excuses or blaming others for failure. Non-leaders quit after one failed attempt, leaders keep trying until they succeed. Leaders are driven by failure to succeed, non-leaders are driven by failure to quit.

A few months ago I was so angered and frustrated by our local newspaper. Our young adult ministry had a huge event coming up and after many calls to the local paper I was transferred to the same woman who was over printing church ads. This lady was never in her office-EVER! In fact, I called for 11 straight business days until FINALLY she responded to my messages and e-mails. I had many people tell me you did what you could, she is a bad employee, and so on. I knew that my failed attempts were only a reflection of me if I quit but if I kept trying they were a bad reflection of her work ethic. So, I kept trying and FINALLY I succeeded. The event was printed in the paper!

This is what leaders do. They find a way. They take on the responsibility of a task and don't quit until its complete.

Successful leaders only communicate what they have prepared and only prepare what God has communicated.

For all who attend church reading this, how many of you know a few pastors who need this passed on to them? There is nothing more frustrating than a pastor or communicator of any kind for that matter who rambles on and on about absolutely nothing! UGH! The only thing rambling reveals is how unprepared you are. If you haven't prepared, don't communicate! There are plenty of other people who will take the opportunity to communicate to God's people in a responsible manner. If you haven't prepared the most irresponsible thing to do is try to communicate anyway.

Why is it that so many leaders (esp. pastors) think they HAVE to speak every week? Responsible leaders and pastors have developed enough humility to disown their pulpits and podiums because they have realized that the pulpit and podium they stand behind isn't theirs at all-it's God's. If we could realize we are guest speakers for God we would be a lot more apt to allow others the opportunity to communicate when we haven't prepared.

Catch Up

I am feeling more and more mobile everyday. Until I catch a glimpse of my quick healing c-section scar somedays I forget I had one. I can barely see it most of the time because my massive stomach is sagging over it...ugh. That's a work in progress.

Since we have been home most of the time I have realized I am so behind on the world. I visited my first young adult service on Thursday, with both kids in tow. Except for one minor setback of Dalen getting lose and running on stage to the drums, we did great and Mario spoke one amazing message. I was stunned at how many new faces were there and how many names I now have to learn. I just saw the Valentine's Day movie yesterday-yeah, I think I re-named it Post-Valentine's Day movie. It was cute. Now if I could just sneak away again to see Dear John! Am I behind on Music too?? What or who the heck is Lady Antebellum?? I need to catch up on them too. My car battery had to be replaced and my cd player quit working and so did my radio. I am about to go nuts! No radio, no cds-just Dalen singing at the top of his lungs in the back or screaming to hear John Mayer.

Our life now consists of two visits to the chiropractor a week and at least one other trip to a doctor for a check-up for at least one of us. Just when I thought I had a loooong while to be back at the pediatricians I have another baby who is starting all over again with vaccines. Now, I really do not like that whole process. We had three visitors yesterday, all of which I had to explain that Cola was clean and that the oily film on her was compliments of Dalen who found Mario's Blistex and slathered her face and hair with it. Dalen pulled a new one on us yesterday and pooped in his bedroom floor. Yeah, you read correctly-and then proceeded to clean it up on his own so we wouldn't know. Mario caught him though. I can promise you one thing, if that becomes a habit of his I am giving up on potty training and buying a litter box.

I am sure you are all getting tired of my maternal posts that consist of nothing besides kid stories and the ups and downs of parenting so in the next few days (when I catch a quiet time) I will try and post about leadership, something I have thought a lot about lately.

Life Modified

Life is so different with one more person added to the Hood home. I think I siked myself out before she was born just to mentally prepare myself for all of the changes that would come. I must say I have been patting myself on the back for juggling everything with a mental balance and I shed less tears everyday.

