wasn't what the dr. ordered

Everyone loves a good birth story, right?  So, here is mine.  I'll do my best to tell it well.

First, I would like to say, "I told you so."  I've been saying that I didn't think I would make it to term.  I was pretty uncomfortable early on in my third trimester and looked as big or bigger than other ladies who were due after me.  It just didn't add up.  Also, lets not forget all the passersby and strangers that would tell me that I was going to have a baby any day now.  Honestly, I was ok if the baby came a few weeks early as long as it was after 34 wks.  And I was 36wks when my water broke this time.  I was told by my doula that this was due to the full moon.  And when I did arrive at the hospital I was one of the first of about 37 births in those couple of days.  So maybe there is something to that.....

Alright, here is how it happened.  My brother-in-law, Samuel was over for a little bit and was visiting with David around 10:30.  I went to bed (being uncomfortable and pregnant and all) and was reading to wind down.  As I read, I felt something shift in my belly and swo-ooosh!  Warm liquids escaped me.  There was no question at that point what it was.  I got up quietly (our 2yr old sleeps on a mattress on the floor of our bedroom) and went to tell David.  He sprang into action calling the hospital and our babysitter.  I tried to get my head in gear for packing what essentials I thought were needed. Up to that point I started packing but didn't finish.   I didn't feel any contractions which meant that I had no idea how long we were going to be in the hospital.  Afterall, when my water broke with David Jr. I was in there a week.  Still, I didn't think they would do that this time since I wasfurther along.  I packed what I could think of and felt sad to be leaving my little boy.  I even took one of his stuffed animals with me as a comfort to me.  We got to the hospital around 11:45pm.  By that time, amniotic fluid was everywhere.  My shoes were sopping as if I were running through rain puddles.  Yes.  It was disgusting.  And embarrassing.  Check-in was quick.  The ER was completely deserted except for the staff.  Glad for that since I had sopping wet pants.

On the drive up to the hospital, I became aware of contractions.  Nothing to painful.  Just enough to notice.  By 12, I was in the hospital bed and checking the clock.  The contractions were coming about every 5 to 7 minutes.  They had to check my cervix and I find this to be very painful.  Apparently, my cervix was "posterior" so they had to really hurt me to feel that I was not even a centimenter dilated.  I was feeling thirsty and hungry around 1pm but all they would give me were ice chips.  I was regretting that I ate such a light dinner and wishing I had downed the water that was on my bedside table before I left.  David offered to sneak me food but I wasn't sure about it and opted to wait.  Boy, that came back to haunt me. 

The doctor on call wanted to put me on Staydol (sp?) because reportedly a couple of hours in the womb could further help the baby's lung functioning.  I asked to think about it.  My birth plan excluded staydol b/c it really doped me up with the last delivery.  Finally, with David's help, I decided to take it but asked for half the dosage that was typical (I am particularly sensitive to meds--it takes very little for me to feel the effects).  This was actually a good move b/c it allowed me to sleep for a couple of hours (maybe three).  I would need that rest.  Up to that point, I was fine with the contractions.  By 5 something, we asked the doula to make her way over.  I was in more pain at that point.  I had to stop to breathe through them.  The nurse came in at some point (the time is blurry) and announced that I was to be put on pitocin.  I adamantly refused it.  I didn't see what the point of pitocin was at that point.  Not to mention that these contractions were coming much faster, even 2 minutes apart sometimes.  After that, things started rolling.  Contractions came on harder and faster and I was more and more ready for my epidural.  I vaguely noticed that it was light outside between the contractions.  While contracting I was feeling very faint.  I remember telling whoever was there (husband, doula, nurse) that I was going to faint.  David explained to the nurse that I sometimes have low blood sugar.  With all that laboring and no nourishment--it is no wonder!  The nurse brought me some apple juice and I was so thankful that she "broke the rules" for me with that.  I felt better able to labor with some sugar in me.  Contractions were hard!   The doula suggested I sit on the toilet to see if it would help.  It was ok but nothing was really going to make me feel better but an epidural.  It was getting to the point that no amount of massaging on the back was helping the pain.  Very very intense.  I was begging for the epidural as I was digging my nails into my poor husband's arm.  I even told him to go out in the hall and get him.  They told me that I was third in line to get the epidural.  I kept hoping beyond hope that he would come before the next contraction.  After each contraction at this point, I am despairing and whimpering, "I can't do this" and begin crying.  Both the doula and David were encouraging me and telling me that not only can I but I was doing this.  Even thinking about this point in labor is tough.  I was a pathetic sight to see, I'm sure.  I didn't realize this until after Judah was born but I was in transition.  Most of you readers know that this is the worst part of labor where every mother wants to turn back.  And yes, it is true.  I was at the end of my rope and still no anesthesiologist and no epidural.  Between contractions (which were such short times) I am in another world.  Everything outside my own body is a blur.  People are talking to me and I'm barely cognizant of them.  They are just voices coming into my consciousness from far away.  They tell me that the epidural guy is there.  I wanted to curse him out and ask what took so long--no energy to do that. 

