My Little Mess

Many of you know my sweet child, Neena...but for those who don't or aren't around her often, I thought I should try to define her...Or at least describe her...Ok, try to.

Neena was born in '04. She will be 4 years old soon--my how the time flies! To start off, let me give you a little background. When I was a child, I was sooo shy. I was trying to describe just how shy to Chad this morning. I would play silently with my toys. I would die if someone saw me playing with babydolls or other age-appropriate toys. I was always attached to my mom. It took me years to come out of my shell. When I was pregnant, I thought I would have a cuddly, quiet baby girl that needed me. She would need me to protect her. To rock her & read quietly to her.

I could not have had more of a polar opposite. From her time in the womb, Neena has been dying to be free & independent, not held back or confined in any way. You think I'm joking but, seriously, she would literally vibrate all over and kick & hit, just going totally nuts. I have never seen such. Then when she was born, that swaddling thing was out the window. Not even once did she stay wrapped tight; she couldn't stand it.

So here's my time for confession: I am a bit of a perfectionist in some ways. I can definitely say it doesn't come across in the ways I'd like for it to, lol. But as much as I am fairly laid back as a mom in a lot of ways, I am totally unwavering in disobedience. I'm not really sure if this is a help for Neena's strong will or if it just butts heads with it. Nevertheless, I have met my match in my child. She is super sweet and helpful in a lot of ways but there are just some things that, try-as-we-may, she nor I can defeat. Here's the picture...

With our cat, Cali. Neena loves this cat. As in the looney toones character suffocation of animals. I always thought that show was ridiculous. Until now. I don't care what animal we're talking about, Neena can put it on edge or tick it off in 10 seconds flat. I have had to come to grips with the fact that she cannot help it. She is not trying to disobey--that's just what comes natural to her. And with her volume. Her controls are set to full blast & no amount of reminding can keep it down at reasonable. And she loves to sing. Sigh. You just have to laugh. We are on a counting system with directions; if she doesn't obey by "3" it's a spanking or time-out. And she is "one of those" who just has to do it because she decides to--not because you're asking it of her. I thought the "battle of the will" was something to be determined & then your children learn that if they disobey there are consequences, therefore deterring the bad behavior. And we do do that...but oh my goodness, she has to push it and test her boundaries all the time.

Since I'm dissing on her right now, I feel I should mention her good qualities. One thing I have always prayed for her is that she will have a love for people. And, boy, does she ever. She loves everyone. And she is dead-set on hugs and kisses for those she loves. She can work a room full of adults and command anyone's attention. She likes to help and is actually quite effective with many household tasks. She doesn't pitch fits. Not ever, really. And she can pray. Oh, how sweet she is when she prays :) She just talks & talks to God & it is amazingly precious. She can almost quote John 3:16; she just needs a few reminders along the way! I'll have to video it as soon as she gets it down to show you. Neena is pretty good at dressing herself and she always packs her "pack-pack" (back pack) with toys every time we leave the house. And if it keeps her occupied, I'm all for it.

I could go on & on...can't we all about our kids?!?!?! Such a blessing & joy to be a parent. And a blessing to have another one on the way!! I am 13 weeks--the end of the 1st trimester, yea! My nausea is gone, PTL. My intense, insane hunger/craving is gone. WooHoo! And I am able to track how far my uterus is growing, which I love.

Prayer Request: My friend, Kim, just had her baby at 34 weeks. He is doing phenominal but they had to come home without him. :( Pray for Aiden's (the babe) health & for peace for Kim & Keith. Thanks!