Oh what a blessing!

How blessed we are to be the parents of our beautiful baby boy, Denison Kahlel Deal. On May 17, 2009, we wore smiles on our faces as is seen in the photo above. What an unforgettable day this was for us. The reason for this happiness is explained in the photos below.

To truly understand my relief, I must recap every detail. On the Saturday before Denny's blessing, my husband and I set out to go shopping for Denny's outfit. It didn't take us very long to find what we were looking for that day. We found a kids formal store that was just a few blocks from where we lived. YAY!!! Doing what women do best, I shuffled through the rack while my hubby sat down with Denny. (go figure right) Then when we selected the entire outfit we proceeded to check out. When I reached in my bag to pay..S-H-A-M-E... NO MONEY! Luckily my hubby cash on him. After leaving the store we headed home to drop off the laundry my hubby picked up and my mom decided to tag along to help. ( thank heaven!) Then we headed to Sandy's, another store to get something for Walter but we were unsuccessful. Then my hubby suggest we get a yummy hot dog from a vendor who is known for her delish dogs. So while my mom was in the car holding Denny, Walt and I went for the hot dog. After standing there for few minutes waiting with others, a fierce wind blew the umbrella up that was attached to the stand as I watched. In quick defense as it came down, I put my hands up to block it from hitting me or anyone. Walter did the same but was too late and the sharp iron piece came down and gashed him in the head. I was stunned after my brave hubby calmly said, "I'm hit." Frantically I started to look and it and as he moved his hand, his head started gushing blood. I tried to keep my calm but I was truly worried for my sweetheart.

So to shorten this story a bit ..... My hubby was convinced he could doctor himself (uhuh men try to act so macho sometimes)..with a little knowledge of first aid and a pharmacy in reach, he instructed me to get some antibiotic powder and gauze. Meanwhile, a gentlemen gave him some ice from the drink cooler to compress it. I came back with the stuff but on advice from a lady in the pharmacy, she suggested we go to the emergency room to avoid infection. I agreed with her and persisted to convince my hubby otherwise... I could not bear the idea of something happening to him.. thumbs up to the cliche.."Better safe than sorry!" The only thing that bothered me was that after all that happened I still paid $10.25 for the hot dogs when they should have been free. Don't get me wrong..I know it was an accident but the gesture or offer of courtesy would have been greatly appreciated seeing that it happened under her stall .... I mean let us be the one to refuse...grrrr some people are so inconsiderate... If I were in the US I could sue! Boy is she lucky those hot dogs where yummy....(hehe) I'm so grateful that my mom was there to hold Denny because he might have gotten hurt and then they would have had a mad women on there hands.

So after a decade of waiting in the so-called emergency room....the doc resolved that he needed stitches. This would be the second time around for my hubby. It was such a long wait, that I had toleave and go catch the mall before they they closed because I had to purchase a new shirt for my husband for husband to wear for church. After I was one, my mom, Denny and I headed back to the pick my hubby up from the hospital. I was relieved when I saw him because it could have been worse.

When I asked if he would be okay for Sunday, he assured me although he had a massive headache he was not going to miss blessing his son. Wonderful huh? I wouldn't want it any other way. When I look back at it, it amazes me how the devil will try everything to stop our Father's plan. The devil knew this was important to our family to have our son blessed by his Father but again the Lord prevailed and my hubby did it with stitches, nerves and all. Oh what a blessing!

Sunday morning was a beautiful day. After getting Denny all snazzy in his suit, I nursed him to sleep. I looked at him dressed from head to toe in white and thought WOW! My son looks so handsome...like he just fell out of heaven. Children truly are gifts from God. My husband and I got ready and did everything to make sure we were on time and that we were. I wore all white and my hubby wore a white shirt. We wanted to look like a family.

After arriving at church, I saw that my mother-in-law and bro-in law (Walter's bro. Charles) came. It's is crazy that it took Denny's blessing to get her to attend sacrament. My mother-in-law and my mom sat together while we sat next to the rest of our family. It felt so good to have the support of family that day... it was so special. When it was time, our Branch President almost forgot us. Walter politely gestured to get his attention to remind him. There was no way we were going to let anyone forget because we waited too long for this day.

So the time came and it was so quiet. Denny was sleeping and I scooped him up with his blanket and handed him to his Daddy. Reverently, my hubby headed up the aisle while I headed for a seat closer to the pulpit where him and the others stood. My mom sat next to me. What a moment! I wish I could just bottle it up. The spirit was so present. The prayer was so touching. What a blessing to have the priesthood. It is a great comfort to know that as a family, we can call upon the priesthood to bless us as long as my hubby stays worthy.

Denison was so calm after the prayer and he awoke shortly after. It was like he knew what just happened. After Sacrament was over, I took a bunch of pics with Denny and the family. Crazy me... I just realized that we didn't take any together..(3 OF US) When church was over we went home and had a lovely lunch with friends and family. I also made Denny a cake which celebrates his blessing day.
Oh yeah I almost forgot to mention that one of the other little girl who happens to be a toddler called Denny a "hot baby," already I am sensing Denny is going to be breaking a lot of hearts..... Oh boy what am I in for?

