4Ward Thinking: February 2011

How did this happen? How did my beautiful little baby turn in to

my beautiful little 17 year old daughter in such a short time?

My mom still calls me her baby. I like that. It makes me feel young. :) Lindsey will always be my baby, no matter how old she gets. Everyone has a story....and here is hers:

In 1993 we were living on Lakenheath AFB in England. We had three beautiful, healthy, happy kids and all was right with the world. We were content with what we had and really not wanting any more children. One Sunday as I sat alone with the kids in church, (their dad was working), I had the most over-powering feeling I needed to have another baby. Whatever. I quickly reminded myself of all the reasons why I didn't want to have another baby: sleep deprivation, ear infections, diapers and diaper rashes, strollers, formula, etc., etc. The Spirit whispered to me "those are all very selfish reasons". Says who?? I tried to push the thought out of my head, but then I had an even more powerful prompting...I could practically see myself holding this baby in my arms. It was so strong, I couldn't deny it. I tried though. I tried hard. All through church, and all through the rest of the day. The annoying feeling would not leaving me alone. Why is this happening, I thought?? Mike would not be home before I went to bed. I so wanted to tell him what I was feeling. I didn't think he would like it. We had agreed we were done! Corey was 3, we were done with the hard stuff. (Hah!) I knelt down to say my prayers. I told God, not asked, if He really wanted me to do this I needed him to "inspire" Mike with the same feelings. Oh, and I wanted to know right now! I was pretty bossy.

Next day: Mike and I are sitting outside playing with the kids. Corey crawls up on his lap and Mike gets this funny look on his face. "What's wrong"?, I say. "Oh, nothing", says he. "It's just that I had a funny dream last night". "Tell me about this dream", I say. "Well, he says...I dreamed we had another baby". Hmmmm, I think to myself. A dream is not what I was looking for. This doesn't count. "So, what did you think about this dream"?, I say. "Oh, I was like no way!" he says. Whew! I think. "We're happy with what we got. Who wants to start over with all that?" "I agree", say I. Then I proceed to tell him about my experience the day before and what I prayed for. He agrees that a dream is not what I meant and it didn't count. We go on with our day.

Bed time. Mike picks this moment to tell me...."I didn't really have a dream". "What????" I say! "Well, I came home late from work and couldn't get to sleep. All I could think about was having another baby and wondering what you would think about that and thinking I might just like to have another one", he says.

Morrill of the story?? (I know, I'm so punny). Be careful what you pray for. You might just get it! :) Nine months later to be exact. Can I tell you how happy I am that I did?? I can't even imagine life without Lindsey in it. She has brought so much love and joy in to our lives and I know she really must have wanted to come to this family. She must have been nuts! :)