Dale Turns 4!


4 years ago this morning my world was shocked into the introduction of a 9lb 5oz Dale into my life. He came so quickly into the world that his face was bruised and purple! The cord was wrapped around his neck and he didn't scream at first, which had us alarmed for what seemed like forever but was probably only 10-15 seconds, but after a few suctions out of his throat he started screaming and didn't stop for almost 4 months! He has been my biggest trial and yet my tender sweetheart all in one. With hard and frustrating work also comes a deep love and special bond. Third of our of 4 kids, he has done EVERYTHING differently than his siblings. God sent him to me to shake things up for sure, and to teach me how to handle (or not handle on certain days) stress and grow patience and calmness when my initial reaction would have been the opposite. He has caused me tears and yet warmed my heart. He loves his fingers and his blanket, Pink Panther, Felix the Cat, and Handy Manny. He loves exploring, loud noises, and dismantling and building things (mostly dismantling). He is our sweetheart struggling to express himself and understand. He is a very VERY special little spirit, and despite my stories and frustrations I share on Facebook, I love him so so much and am glad (and yet worried at the same time!) that he is mine. He's here to help me grow and become a better mother, and we share special tender experiences daily. I love this little terror!

We had a party with cousins at Peter Piper Pizza, and the kids were thrilled that they actually got all the tokens they could want!
 Dale holding his birthday card that came in the mail from Grandma Jo.

 I LOVE this picture of him. He is so beautiful. I don't see big smiles from him nearly often enough.
 Daisy debuted pigtails for the first time ever that day. So cute!
 Round and around, I couldn't keep count of how many times Dale & Daisy went on the little Merri-Go-Round.




 Dale didn't really play any of these racing games, but he didn't care. He would sit there for 5-10 minutes pretending.


 David and Dad. I think I have more pictures of these two together than any of my other family  members.

 Daisy easily ate 4-5 cupcakes when nobody was looking. She went around finishing anything left at the table by the other kids. I can't blame her, they were really good!

 Dale & Grandpa Dean both liked the eye-patch :)

Because we didn't want to mess with a large and candles at Peter Piper, we saved a little bundt cake just for Dale so we could sing to him at home and let him blow out his candles.



We love you Dale, always remember that. Your older siblings sometimes call you a "bad boy" because you cause so much mischief. I always get after them and tell them not to say that to you, and then I tell you that you are my sweetheart. Now whenever they call you a bad boy, you say "I not a bad boy, I jus' a seetheart"

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