Here is the clincher.  I'm having the worst contractions of my labor and the doctor wants me to get into an uncomfortable position and keep absolutely still while giving my drugs.  I am desparate for drugs but while he is doing all his prep work I cannot keep still.  I am all over the bed.  The nurse is telling me to "blow away the pain" and "go to my happy place".  I wanted to hit her.  I never felt more patronized in my life than in that moment.  I'm glad I didn't hit since she was a nice lady.  :)  I hear the anesthesiologist losing his patience with me and I'm wondering if getting the shot is even possible anymore.  The nurse is holding me and I'm doing my darndest to concentrate through the pain.  I'm actually praying.  Ok, this is important to me because I can't say that I would have thought that when push comes to shove, in such extreme pain that the Lord would come to mind but He did.  I was able to tell the Lord that I didn't think I was going to make it through a contraction while getting the epidural and basically pleading for help.  He gave.   He is gracious.  When the dr. was ready to prick me, I was not having a contraction or at least not as an intense one.  Oh, I have no idea how that happened but it did.  I kid you not--it was a miracle. 

With labor with David Jr. I was able to rest about 3 or 4 hours after getting the epidural before pushing.  Imagine my surprise when I feel the urge to push almost immediately after receiving the epidural.  I was telling David that I needed to rest and that I didn't want to push.  I was whining it more like it.  David didn't realize that I was as far along as I was and told me not to push-thinking that I wanted to push before being dilated enough.  The urge was strong and I just ignored everyone (except my doula who was whispering to me to listen to my body) and pushed.  I pushed while on my left side and it felt great!  I guess a better way to describe it is that it felt oh-so-right.  The nurse, who was well intentioned but not helpful, kept telling me to move to my side and then my back and then my side and then my back, etc.  She was explaining that there was still a pocket of amniotic fluid in my belly that was slowing down labor (this was slow??!!!).  I wanted her to leave me alone.  I opened my eyes for a second and saw a lot of people in the room getting it ready.  The stirrups came out and I was pushing.  I felt burning (found out later that for natural labor this is called the ring of fire--yeah, ouch) and then relief.  The dr. gave me a novacaine shot in the perineum to help with the pain of stretching.  Judah came out and I was almost too tired to even look at him.  I was really happy to hear him crying.  I didn't hear David cry when he was born so I knew that Judah had good lungs on him.  It was a sweet sound.  I was also happy to hear that I didn't get an episiotomy (like last time) and I didn't tear.  Whew!  That makes all the difference in recovery!  They cleaned everything up and I was able to rest.  A little while later my epidural set in and I couldn't feel my thighs.  I totally think I shouldn't have to pay for an epidural that was not helpful.  However, that is likely not to happen. 