For about a week now I have been experiencing severe pain in my neck. I have been in so much pain I could barely move my head to either side without a pulsating throb of pressure and pain at the left base of my neck and it would hurt all the way down into my left shoulder. I wasn't sure if I slept wrong or too tense but I knew one thing, the pain was worsening and there were no signs of it improving. So, I made an appointment with the chiropractor this morning. I jumped out of bed just in time to pump enough milk for the baby, hug Dalen goodbye and make it to the office on time.

Come to find out, I have a severe case of scoliosis, along with signs of arthritis settling in. In fact, he told me my back had two very severe curvatures that were causing the bones to close up where they curved and smash the nerves that are in between them, and that's what's causing the pain. Obviously I am in no shape for pain meds. Who can be on pain meds with two kids? NOT ME! I am barely functioning in my right mind! So, I was sent home with a neck brace and a device called a Tens 3000 which offers a "drugless and non-invasive way of controlling pain" (doesn't that sound pretty!). It does this by sending tiny electrical impulses through the skin to modify your pain perception.

I have been blessed by a baby who is sleeping pretty good but the neck pain has kept me awake. I was ordered back to the doctor tomorrow for "adjustments" and he hopes with consistent adjustments the curvatures will begin to straighten. *Sigh* This too shall pass. I find myself talking to myself a whole lot lately. I am constantly convincing myself out loud that "Dalen will adjust" or "You will be somewhat skinny again" or "Sleep in overrated". You should try it, it actually helps more than you think it would! My life has been titled "Life Modified" for now. Lots of changes, yes but in the end changes that will improve our life not set us back.

Superwoman

The last two days I have been humming Alicia Keys' Superwoman-because I think I am and feel like I am. I have endured Dalen's horrible transition tantrums and sleepless nights for 10 days now! I can't believe Little Lady is 10 days old! I have also powered through this horribly cold and dreary weather with a slight touch of baby blues. Nothing that great visiting friends don't cure. Don't you just love friends who visit and they know when to leave, what not to ask, exactly when to step in and occupy your toddler and tell lots of funnies while they are present? I am learning I have A LOT of those kinds of friends and I am so grateful!

Since midnight last night I have changed 7 dirty diapers/pull ups. Someone please, intercede for Dalen and his regression in the potty training department. And when I say dirty I mean DIRTY. I went to my one week check up at my doctor's office yesterday and realized I was humming the appropriate tune when my doctor herself called me Superwoman! My incision is healing perfectly, I drove myself to the doctor, I carried the baby in her carrier into the office and I haven't taken any pain meds (besides Motrin) since I left the hospital. I was elated that my stitches were removed and there was no sign of infection. I have dropped nearly 20 pounds since delivering-now I just have about 40 more to go. YIKES! I can do it though! Especially with Spring just around the corner I am hoping to be motivated to get out and about and walk and play with the kids outside.

Mario has assured me at least once everyday that he is done, done with kids. He is "perfectly content with two". We'll see! I have to say again-he is an amazing dad. He changes diapers, bathes the kids, gives me breaks and has been a trooper enduring Dalen's behavior. Lady is sleeping and Dalen is singing John Mayer at the top of his lungs in his room and the sun is actually shining. Nothing like the Hood home lately.

I've Seen Brighter Days

For all of you people into "planning" babies, take my advice-do NOT ever plan a baby that will be born in the winter. Although I am very fortunate to not have horrible baby blues the little bit I have experienced aren't not helped by the cold, dark, dreary days we have been experiencing. I am just glad we aren't iced or snowed in and that I can at least go on a short drive everyday. In fact, Dalen and I just got home from wasting about a quarter of a tank of gas from just driving. He told me where to turn and I did. Every time I even came close to our house he began to scream and cry and insist we not go home.

For all of you wondering I did make it to Dalen's Valentine's Day party at school. I was so glad I got to go and he had a great time. He didn't have a hard time with me leaving like I thought he would. Here are a few pictures I took while I was there. My only regret is that I didn't get one of us two.

I love Cheetos!

Every chair had each child's name on them.