OUR PRECIOUS SLEEPING BUNDLE OF JOY





OUR LIL' ANGEL FROM HEAVEN




PURE INNOCENCE


LOOK IT'S "SLEEPING CUTIE"




DENNY CHILLIN' WITH UNCLE CHARLES
HAVING A HEART TO HEART WITH AUNTIE CHERYL



DENNY GETTING INTO HIS CAKE WITH HIS MOMMY AND DADDY

DENNY'S YUMMY BLESSING CAKE

DENNY WITH HIS 2 GRAMMIES

DENNY WITH HIS AUNTIE LISA

DENNY WITH THE FAMILY

I really can't complain because I have a wonderful family. I love knowing we have a place we belong. I know this is just the start of so many other milestones we will celebrate as a family and I can't wait to experience them all. We will hold the memory of this day close to our hearts and bask in the love light and blessing of living life with beauty.

Mamma Mia....MOTHER'S DAY!

It may be a bit late for this but "Happy Mother's Day" to all especially to my Mom., Ella Walkine, who has taught me what it is to me a great mom. I was not able to blog that day because for a while there was a connectivity problem on this end and I had no access. Major bummer but I'm making up for it anyway. (Let's just pretend that I did this on that day- nevermind the date)

Last Mother's Day I was pregnant. This is my first official Mother's Day and it was very special. Whoo-hoo I'm finally in the Mammas Club! Loving it! Let's see there were quite a few highlights to my day.

1. The moment Denison woke up and opened his eyes, he gave me the most beautiful smile ever. It was his way of saying...HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOMMY!
Denny and me at church on Mother's Day Sunday
2. My Sister surprised me with a yummy breakfast.
3. Getting a massage from one of my Primary kids.
4. Receiving Flowers and a goody package for first time moms on behalf of the Relief Society.
5. Hugs, kisses and kind greetings from family and friends.
and so much more. The Friday before Mother's Day the church had a MOTHER'S DAY party and I had a great time. Boy did I boogie..... It was a great opportunity to shake off some of the baby weight. HA! It was a nice outing for the three of us.
This was quite a special day and now that I'm a mother I can relate to how grateful we should be. I love being a mom and look foward to everyday with my son. I reflect on the defining day I gave birth to Denison and the overwhelming love I felt and the way it grows everyday. I try to take in every moment I have with him because the time with him is so fleeting. It is so fun to watch his progression and how much joy and excitement it brings when he has learnt something new. Oh man... I feel so honored and blessed to be a mother to this beautiful child.!!! What a treasure!!!! I am sooooo in love..... again. I Some of the things I get really excited about is knowing that my son knows I am his mommy such as the way he lights up when he sees me or hears my voice or when he cries in someone else's arms and I take him he is consoled immediately when he knows I am holding him. I guess he knows my scent.....hehe These things among so many reassure me that I have a glorious purpose.


First, I thank my Father in heaven for the opportunity for being a mother in Zion and second I thank my hubby. (hee-hee naughty me) and finally thanks to all the other wonderful women in my life that have positively influenced this divine role that I have chosen to take. (ladies you know who you are ) What a wonderful calling to have as a women. I really look foward to my future as a mom and celebrating motherhood and the priceless rewards that I reap from it.

To my son, DENISON KAHLEL DEAL ....

MOMMY LOVES YOU AND IS PROUD AND GRATEFUL TO BE YOUR MOTHER!

Gotta go baby!

Today I went back to work. It was actually a pretty good day but I am tired now. This morning I got up made a yummy breakfast- Banana pancakes, scrambled eggs and fried sausage.yummy! Then I just spent the rest of the morning tending Denny while he played for a bit and doing my routine Mommy duties. He is such a good boy! I gave him his bath and feed him and then he took a nap. A long nap--halleujah!!! That was my que to get ready for work. When I was done, I wrote a note to my Hubby just leaving some instructions for Denny. ( such as giving Denny the breastmilk in storage etc.) My Hubby was taking baby shift while I went to work and he was getting off. (so it worked out pretty well) I will admit, I was a bit worried about Denny still not taking a bottle. I knew he would cry murder before taking that bottle.





We purchased so many different bottles. Almost Hopeless.. The only bottle we found he has given some effort to is the "Adiri" bottle. The nipple is a lot more shorter and shaped like an actual nipple from a mother's breast. This kid is one smart cookie-- ya can't fool him!





So at about 2:45pm I kissed Denny goodbye and I left for work. Luckily, my Mom watched him till my hubby arrived so that kept me at ease. I walked to work, and boy did that feel like a workout..ouch. (tells me I'm outta shape..hehe ) To make a long story short, the day was very smooth. The only thing out of the ordinary was that my breasts became so engorged with milk that it was painful. I had to find somewhere private to express them and that I did. At that point, I was missing Denny even more and couldn't wait to get home to see him. Before I knew it... I was headed home at about 8:45 pm.