The next day my OBGYN told me that she got onto the anesthesiologist about not getting to me earlier.  I appreciated the acknowledgment that he was needed earlier.  Judah was doing well in all his screenings except one, the hearing one.  He was referred to an audiologist and I go with him on tuesday.  I was told that he most likely failed the tests due to his wakefulness during the process.  Whatever that means.  Also, we were told that this is common b/c there is lots of fluid behind the ears for preemies.  But despite that everything was great.  I felt great.  Folks said I looked great and so we went home a day early.  Because as anyone who has been in a hospital knows--there is no rest for the weary in there.  I knew that I would sleep better through the night at home.  

re-covered dining room chairs



I have had these chairs since we lived in belhaven with the intention of re-covering them.  Well, it took me two years to decide on a fabric and then find that fabric at a price that I could justify paying.  The moons and planets aligned and I was able to get the red patterned fabric shown (along with some fabric for curtains in the kitchen and laundry room).  The chair on the right is what the old fabric looked like.  I just covered over it.  I didn't even bother taking the old fabric off.  I'm a little scared to re-cover the seat that david jr.'s high chair sits on for obvious reasons but I will eventually do that.  However, I will probably cover the chair with some sort of clear plastic just to protect it.  

the tale of a tile backsplash and how a husband was victorious

I promised some pictures of the tile backsplash project that my husband accomplished.  Again, I'm super-proud of his work.  I know that if I were to do it would have come out sloppier, with way more mistakes, and many extra trips to the hardware store.  He was much more methodical and patient through the process than I know I would have been.  I also think that it was good for his soul to do something that didn't involve latin, books, or school. 

 

 These are the before pics.  The white area is where our old countertops were before the granite.

Below is David adding the adhesive to place the tile onto.  We had to rent a wet tile saw which helped with all the complicated cuts.  Lots of math was involved and I'm very impressed with his mathmatical skills--another way to tell that he is very left brained while I'm very right.  I came up with the the design and he implemented it.



This is the tile place and spaced before grout is applied.



Grouting and wiping



Finishing up

I want to put up a grand "TA DA" photo but I want to wait until (1) all the switchplates are back up and (2) my kitchen is clean and not being used (like a magazine!)

amazingly things are getting done

Taking into consideration that I'm more and more tired as the weeks go by (34 and counting--keep praying guys!), it is amazing how much we've been able to do.  A lot of it has to do with my sweet husband who is willing to appease his wife with fierce nesting instincts.  He put up the tile backsplash and it looks absolutely beautiful (pictures to come).  I am so proud of his work!  We got the roof fixed (mostly) and rearranged our furniture (changing table in our room and my old dresser--the one i grew up with!--in the nursery/soon-to-be-david's room.), re-covered the dining room chairs (pics coming soon), changed out the chandelier from something rather outdated to a crystal chandelier that has become retro-chic on HGTV and it was FREE!  I've organized all the clothes (packing those that are outgrown and unpacking the infancy clothes--so incredibly small!) and purchased a cheap but good-looking rug from walmart for out dining room. 

It is April now and I'm happy to say that we will have an april or may baby and not a march one, again.  David's birthday was small but he got to enjoy his first chocolate cake and got some toy cars and airplanes and some outdoor play things like a sandbox and slide.  I turned 32 and it hardly stood out.  My dear husband made the day special by presenting me with gifts throughout the day (puzzle--b/c that is my new old person hobby, cupcakes from Gigi's, a very sweet card, a Foxtrot book--this man knows me so well, and an electrician to finish our undercabinet lighting).  I also got some very generous gifts from my parents and my mother-in-law.  I have yet to figure out what to do with it and am somewhat overwhelmed with the options.

That's all for now.  I'm sorry for the random stream of consciousness that I threw at you.  I hope it makes some semblence of sense. 

understanding my toddler

I have no standard to compare my child to.  Is he overly rambunctious?  Is he a calm and happy child?  I have no reference.  So, on those days (when I'm far from patient to begin with) and I'm getting on to david just about every other minute I can get really disheartened.  Is my method effective?  I'll switch methods looking for the miracle "my-toddler-is-now-an-angel-because-of-this-method.  Nothing has worked perfectly.  He still does what he does.  Shall I worry that my son is a future delinquent?  I do sometimes.  Or is this behavior normal toddler antics at work? 