The kids ate this...at 9 a.m.. All I can say is that I am glad the teachers had them the rest of the day! One mom send the cute ham sandwiches with a cheese heart on top. We brought the store bought cookies that say love. Yeah they pretty much looked like fleas on a stray dog's back after seeing all of the wonderful hand-made Valentine's cards and baked goods. Oh well, we are just glad we remembered to send something.

I love this picture. Trust me looks can be deceiving. Dalen is still learning the appropriate places to touch baby and how hard he can touch her and all the little details. I am surprised she isn't already on baby nerve pills. Dalen loves to peek over her throw his arms up and shout like a growling monster. He also loves to shout scat-a-rat and poke her nose when she sneezes. I had NOOOO idea Dalen would have such a hard time with her coming. I knew it would be an adjustment but I didn't know he would act out like he has. Needless to say I have been doing a LOT of praying (and crying).

I started to do my special blog and keep track of all that goes on around here but my gosh, it was just too much to handle! Maybe sometime soon when I have adjusted a little more.

A Good Night

The thought came to me last night that a good night always makes for a better day. For all of my readers who have been praying for our little family-it worked! Dalen only woke up once crying and Cola only woke up to eat every 3 1/2 hours! YAY! I honestly feel as though I have slept for ages. Mario gave up his side of the bed and endured the couch for the night so that he could tend to Dalen and I could tend to the baby.

This morning we are all doing great and feeling good. In a little bit I think we are going to the gym so I can walk and Dalen can play ball with daddy. Today I think-if I can remember with everything going on!-I am going to work on a special blog that documents every event of our day. How eye opening it will be to see it all down on paper and what a wonderful thing to be able to look back on.

I forgot to tell a special detail about Cola's arrival. My whole family guessed her weight and the one closest to her exact weight won the grand prize of being able to hold her first, after Mario and me. The 1st picture posted is of my mom-she guessed the baby's weight right on the nose.

Yesterday morning Mario took the baby while I used the bathroom and put my contacts in. It wasn't long before Dalen barged in and announced, "Baby, sister is tying (crying)!" I told him to tell Daddy I would be right there. He threw his hands in the air, widened his eyes and said, "She's hun-dee (hungry)! Now, go let her eat your boob!" I am so surprised that the breastfeeding scene hasn't increased his curiosity and obsession with boobs but it hasn't.

Last night Dalen was scopped up by the Madden's and taken to McDonalds. He has a blast playing with Charis. Mario started to get geared up for the Superbowl by watching all of the pre-game stuff. He looked over at me and said, "Aw man, we should have had a Superbowl Party." I looked at him like he had lost his mind. You can tell who the extrovert is in our relationship!

High Demand

I can't believe I forgot all of the little details of having a newborn. I guess you try to embrace the beautiful and forget the ugly. Last night was the absolute worst night of my life. I realized that I am in high demand. Dalen wants mommy, Cola needs mommy. I am trying so hard to do everything and of course, that is just not possible especially when you have a healing incision.

Yesterday was the first day we were together all day and night. There were times yesterday when 3/4 of our family were crying all at once and no I am not talking about Mario. ha! Things were looking amazing yesterday when Cola stayed awake for like four straight hours. We thought this surely meant she would sleep a good part of the night, oh how we were wrong! We were so very wrong. We were up every 30 minutes at least once until 4:30 am. Ladies, who don't have supportive husbands I don't know how you do it. I honestly don't and I pity you like crazy!

The worst part of the night was when Dalen woke up at 12:30 am screaming for me. He did this again twice later too. I tried to get in there as fast as I could before everyone else woke up. Too late. I stood over his crib rubbing his back and wiping his tears. He is having an awful time adjusting. Mario told me he would trade places with me but Dalen only wanted me. I stood so long that finally I decided to just plop down in the floor-the HARDwood floor. HUGE mistake. I don't know how long I sat there with my right hand smashed into Dalen's crib bars (so that he could hold it) but I do know when I woke up, I had a string of drool hanging from my mouth to my left knee, which also supported my left elbow and my left elbow propped my head. My forehead was leaned into the wooden crib bars and I had two bright red lines running down it.

