At this time, 16 years ago, I was in labor with my second child....my first son, Dalton Mathew Fulcher.  I was so eager to get to the hospital.  But, Darrell was still at Marine at that time.  We lived in North Carolina.  My entire family was in Georgia.  I called my mom & my dad and said "It's time."  My mom got home, packed...then she & Robert headed to N.C. in hopes of not missing the big moment.  She begged me....."Please don't go to the hospital if you can help it until I get there."  I walked the floors, laid in the bed, sat in the recliner....rinse, repeat.....all through the night waiting on them to arrive.  Darrell was so sweet....right there with me every step of the way.  My mother finally arrived at around 5 a.m.  I was sittin' on ready.  Then, she's like "Well, you don't seem ready just yet.  So, we are going to lie down for a quick nap and you wake us when you're REALLY ready."  I was like....."WHAAAATTTT?!?!"  I held out for one more hour and I just could NOT take the pain another second.  Darrell & I left.  My mom stayed with Kaitlyn.  She said to me, "Call us if they keep you."  Oh, Dear Lord woman!  I AM IN VERY ACTIVE LABOR!!!!!!!!!!  So, I got there.  They "checked" me.  I was dilated to 6.  They kept me!  Duh.  I MEANT no drugs with this baby.  I was going all na-tu-ral superwoman!  Oh...big, BIG, BIGGGGG mistake.  But, I delivered drug free with loads of screamin'!  Dalton's head seemed to be the size of an actual cantaloupe!  But, wait....he's not breathing.  His face is black!  What is wrong with my baby????  Before I could even get a look at whether he was a boy or a girl....they were rushin' him out of my room.  I sobbed.  Darrell sobbed.  I sent him to be with our baby.  He went.  Robert with them.  My mom & Kaitlyn came in my room with me.  I was so panicked.  I didn't care about my own pain any more.  My only concern was my sweet baby.  What was happening?  Was he breathing. God!  Please give my child breath of life.  Darrell came back to report a few minutes later (which seemed like eternity) that my sweet baby BOY!!!! was indeed breathing and doing just fine.  His body temp was still extremely low & I wouldn't be able to see him until he warmed up.  But, oh God....I was so relieved.  I look at Dalton today and realize what a huge blessing God gave me.  He has grown into a kind, gentle, loving young man who loves the Lord, his mother, his father, his siblings, his nephew & the rest of his extended family with all he has in him.  He is the most wonderful son I could've ever asked for.  Happy Birthday Dalton (tomorrow).....I love you.  Now.  Always.

So, I don't usually like to play "matchmaker" much.  But, I am.  *Sigh*....Only because I feel this guy is a really nice guy & would genuinely make a good match for a very good friend of mine.  I will keep you all updated as to how this goes.  Really nervous about this.

Thoughts about the future.....

I have so many aspirations & dreams for my future. I am married to a man who adores me and cannot wait to see where our lives take us each & every day. He continues to amaze me day in & day out.  He is so supportive of everything I aspire to be.

Just today, I told him I was going back to school to become either a maternity nurse or an ultrasound technician.....I also told him I was going to pursue my photography more seriously.....and, that I am gearing up to start my own company from home.  He said, "Ok Baby....when do you get started?"  Not a moment's hesitation....only encouragement came from him.

That, my friends, is what marriage is about.  He didn't question me or my reasons.  He just simply showed support & encouragement. He's so loving & caring & he just wants me to be happy. I want the same for him. I guess that's why we "work" so well together. As long as I am giving 100% and he is giving 100%, everyone's happy, right?

So, look out world!  You are about to be graced with a baby-birthin', picture takin' (ultrasound & freelance photography), business ownin' Mama! I am takin' the world by storm soon & very soon! Stay tuned for my next step!!!!

Poem/Letter to our unborn Grandson, Curt

DEAR UNBORN GRANDSON, CURT:

I’ve often wondered how the love would feel.

The love for a grandchild is so surreal.

I’ve loved you since the moment your Mommy told me about you.

The joy you’ve already brought to us is explainable too.

I love you, little one, already in my heart.

I can’t wait for the day your life truly starts.

The day you are born will be one glorious day.

A day we won’t soon forget & we’ll store the happy memories away.

Your life begins very soon here in our arms.

Grandmommy & Poppy will always shield you from all harm.

Baby Curt, we love you.  Now & forever.

The love we have for you will never be tethered.

Love always,

Grandmommy & Poppy

100 Ways & 100 Days to love your spouse: Day 25

DAY 25!!!

Try not to argue over money. Peacefully discuss future expenditures instead.  Darrell & I never argue about money. We consult one another on every penny spent.  We prepare daily for the money spent by discussing openly about where the money has gone, is going and will go in the future. Never hide what you've spent money on.  He WILL find out eventually. Fortunately, for me, Darrell trusts me & my judgement on spending money.  He never questions anything I spend and knows I spend wisely. If you are open & honest with your spouse about money, he will trust you too.

Kaitlyn's Materinty Picture.....this is where a lot of our money is going now....to Baby Curt! 4 more weeks!  But, who's counting?! LOL!!

 

Disheartening.....

I am a very strong woman.  But, something very disheartening happened to me last week.  I am still in shock and need MY time to heal.  God is working with me through this.  He is always there for me....and, He is by my side now.  He holds my family in His capable hands always.  I am so very blessed to have such a wonderful, protective husband who always "has my back".  God gave me this man just for situations like the one we find ourselves in now.  My children have been so very supportive as well....as have been my best friends, Julie, Carol & Cindy.  Thanks to Mama & Robert, too.  I am listening God.  Reveal Your will to me.  Until You do, I am waiting.  Thank you for all you've blessed me with thusfar.

Open Forum, Comments Welcome and Encouraged!!

Question of the day: What is your take on grown adults with children of their own moving back home with their parents?  The moocher types.  The ones that are too lazy to earn a living on their own and too lazy to strive for a better tomorrow for their own children.  Comment away!!