Below is a list of normal toddler behaviors that gave me hope, a reference, and an understanding.  I've read some of this before but I forget from time to time and need to revisit it.  With that, I need to revisit the gospel and know that for all "normal" toddler behavior is a sinner in need of grace (which looks like discipline and tenderness) and there isn't a miracle cure.  He will often struggle to honor his parents.  Don't we as parents struggle to honor our Father in heaven?  I know I do.  Anyhoo, maybe you have a toddler too and might find this helpful.  Maybe you are someone who knows someone with a toddler and could use a little understanding as too why "that boy/girl" is unruly.  Give those parents and those kids a break.  My toddler isn't finished yet.  We are working on him/with him to raise him to love the Lord and others.  We aren't finished as parents either.  This is a process that takes decades not a couple of years.  Ok, I'm digressing.  Here you go.  If you want more info, you can go to http://askdrsears.com/ .


9 DEVELOPMENTAL REASONS WHY TODDLERS CAN BE DIFFICULT TO DISCIPLINE


To cope with toddler behavior it helps to remember the basic principle of developmental discipline: the drive that babies have to develop is the same one that creates discipline challenges.

1. Wheels to run on

Imagine how it must feel to learn to walk! He can see all those tempting delights around the room, and he finds ways to get his hands on many of them. once the developmental skill of walking appears, children have an intense drive to master it. So toddlers toddle—constantly. And they can toddle into unsafe situations. Walking progresses to running, and climbing a few stairs turns into scaling kitchen counters.

2. Hands as tools

Along with learning how to pick up things, the one- year- old baby develops hand skills to manipulate what he gets. Doors are to be opened, knobs turned, drawers pulled, dangling cords yanked, and waste cans emptied. Everything within walking and grabbing distance is fair game, or so he figures. To the inquisitive adventurer, the whole house is an unexplored continent, and he intends to leave no stone unturned.

3. Out of the mouths of babes


The development of language—verbal and body— makes parenting a bit easier. Baby can now begin to tell you what she needs with words. This new skill is a mixed blessing. While baby words are entertaining, they can also be frustrating as the parents struggle to understand just what "da-boo" means. Toddlers like to try on different noises to hear how they sound and how they affect their audience. They screech and squeal, yell and jabber. Sometimes their little baby words are pleasing to your ears, and at other times they are nerve-wracking. Language also gives expression to feelings; a feisty "no" from your formerly agreeable child can raise your eyebrows.

4. A mind of their own

Toddlers think, but not logically. Just as motor skills take off during the first half of the second year, toward the last half mental skills blossom. The one-year-old plunges impulsively into activities without much thinking. The two-year-old studies her environment, figuring out a course of action in her head before venturing forth with her body. But a baby's desire to do something often precedes the ability to do it successfully. This developmental quirk drives toddlers into trouble and caregivers to the brink. Even though you know that baby hasn't mastered a skill yet, your explanation won't stop him from trying. For example, one morning our son Stephen insisted on pouring his own juice. He had the ability to maneuver the cup and pitcher, but lacked the wisdom to know when the cup was full. He did not want us to pour it for him, so we let him stand at the sink and pour water into cups while we poured the juice at the table. After a pouring party at the sink, he accepted my hand on his hand and followed my nudge for when to stop pouring.

During the second year your baby's temperament will become more apparent. "Bubbly," "daredevil," "determined," "cautious," and "adventurous" are just a few of the labels toddlers acquire. Children come wired differently, and different kinds of children need different kinds of discipline. Matthew, a relatively cautious toddler, seemed to think out a task carefully before attempting it. If he got himself in too deep he would not protest being rescued. our two-year-old Lauren came wired with a different program. She sees an enticing gadget on top of the kitchen counter and she is willing to risk life and limb to get it. Because of her personality, we don't often let her out of our sight. Her drive helps her keep going, to get up after falling, to persist after being told "no," to struggle with words to make her needs known. It also inspires her to climb higher if the cookie jar has been promoted to the top shelf. The parents' task, in the words of one frazzled toddler manager, is to "keep my child from breaking his neck, and yet encourage him to learn." Think "age-appropriate behavior" and you'll be able to give age-appropriate direction.