I was beautiful, let me assure you-JUST BEAUTIFUL! That was the least of my worries. I began to look around that dark and cluttered room and realized I was stuck. There was absolutely no way I could get up without help. My medicine had definitely worn off at this point and the only thing I could think of was to grab hold of Dalen's crib and pull myself up but I knew it would hurt so bad and I was instructed not to pull or strain and I would probably wake him. If I called for Mario then not only would one of us be awake we would all four be awake. So I sat there. I sat and sat and sat. I cried and prayed and eventually got on all fours and somehow (it's really all still a blur) got up to a standing position. The last time I closed my eyes was at 4:30 am and I didn't wake up until 9. That was amazing.

I felt horribly guilty when I learned that Mario had to get up with Dalen at 6:30 am and when I walked throughout our house it was spotless. The living room had been picked up, clothes in the wash, refrigerator cleaned out and kitchen organized. I do have an amazing husband. Of course, with two babies and us the house is back a wreck but I guess that is the way it goes. Those post pregnancy emotions have settled in and the rainy dark weather hasn't helped but it's just another part that you endure until it's over. We have had great friends and a wonderful church and family that have brought us food. Am I seriously going to lose any weight? Haha! Everything has been great in that area.

Pray for little Dalen. I have been at a loss how to deal with him but I guess it's the effort that counts. Also, pray for Cola she has been spitting up an awful lot and seems to have bad stomach aches. I'm not sure if it's something with my breastmilk or if she is just getting used to eating. Also, pray I can go to Dalen's Valentine's Day party at school. And help me thank God for such an awesome husband who is as hands on as they come.

Newborn Baby Bootcamp

Even though Dalen in only 2 1/2 I TOTALLY forgot how challenging having a newborn is. It all hit me last night when literally every 5 minutes for an hour straight we were woken up by groans and grunts from an uncomfortable Cola. I don't think she cried one time in the night but her restless movements and groaning let me know she wanted a different position or to eat. This little lady is gonna be a passy sucker and I am not a big fan of those things at all but if it keeps her content for the time being and gets us some rest I guess that's what's important.

I'm not sure how but this morning we found her purple bow from the hospital still fully in tact. I would have thought with all of her wiggling it would have been ruined in the night.
This should give you a clearer picture of how tiny this little one is. This is a newborn passy and it takes up half of her face. I hate how in pictures you can't tell just how tiny your baby is. I guess that's why for so long people keep telling us to savor it while we can.
I went through my bootcamp initiation yesterday when all four of us were under the same roof for the first time with no help. We wanted Dalen to come home for a little bit and for about ten minutes both of them screamed at the top of their lungs. We aren't sure what Dalen was crying about but we do know this transition hasn't been easy for him. I spent my time awake last night praying over and over for guidance. He spent the night with his Aunt Mel and has called twice in good spirits.

Something came to me late last night while I thought about him. Kids are way more acceptable of what they CAN do instead of what they CANNOT do. So I think when he comes home today and does his routine poking and prodding on the baby I may suggest something he CAN do instead of harping on the fact that he is NOT to do that. Call me crazy but I am going to try my absolute best to attend his school Valentine's Day party on Tuesday. I know small things like that will help him feel special and like he's important.

My incision has been feeling pretty good. I won't lie there are times where I stand up or move a certain way where I have a painful burning sensation that literally makes me feel nauseous it hurts so bad but other than those times I am handling the pain quite well. This pregnancy is a little different considering I will be wearing maternity clothes for a while. Right after having Dalen I was back in my normal stuff but not with this one. I have a lot to lose and my doctor has already warned me it takes longer with a c-section to lose it just because you usually experience swelling AFTER the c-section and gas and fluid takes longer to leave your stomach. What?! AH! I thought that's what happened DURING pregnancy, not after! Oh, well. Time will tell.

