Happy Birthday Dan!

It is Daniel's 4th birthday today - amazing! I love Daniel so much. He has been such a joy to me. Last night Sammi decided to make Daniel "a surprise". She made him some birthday cards and then took a bunch of his old toys and displayed them on the kitchen table for him to see when he woke up. At first I was unsure about what she was doing. I almost stopped her because I did not want Daniel to be disappointed not getting any new toys and she was making a big deal about a surprise for him and he could not peek. So, in the morning he woke up at 6am and said "Mommy, can I go out now?" and I told him he could. I watched as he looked at his surprise with great excitement and joy. He said, "Sammi did this for me? Now I can play with my toys!" After Sammi woke up she read him the cards she wrote and he said, "Thanks Sam, I love it." I was so amazed and pleased with Daniel's ability to be happy with what he has. Never once did he say, "Ok, that is nice, now cough up the good stuff." I think I learned a bit about what it is like to be child-like. To appreciate the things you have for what they are and to not "need" more. How many of us would be thrilled to have all of our "old toys" laid before us on our birthday - could we be thrilled with what we already have? I love Daniel he is a great example to me. Sammi was so thoughtful to do that for Dan. She knew he would like it because she is a child and can see through child eyes. I love them for it.

Tomorrow is the day! Tomorrow will be William's birthday. I go in at 7am to start the process of induction. The doctor said we should go for it since I already measure over due on my belly/baby size. He thinks he is close to or perhaps 9lbs already - we will see. We do not want to let him get too much larger though, he needs to fit on his way out. : ) So, tomorrow say a little extra prayer for me and for my strength to hold up. I am going to attempt to be induced without an epidural! Whew! We will see about that! The doctor said it is possible though - I will give it a good go. I actually started having really hard contractions last night. I actually prayed that I could wait, I really wanted Daniel to have his birthday today without rushing to the hospital. I am grateful that the contractions tapered off and I can go in tomorrow. We can have Daniel's little pizza and cake party tonight. : )

If all is well I will be home on Friday afternoon. I will make sure and post tons of pictures. Sam and Dan will be staying at a friends house so that will be nice as well. I am so excited to meet our latest addition to the family. Wish me luck!

Lots of love,

Mari