5. Some challenging behaviors are developmentally correct

In the normal course of development those same behaviors the child needs to developmentally advance to the next level are the very ones that can get him into trouble. As a child goes from dependence to independence, he will often merit labels like "defiant," "won't mind," "bossy," "sassy," and "impulsive." Some of these behaviors are simply a byproduct of the child's need to become an independent individual. And the "stubbornness" that keeps your child from "minding" is the same spunk that helps him get up after a fall and try again.

6. Get in "phase" with your child

Developing children take two steps forward and one step backward. In each stage of development, they bounce back and forth from equilibrium to disequilibrium. While they're stepping forward into uncharted territory, finding new friends, trying new things, expect discipline problems due to the anxiety that tags along with experimenting. In each stage, expect the calm to come after the storm. The same child who spent two months in a snit may act like an angel for the next three. This developmental quirk can work to the child's advantage and yours. Spot which phase your child is in. If he's trying to move away and grow up a bit, let out the line. During this phase, your child may seem distant from you; she may even answer back and defy you. Don't take this personally. This phase will soon pass. The child is just in the "do it myself" phase and needs some space and coaching (including correcting) from the sidelines.

One day soon, as sure as sunrise follows nightfall, you'll find your child snuggling next to you on the couch asking for help with tasks and suggesting activities you can do together. You may even wake up one morning and discover your six-year-old nestled next to you in bed. This child is now in a reconnecting phase, a pit stop in the developmental journey when your child needs emotional refueling.

When parents and child are out of harmony, discipline problems multiply. If your child is trying to break away when you are trying to bond, you are likely to overreact to what may be normal behaviors of independence. If you are too busy while your child is in the reconnecting phase, you miss a window of opportunity to strengthen your positions as comforter, adviser, authority figure, and disciplinarian.

7. Respect negative phases

Projects such as toilet training should not be undertaken during a negative phase.

8. Plan ahead

Discipline problems are likely to occur when a child is making the transition from one developmental stage to another, or during major family changes: a move, a new sibling, a family illness, or so on. I recently counseled a family whose previously sweet child had turned sour. The mother had started a new job, and at the same time the child started a new school. If possible, time major changes in your life for when a child is not going through major changes herself.

9. What is "normal" may not be acceptable

"I don't care what the book says, Bobby and Jimmy, fighting is not going to be normal in our home," said a mother who knew her tolerance. Part of discipline is learning how to live with a child through different developmental stages. A child's early family experience is like boot camp in preparing for life. A child must learn how to get along with family members in preparation for future social relationships. He needs to be adaptable and learn to adjust his behaviors to a particular family need. Billy is boisterous by temperament. Yet, Billy is expected to play quietly for a few days because mommy is recovering from an illness and has a headache. It is healthy for the child to learn that the sun rises and sets on other people besides himself. Children must learn to adapt to house rules to prepare them to adjust to society's rules.

a song of praise

and perhaps you are thinking from an unlikely source, U2.  However this is one of many praise songs that U2 has written over 30 years.  When others put songs or poems on their blogs I rarely read it (unless it was actually written by the blogger) and often skip to the written parts but even knowing that others might do the same I still want to put it up. 
________________________
The song is called 'All Because of You':

I was born a child of grace

Nothing else about the place
Everything was ugly but your beautiful face
And it left me no illusion

I saw you in the curve of the moon
In the shadow cast across my room
You heard me in my tune
When I just heard confusion

All because of you
All because of you

All because of you,
I Am

I like the sound of my own voice
I didn't give anyone else a choice
An intellectual tortoise
Racing with your bullet train