Little Lady

At 8:07 am on Wednesday, the earth stood still as I laid eyes on my "Little Lady" for the first time. I can not complain about my c-section or anything. God allowed me to have a calming peace-only a few tearful moments beforehand-and the c-section went smoothly.

I would MUCH rather have a vaginal delivery and be totally surprised by a baby's arrival. I was taken to the operating room at about 7:30 am and was in the company of GREAT nurses and who I consider to be one of most amazing doctors on the planet. Just before they began cutting they stuck me all over my abdomen to make sure I was good and numb. I assured them my lower abdomen was completely numb but right under my rib cage needed more time. The lady making sure I was numb tilted my bed a little back so that the medicine could run higher. It seemed almost instantly that I began gasping for breath, although I was breathing fine. I felt as though I was smothering and expressed this in a panicked way (no I didn't cuss but I tell ya-I was surely close!). Because the medicine makes you lose feeling and control of your muscles it feels as though you aren't breathing-you are. They fixed the problem very quickly by tilting my bed down so that the medicine could run back down my body. After that I began throwing up horribly. Those are the only two things I can really say were not fun to deal with.

A great team of nurses and doctors were right there fixing everything. My husband wasn't allowed in the room with me for the spinal, throw-up episode or smothering feeling. I hated that but the wonderful nurses were very comforting. I felt as though she was pulled out in no time and I only waited a second to hear that beautiful cry. For all of you moms, I know you can agree that is the only time you will ever pray your baby will scream it's little lungs out and buddy she did! She screamed and screamed and screamed. The baby was 6 pounds and 3 ounces, 19 1/2 inches long and a beautiful copycat image of Dalen.

When Mario brought her to me I looked over began to cry and laugh and all that would come out was, "Hey, little lady! Hey, little lady." And she is, little and a lady. I'm not sure but I think the nickname will stick.

Dalen has done exceptionally well. He was very timid the morning I delivered and wouldn't really come near me in my hospital bed. I think he was very nervous but after his cousin Livi arrived I am told he livened up just fine. He loves to pinch the baby's cheeks and poke her eyes. He is learning and I am praying for patience. Because Cola cried so much after being delivered, he looked at my family and asked, "Where's my sister's mommy?" My family explained, "Her mommy is your mommy." My sister told me he said, "No, she not toming (coming) home with us." Tomorrow he will learn differently. I think the next few weeks and months we will all be learning a lot.
Here is the first picture of me and Mario with her. We both wore yellow and all of you girly girls will be so proud that I made a special trip to the nursery to ask for a yellow bow to match her outfit. I am learning it's not that I don't like bows, I just don't like the MASSIVE ones.

A close up of her yellow bow.

Mommy and baby about 15 minutes after she was born!

Spitting Image

This is Dalen as a newborn.

This is our newest addition, Cola Leese.

They are identical! Look at those noses! Details to come soon about the arrival of our baby girl. All four of us are doing wonderful!

Goodbye and Hello

In twelve hours I will be saying goodbye to my big belly, pregnancy hormones, frequent urge to pee and cravings. Well, I'm not sure about the craving part. I picked up Dalen from school to see him for the last time before I sent him to my parents. He got a good report and I thought I would reward him with a prize from the Dollar Tree.

We pulled up and guess who we saw?! Cousin Livi and Aunt Mary! Dalen became soooo excited. I stocked up on a new bottle of bubble bath, new crayons and a new coloring book for Dalen to take to my parents. He rode around with Livi and they looked at toys and laughed and played. Actually, I think Dalen asked for everything in sight!
I also let Dalen pick out a bouquet of flowers for his new sister. He chose the purple ones my sister is pointing to. He will bring those to the hospital when he sees her. So, I will not lie-my emotions got the best of me when dropping Dalen off to my parents. Although, he loves being with them and I know he will be well taken care of, I think being apart from him is going to be the hardest part. I know there will be weeks that go by before I can pick him up again or give him a bath (don't worry someone will do it, ha) and other things like that. I will miss him and I am praying over and over this transition will be fun and exciting for him.

