Yes, We're Crazy

Obviously.

We have a houseful of messy boys, a busy schedule of school-church-basketball-birthday parties-repeat and yet we're trying to sell our house.  Again. 

Some of you are probably thinking that you've confused us with another family because, surely, we aren't trying to move again.  Rest assured, your memory has not failed you {at least not in this case}.  It was us that moved just 2 1/2 years ago and we're at it again. 

When we tell people that we have our house for sale, their first response is usually, 'Oh, you need more room with the new baby, huh?'  Actually, no.  Inside space is not an issue in our current house.  It's the outside space that's not working for us. 

You see, I'm confident that our boys would sleep outside if we allowed them to do so.  They have bikes, electric scooters and, as of late, an air-soft gun {thanks, dear} that requires more outdoor space than we currently have.  Our backyard is almost non-existent and, although we live on a cul-de-sac, cars still come zooming down our hill.*  The boys also love taking batting practice and shooting baskets, neither of which are possible in our current abode.  With all boys, we need to get them a place where they can run their crazy energy out.

*Side note: When I was little, my grandma used to say something like, 'Go play in the traffic.'  I always thought it was an odd statement, seeing how she really did seem to love us grandkids but now I understand.  She was pretty much telling us to get lost and some days most days, I can totally relate...

So here we are.  The house has been on the market since September, we've had a really good bit of showings, a few second showings but no offers yet.  We're hopeful that we listed at a slow time of year and that spring will bring some real interest.  We're also hopeful that we'll find something that meets our needs without taking us back to the sticks.  In the last few months, we've found several here and there but all have gone under contract, including a 1922 fully-renovated farm house.  I think my poor husband shed a few tears when he learned of that loss - he had already made plans in his head of where the camper would be parked and the garden would grow. 

Fortunately, we know that as those homes are removed from our vision, something else more fitting will be waiting for us when the time is right.  I just hope it's soon - keeping this house clean {at 20wks} is SUPER FUN! 

I've got one thing going for me - the no-standing rule** {for ALL males - father, grandfather, visitors - I don't care who you are}...it shaves a lot of time off bathroom cleaning.  I don't say nearly as many curse words when I'm not having to scrub the wall and ceiling because of careless shooters. And no, I'm not kidding. 

**Side Note #2: I overheard Davis telling a friend that he only stands up to pee in restaurants and at school since 'my mom doesn't clean those places.'  Although I felt victorious in my nagging efforts, I also had some pity on the poor souls that do clean up after my boys when they get a chance to be free and stand...

Things A Doctor Should Never Say To a Mother of Three Boys...

'It looks like you're going to get your first baby g...'

'Uh oh, wait, well, never mind.'

Yes, that's how our day-after-Christmas sneak peek went.  We were fully expecting a boy because, well, let's face it, we just know better.  However, as I laid there on the exam table, making small talk with my old doctor {and employer} while he gave us a free gender scan, I watched that screen carefully.  C'mon now.  I've seen enough ultrasounds of my own, not to mention the thousands I've been studying on BabyCenter since we first received a positive pregnancy test.  I knew what I should be looking for, I asked some {fine, a hundred} questions while he moved the wand over my enormous bulge and, if for only two minutes, it seemed that we were going to have a girl.  Doc couldn't find boy parts and even thought he saw a hamburger {if you don't know what that is, Google it}.  I believe his exact words were, 'Well, either this little one is a boy who will never shower with the other boys or you've got your little girl.'  I had tears welling up but, honestly, it still didn't seem possible. Call it mother's intuition. 

And then it happened.  Just as he was about to shut that machine off and announce Team PINK, d4 flopped his leg over and revealed some serious goods.  Get a load of this kid...

I mean, seriously? I'm almost a little embarrassed to be posting this picture, it's so ridiculously clear.  Who the heck does he think he is anyway? Oh wait, I know.  He's a Darnell boy, LOUD AND PROUD.

It's been a week now and we're coming to terms with the idea.  Don't misunderstand me - we are beyond grateful to become parents again.  It is not something we take for granted.  I have many, many friends who have struggled and would give their right arm to be one shy of a starting line-up.  That being said, we had hoped and prayed for a baby girl so, if I'm being honest, we were a little disappointed.  Not because we're having a baby boy but because we may never know what it's like to have a baby girl. 

Several people have made the comment that we'll just have to 'try again.'  Um, hello? I think we can all agree that Dallas just does not produce XX swimmers.  And let's not forget that we're on numero cuatro here.  We already get the looks when in public, especially now that the belly has rounded out a bit and strangers are certain at what they're staring at {yes, STARING, especially if I'm alone with all of them and happen to be without my wedding ring}.  In this society {or at least where we live}, four kids is insane, five turns you into a freak show.

And let's also keep in mind that, although I'll be physically birthing my fourth child, I truly have five when you include my dear, sweet husband.  You don't believe me? Let's see.  About six months ago, I hid a stupid Nerf gun in the cabinets.  Dallas discovered it the other day and it took him all of three minutes to dig up some foam darts and blast ME while I was in the kitchen, slaving over a hot meal for these heathens.  Rather than helping me establish some rules with these Nerf guns, he would prefer to demonstrate for his boys how to effectively pull off a sneak attack on their mother.  Yeah, good times.   

Nonetheless, this new little guy will be loved abundantly and has quite the exciting childhood laid out for him, albeit at the expense of his mommy's quickly depleting sanity. 

The Lord certainly has a sense of humor, doesn't He? But He is good and we are blessed.  Just keep reminding me of that when I've hidden myself under the bed to get away from my attackers.