Some people get squashed crossing the tracks
Some people got high rises on their backs
I'm not broke but you can see the cracks
You can make me perfect again

All because of you
All because of you

All because of you
I Am

I'm alive
I'm being born
I just arrived, I'm at the door
Of the place I started out from
And I want back inside

All because of you
All because of you

All because of you
I am
__________________________
See the double meaning in 'I am'.  I am who I am because of Him and He is the great 'I AM'.  Very clever writing.  This is one of David Sr.'s favorite U2 songs.  It isn't my favorite song but I have a hard time picking favorites with this band.

lent

So, this year I thought I would follow my husband's example and give up something for lent (last year he gave up sugar and this year he is giving up sugar and fried foods, in case you were curious).  I decided that it would be beneficial to give up morning television.  I actually don't watch morning television but my son does.  So what I'm really giving up is morning cartoons.  Cartoons that allowed me to wake up a bit more, take snoozes when needed, eat breakfast in peace and just lounge.  I relied on morning cartoon a bit more since this pregnancy because of the energy I had (or didn't have).  Yesterday morning I had the t.v. on before I even remembered that it was ash wednesday, the beginning of the lentel season (did I spell that right?  I know it isn't spelled like the bean).  David Jr. slept a little later (8am) and we were halfway through SuperWhy on PBS before I realized it.  Rather than interrupt the cartoon right away I waited until it was over and turned it off with nary a peep from my toddler.  It also helped that we were going to church that morning for bible study and he would get to play in nursery, which he loves.  That took up the first morning since we were home by noon and he fell asleep in the car on the way home. 

Today (day 2) we didn't have the t.v. on and david didn't even ask for it.  I was surprised.  I thought he would have felt the absence more but I'm thankful that on top of not having the luxury of just sitting quietly I didn't have to work extra hard to distract a toddler from his desires for cartoons.  I expect the coming week to be easier too since david sr. will be home for spring break.  The t.v. is rarely on during the day when my husband is home.  Probably because we are all more preoccupied and my loneliness for people is less palpable. 

Speaking of spring break, we have an intimidating list of to-do's for it.  I am excited to be getting stuff done but realize that if we get it all done we will be exhausted.  If we don't, which is more likely, we'll still have to figure out when and how to get it done between now and baby #2.  Our list consists of tiling our kitchen backsplash.  Ourselves.  Yea, this could get ugly.  Also, we have some furniture rearranging to do (not a big deal) and some furniture painting.  Gardening is also part of our list.  Which I really look forward to.  I hope for superb weather--sounds divine.  I have to gather, clean, register, and tag our consignment items for the children's consignment that will happen the week after.  Those are the bigger tasks but there are many many less big tasks (but not small).  Getting David to sleep in his "big boy bed" at night, re-covering dining room chairs, making curtains for kitchen and laundry room, finishing curtains for nursery and guest rooms (close but still need some attention), dr's appts, and more!!! 

preterm paranoia

After David jr. came 6 wks early I am more watchful/wary/worried about every sensation pregnancy brings from here on to the end of my pregnancy.  The problem is that I'm 30 wks along and it is hard to avoid strange and unusual sensations since there is, afterall, a person growing inside of me that moves.  I think that I have been having Braxton-hicks contractions so this adds to my trepidation.  What if this is the beginning of preterm labor?  What is going to happen to David jr. if I have to be in the hospital for a week or more?  Who will take over my class?  David sr. suggested we come up with a plan over spring break and then asked if the baby can wait that long.  I wish I had the answer to that.  I haven't gotten into the hospital and I already miss my little boy.  This will be the first time I leave him overnight and I don't like it.  I wish he could come with us (and honestly, I haven't ruled that out completely yet). 