I mentioned I will be saying goodbye to a lot but I will be saying a big HELLO as well! I am so thrilled that I have been entrusted with another baby. I can't wait to hold her and see her and learn what she is like. I am still convinced she will be calm, always know what she wants, like to be at home, and I don't think she will talk alot but when she does I think it will be worth listening to. Listen to me! You would think I have met her a million times. I think you just get a sense of your children even as early as the womb. One thing is for sure, I will love her no matter who she is.

Your prayers in the next few days will be so appreciated! Whisper special ones for Dalen!

Dalen oh Dalen

In your prayers today, please pray for Dalen. I have a funny feeling he may be a little more aware of what's going to happen tomorrow than we thought he was. Last night I switched my clothes to another suitcase for the hospital. Here's how our conversation went...

Dalen: Where we doing (going) Mommy?

Me: Well, I have to go to the hospital Wednesday to have the baby. You get to go spend the night with Papa!

Dalen: No, I go to the hospital too.

Me: No, buddy. Not this time.

Dalen: Oh.

He walks out and comes back with clothes and puts them in my suitcase. Poor thing is a determined little one, huh?!

We had an interesting conversation today too.

Dalen: I go to the hospital with you Mommy.

Me: No buddy. You are going to school today and then spending the night with Papa.

Dalen: No, May-den (Megan)! I doing (going) to the hospital with you to have MY baby.

Me: Oh, you are having a baby too?

Dalen: Yep, with you Mommy at the hospital.

Me: No, Dalen you will be with Papa and Mom Mom.

Dalen: (silent for a moment) Mommy, I'm not feeling dood (good).

Me: Really? What's wrong?

Dalen: Not feeling dood (good). Need to go to the hospital.

Me: Oh really? Ok. Maybe later.

Dalen: No tomorrow!

Lol! Bless his heart, he doesn't want to be left out of anything! I can tell you one thing he WASN'T left out of....OUR BED-last night! Ever since we moved the baby's playpen into our room he has not been sleeping well at all. He cries so long and hard for us to come get him. So, his softie Dad caved and let him in our bed. I woke up hooked. Literally, hooked. Like you hook a fish. His pointer finger was the hook and it was inside my cheek, his elbow in my eye. Ugh, needless to say pregnant woman landed her big booty on the couch again. I have learned though, when sleep fails-WATCH COSBY! It's on like all night! I love that show!

My mind has had a few more "moments". I set a reminder in my phone to remind myself that Dear John comes out on the 5th. Two days after I deliver a baby. Uh, yeah-I don't think that will be a pleasant reminder. Ha, I will have to catch that one on DVD.

Pedicures From My Prince

This morning this was my prayer: Thank you, Jesus for letting me sleep until 9 a.m. and only having two more days until I deliver my next baby! AMEN!

The picture above was just taken. Dalen enjoys playing with paintbrushes and imagines he is actually painting things. This morning he pretended to paint my toenails (which are bright red-bold move for me). He would rub the paintbrush all over my toenails and then gasp and say, "Oh, they're red!" Haha! Then of course he began to paint his tongue...after painting my toenails...appetizing I know.

I am currently enjoying Miss America on Regis & Kelly (love this girl!) and I looked over to find Dalen with parts of his drums (that he has destroyed) on his head waving in the window. Oh yes, Mr. America he is. Please enjoy the video below of Dalen and his friend Charis dancing the night away as they listened to the Grammy's. Man those two have some energy!

And of course I have to acknowledge Abby for allowing us to destroy her house yet again and for letting the kiddos play on her iPhone. Today I am wondering how we will spend our last day with Dalen. Tomorrow he will be at school all day and then spend the night with my parents and then Wednesday....we will be a family of four! I have butterflies just a flying in my belly thinking about it! I can NOT wait to see her pretty little face.

I think I am on a blogging overload because I am a little fearful of not having enough time to blog daily. I just love blogging but I will at least try to not fall too far behind!