When we pulled up in the garage quickly got out and headed straight for the bedroom to see how my hubby held the fort. Well there they were my two men, calm as a cucumber. There Denny was lying on his shoulder, out like a light! Beautiful sight to see! My hubby seemed to be self-assured. I was so proud! I went over to my hubby, kissed both of them and took Denny out of his arms. I was so happy to see him! Denny was a half-awake so I immediatley fed him because I was full again. (he surely was hungry) According to my hubby, after lots of crying Denny did take some of the milk from the bottle which surprised me. I guess he saw no other choice than to take it. I also read somewhere that baby's can sense/smell their mother's from 20 feet away. In that case, sometimes you might get more success if someone else offers the bottle. I guess that is the scenario here!!


Well it is way past midnight..
Until next time...

Impossible yesterday..Hopeful Today!

I can explain...about yesterday- I was committed to finish posting a new blog but unfortunately as with all things there was opposition. I didn't really finish. The minute the started to write something , Denny would pitch up a crying fit because he was completly restless and cranky. (Just one of those days) So to no avail he did not take a nap. Who would have thought that he would be so cranky considering he woke up so happy. I remember feeling so refreshed that morning because we both slept in late. Denny was flirting with himself in the mirror..it was so fun to see. He just so adorable and vain... (hehe..who does he get that from...hmm? )My lil pumpkin... On top of that I did type a blog but somehow I lost the draft and after being so exhausted I decided I would call it a day and try again tomorrow. Hence, here I am today!!



At about 6am this morning after family prayer. my hubby kissed Denny and me goodbye as he headed out for work. Denny and I have been lounging around for most of the day. I was watching alot of reruns of "America's Next Top Model." It feel really sad for those girls because it is all so superficial. Being beautiful and glamourous ..I'M ALL FOR IT!!! I get a Lil "Vogue" now and then . Although it's fun to watch, It makes me grateful for who I am and what I believe. Being a wife and mother in Zion is so much more rewarding. I would give up all those things up just to see my baby's heart-melting "Gummy smile" and have the loving-support of my husband. Besides two of the hottest men in my life are my biggest fans! What could be better than that?



On Friday, 2 days to be exact I will be headed back to work. Luckily, becasuse I work in my sister's eatery, she has arranged a means by which I will be able to be with Denny in the morning and by mid-day my hubby would be off from work and would take over the care of our son. (with an occasional help from my mom) This way we don't have to send him to a nursery..thank Heavenly Father!!



Reasons:



1. It would save us some money.

2. We raise our own child the way we want.

3. We both get to spend quality time with him.

4. We won't miss out on those precious progressive milestones. (Denny rolled over today)

5. I wouls still be able to assist my hubby in bringing in the dough ;)

6. Dennt still won't take a bottle...oh boy...



So even though I'm not a full time stay at home Mom as I would have wished .. I have reached a satisfactory compromise and I can live with that. Now I've just got to figure out how I'm going to pump at work. Speaking of which..Denny is munching on me now so I think that is my que to go.

Until next time folks...keep living, laughing, and loving.

What a day!

Today started out beautifully! After having family prayer this morning, I kissed my hubby goodbye as he headed out for work. Denny and I slept in late but it was so refreshing because when he woke up he was so happy as was I. I changed his diaper and then fed him for a bit. Seeing he was in a great mood, I played with him for a while. There is nothing greater than a happy baby! Dennny was with his Aunt Cheryl (my sis) for a bit . If you didn't know, Cheryl is a great Aunt who absolutely adores her nephew. (she can't get enough of him) At church on Sunday, we had District Conference and Cheryl had a talk on charity. (in a nutshell) It was great, especially as she higlighted Denny as the object of her affection and as with charity she too would gladly share in his burden and whatever it takes to keep him happy. Aweee- isn't that sweet?

Oh boy, Denny surely is surrounded by lots of love.... Mommy, Daddy, Grandmas, Grandpas, Uncles, Aunts, Godmothers...the works!!

Making it happen!

What a beauuuuuutiful day to blog...

I will admit this is such a wonderful way to keep an account of one's life. We are so truly blessed to witness all the beauty that life has to offer but yet so many of us take it for granted. After my epiphany, I finally decided that my life is a stage circus full of exciting acts and a cascade of emotions. I almost thought I wouldn't be able to blog because of time constraints but I am determined... yes....I can do it!

As a matter of fact I'm typing with one hand while holding Denny with the other. HA! Talented huh!?I think so... I had just but Denny down for a nap, relieved that I could get a break and within 10 minutes of blogging I had to be "Super Mommy" to the rescue as I was responding to his cries of distress. I guess he wants to be apart of this too. I love being a mom. It's challenging yet so rewarding....Ahh there he goes again-- crying. See what I mean?... You get the pic!

I just put him in his carrier to sleep right next to me and I'm rocking him with one leg while typing(brownie points for more talent).. so I've got both hands back now. For some reason, he is having outbursts of crying now while sleeping(nightmares? gas?) I am having major issues with him taking a good solid nap. (this among other issues I will blog about later)

With this being the first entry, let the record state that starting today I will vow to blog as often as I can and keep updates of the Deal Family roller coaster of----Life, Laughter, Learning and Love. Anyone who knows me well knows I am a talker so I doubt I will not be lost for words.(CAN I GET A MHMM???) I love writing. I know we are going to have fun with this..