I do take comfort in the fact that many people are praying for us and I know it!  I know they are praying for this baby to go to term.  Thank you so much, guys!  You know who you are!

driving through

Places I wish had a drive-through and should thoroughly consider it for mamas who have kids in car seats:

1)  the post office
2)  restaurants other than fast food, like newks or mcallisters
3)  shops that do car inspection stickers
4)  grocery stores (just for staples that are a rarely on sale anyway)

wouldn't that be grand?

my funny valentine

It is our 6th valentine's day and I just wanted to share a few quirky things about my husband, david, that make me laugh to myself (and roll my eyes occasionally).

1.  He takes a good couple of hours to really wake up in the morning.  Weekend mornings I'm raring to go (because I'm so much more motivated to be productive when he is around) and I can't get much out of him in terms of complete and clear sentences.  His desire is to sit quietly with his coffee and perhaps a book until he is ready to really face the world.  It is pretty funny to see this same quality in our son (but manifests itself in lots of fussing and rubbing of the eyes).  So, I'm learning not to try and engage my valentine in any deep discussions or planning during these early morning hours.

2.  He reads about 4 to 6 books at once.  I've been known to occasionally have a few books that I'm reading but he takes that to a whole new level.  Usually, they consist of different genres.  He'll have a fun science fiction book, a theology book, a latin and/or rome related book, a bible study, and possibly an informational how-to type book.  He never lacks for reading material and will take any opportunity to read.  Especially true since he got a kindle e-book reader for Christmas.  Books are david's crack.

3.  He has a new found fascination with the early church and the church calendar.  He has read tons of stuff on the subject and has taken last year to celebrate church calendar days.  He found a reformed episcopalian church to attend on such days.  I've gone along for the ride while making wisecracks about my husband becoming catholic and leaving the presbyterian denomination.  He assures me this isn't so but he does love the liturgy of these services.  When I'm not making fun, I'm appreciating that he has learned not to throw the baby out with the bath water as lots of protestants tend to.  He has a great understanding of why the early church did what it did to celebrate/praise/worship Christ.  Whereas, I (and many others) can throw away a lot of what other more liturgical churches do (including catholicism) because of some basic differences in theology and faith.

4.  David's mind wanders--absent-minded professor is a stereotype that really fits sometimes.  Here is how I usually see this.  We are in the car and I make an observation about something that most people would respond to.  David is not most people.  After a minute or so of silence, I, again, remind him that a reply was expected.  He is jogged back to real time where he, again, apologizes because his mind wandered (much like Walter Mitty) and explains where his train of thought took a detour.  Frustrating for a girl who loves a good conversation but also interesting that someones mind works so differently.  I hope to understand that precious mind more and more as the years go by. 

5.  David's passions are quite simple.  This makes him extremely easy to please and quite predictable.  A nice glass of wine or bottle of beer.  A hearty meal.  A good movie or book.  Marital benefits (*wink, wink).  His loves can get even simpler than that.  He enjoys children's literature and cartoons and winnie the pooh.  It is no wonder that occasionally I feel like I married a small boy rather than the 30 year old that he is.  However, I'm also aware that many men operate that way.   Can't say that I wouldn't mind being surprised by something David says or does but I can say that this predictability and consistency is one of the reasons I married him.  He is a safe and dependable friend.

6.  When I am usually surprised are those times when david is uncommonly funny.  He sometimes makes cracks or jokes that strike me as hilarious.  I never know when it is going to spring up.  I have noticed that when he is with his twin lakes buddies he is funnier than usual.  Also, he is funnier during the summer when he isn't distracted with work and class.  I love hanging out with him when he is really relaxed.  He can be very clever.  Part of the charm of his humor perhaps is that it is unexpected.  He isn't the guy that is always trying to be funny so he has the element of surprise.  Who expects an absent-minded, quiet and serious man to spring a joke on you?  It works. 

So, here are 6 funny things about my funny Valentine for the 6 years we've known each other.  I hope to know him more and more.  I hope to respect and love him more and more.  I'm thankful to our Lord for bringing us together.  No one knows more than our Lord how those idiosyncrasies were well-suited for my own (and there are many--and they aren't always so funny).  Happy Valentine's Day, Beloved.  Here is to knowing each other more with every year!