On birthdays and anniversaries, I think it's a great time to think back. Today, I am thinking back to the day I found out I was pregnant with Cale.
A few nights before Eric and I had a lengthy conversation on deciding whether we thought our family was complete with the two of us and Zach. We determined that the three of us would be just fine. Fast forward a few days, while Eric was out getting subs, I was thinking, it's unusual I am a little late, oh what the heck I will take a test- I think I have taken at least 100 (maybe a little less) and they are always negative, so I was confident it would be also, and besides a very fine Doctor gave us a less than 5% chance of having a baby together. HOLY CRAP- it was positive. I still get goose bumps thinking about it. I wait for Eric and look at the test several times, to make sure I wasn't imagining things. I meet him at the door and he knew something was up and when I told him, there was a priceless, overwhelmed expression on his face that I will never forget.:)
Fast forward 37 weeks later, a beautiful baby boy was born. Cale Matthew, a little blog tribute to him.
When I think about my little Cale I most often smile, because
* He is such a sweet, curious, happy and sometimes stubborn little boy
* I am pretty sure I rank at least third in his life behind his dad and his big brother, but I am happy to see him so much in love with the two of them. Cale will say, "Dad you are the best" and he will look at me and I will look sad and say, "Cale what about mommy" and Cale says, "mom you're the greatest." Perhaps a politician?
* I love seeing Cale play with his brother and it's happening more and more as Cale gets older. The other night Zach was trying to teach Cale how to play candy land, it didn't last long, but it still made me smile. They love to wrestle, which makes me a nervous wreck, but getting more use to it. My new rule, "you can play until someone cries or tattles and then you are done" One more brother story, Cale wants to go outside, he's not quite done with supper, I tell Cale, " you can go outside after you eat more supper", he is mad at me and says he doesn't want to eat any more. Zach is already done with supper and by the door and Cale is asking Zach" can I go outside with you". Zach says, " when you are done with your supper." Cale marches back to the table, starts eating the rest of his supper and says, "My brother told me I had to eat my supper before I can go outside."
* he talks constantly, it does drive his brother crazy (and us to sometimes), especially in the car. Cale loves to point out everything, asks as many questions as possible and just has random comments
* he was relatively easy to potty train
* he is such a good cuddler, lately he has been a little challenge to get him to stay in bed at night, he thinks of various reasons to get out and he comes in our room and has a smirk on his face, big eyes looking at you and says things like, "you lay by me please" "Jesus loves me one more time" "you rock a bye o me" It's so hard to say no to him and Eric and I both know it won't last for long that he wants to cuddle up to us.
We have lived in our house for over 5 years and I still had the white paint (or maybe primer) on the walls that came with the house. I kept putting painting off, because the boys are so tough on the walls., I have very little painting experience and who has time. Well, for some reason, I decided I couldn't take it any more, my house always looked dirty because I couldn't get the walls cleaned. Two weeks ago my mother in law helped me with the living room and entry way. We painted it a light brown/tan color. I like the looks of that, but decided I should do a little different color in the kitchen. (I have no idea why I thought that). I picked a color that looked like it had a hint of green in it. Well, the hint was more than a hint and it is a definite tone of green. (It is growing on us, but that is all I will say). I started in the bathroom Thursday afternoon, thought I would start the kitchen that night, but just wanted to get it done- so I stayed up into the night to get it done. Here's my question- is done better than perfect? As you may notice in the picture, I can't make a straight line to save my life (even with tape). All but one room on the main floor is done, but very far from perfect. Will I do it over? Will I look past it? Probably past it until the boys are past the age and wanting to 'help' me! :)
With the recommendations from my parents, Eric and I went to the movie "Fireproof " this weekend. I think it is a must see for couples. I feel Eric and I have a great marriage, but it is too easy to get caught up in life and forget about each other. This was an Excellent reminder about putting your love first. We are thinking about maybe doing the love dare, they talk about in the movie.
My mom and I had the opportunity to go to a Women's Retreat with my church. We left Eric, the boys and dad behind at our house on Friday night. The retreat was held at a Bible Camp outside of Story City. There was about 80 other women and the theme was Celebrate! We slept in cabins, just like we did at Bible Camp. Nine women were in our "quiet" cabin, but I don't think anyone got too much sleep. Sat. we had food, speakers, singers and small group time. It was great to spend time with mom and to meet other women from the church. There was lots of interesting things that I could share about the retreat, but one thing that sticks with me is that we all have struggles. Sometimes, when I go to church I will see people and think, man they really have together and I feel so inadequate. But, at this retreat, people let their guards down and I saw some of those same women- struggle just like I do trying to balance the many things in life. And the good news: God care and wants to help us with that. Another thing I will have to say, my mom did great, she had never been to anything like that, she was one of the oldest women and she really seemed to enjoy herself- for that I am glad. Also, when we got home, the men we left behind seemed to be doing amazingly well- maybe I should do that more often????
