When the Power is Out 7/13/14

*Working by the light of the computer screen. 

(Written in our former city) 

It comes and goes. The power, that is. We just came home from two weeks away to a home with no electricity, no water due to no electricity, and a bone-dry inverter also due to no electricity! 

Lately, the power has been out at least 12 hours out of a 24 hour period. That doesn't allow the inverter time to charge back up when it is on causing the power to go out in full some of the time! 

I am not one to take a cold shower just to cool off but I've been doing it everyday! Today, I just stood under the water till the power came back on! (Water is back on most of the time now although the power isn't high enough to run the washing machine so our clothes are a little piled up.) 

For some reason, monsoon still hasn't hit. People are stressing it. I'm stressing it. It's hot! But, ya know. AFTER I go through all the thoughts of "ITS SO HOT and WE'RE GONNA SUFFOCATE and PLEASE COME BACK ON!" My mind does eventually turn to the people who deal with this all. the. time. They don't cool back off when the power comes on. They don't have power. And you know what? It's probably the least of their worries. They've got far too many other things to worry about than whether or not the power is on. Like, will their crops survive this year so they can feed their family? Or where will their next meal even come from?  

People have it so bad. And, sadly, if doesn't stop there. They don't even have a clue what else they're missing. They live this life in darkness. And they'll be living the next one in utter darkness. No escape. 

Thing 1 & Thing 2

Pregnancy Update: 

I went for an ultrasound appointment at exactly 18 weeks. Before I get anyone's hopes up, yes, I DID see one of the genders for sure, but I am NOT revealing in case I get a chance to see the other at my next appointment.  

For now, I am calling them, appropriately Thing 1 & Thing 2. They are "bunking" in my uterus. Meaning they are both on the back wall, one high, one low. The low one is thing one, the high, thing two. 

Thing two beats Thing one in size barely at every check up and at week 18 is measuring 19 weeks 1 day while thing one measures 18 weeks 5 days. So they are coming right along. :) 

I had the best ultrasound tech ever! She was amazing and so informative. She LOVED teaching us about the babies. We saw the four chambers of the heart, the aorta, four fingers and a thumb, precious little feet, and we got 3D face shots! She even let me leave to grab a bite to eat in hopes that Thing Two would show it's face a little better. It didn't help much. 

So, the update is that all seems well. I have another checkup very soon and hope to see if I can figure out what baby number one is! 

For now, here are some 3D shots. They're not super because I took a picture of them using my phone. 

*Top Row: Thing One

Bottom Row: Thing Two (blurry) 

Of Fevers, and Lice, and Everything Nice

When I moved overseas, I quickly had the privelege of helping a friend pick nits because she had come in contact with the dreaded, the unspeakable, the unbearable... Lice epidemic! Da da da! 

A few weeks ago, when we were going through the roaches and the fires and the trials, I boldly told God, "There are two things I simply can not handle: lice and bedbugs!" 

Well, He showed me!!!! We had just arrived at our yearly retreat in Nepal at a beautiful resort with a few hundred of our colleagues and their families... 

I started to put Kamden's hair in a pony tail and what do I see? You already know!  Try telling your girls they have to stay home from class and their friends during the only week out of the year that they see them. Try telling them they have to miss swim time when Kiley's one goal was to swim the length of the pool to get a green bracelet to spend the week in the deep end. It wasn't easy. 

And my immediate reaction wasn't pretty. "I TOLD God I could not handle this! We need to just leave. It's pointless for us to sit in this hotel room..." 

But, would you believe that about five minutes in, The Lord spoke to me so clearly... Through lice... And actually used it to ENCOURAGE me rather than discourage? I find it hard to believe myself. 

#1 He quietly whispered to me "Obviously, I happen to think you CAN handle it." Thank you, God, for giving us trials that prove YOU are God and YOU are in control. 

#2 It was like the trial that sent me over the edge... In a good way. It's been a long season. One that's led to many questions, wonderings, asking God what's next. And, for some reason, it took lice for me to go "ok! So He DOES want us here afterall!" 

It's so difficult to explain how I began the week DIScouraged. Encountered lice. And somehow left ENcouraged. But it's true. It happened. And so these days, I'm thankful for... Lice. Yep, you heard me right. 

Just a couple side notes: 

-after missing two days of classes I put my foot down and said we would definitely have it under control so the girls could enjoy class the following day, and five minutes later Kiley says, "I don't feel good!" She was blessed with the bug going around and had a fever of 102 and felt horrible. So, we stayed back yet again. But, ya know, she kept saying, "sometimes it's fun to be sick!" 

-While washing everyone's hair, Kamden says "Do I have lice?" Kiley said "You had one" (because when I saw it, I put it in a bag to confirm it was what I thought it was). Kamden got so excited and said "Can I keep it as a PET?!?!?" How can you not love her! 

-There were some major things to be thankful for throughout: 1) there were nurses available who were awesome in finding the right shampoos to use. 2) we were at a hotel where we could wash & dry clothes easily 3) our home is empty for two full weeks which means the problem should be resolved and make the cleaning aspect easier there when we get there 4) somehow, by the grace of God, only Kamden got it! 

-Also, though my attitude improved tremendously through this episode, I definitely had to continue to remind myself to have the same attitude the next time this happens whether God speaks to me through it again or not. Because it's bound to happen.  We are combining two cultures: one that says lice is an absolute no-go (I'm on that team, btw!) and the other that just lives with it. And if we're going to build close relationships at all, then we're bound to face similar trials again. 

-We are alive, we are well (for the most part), we are together, we are loved by the God of the universe. For what more could we ask? 

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18 HCSB)

Perspective- June 28

Jason Coke is BACK! Jason is the KING of finding the best hotels for the lowest price. But the last few places we've stayed have made me wonder if he's lost his touch! 

Not today! We are staying in a gem of a hotel/guest house. Beautiful little swimming pool out front. And when we asked the pool times, they said "Our house is your house. You may use as you please!" WHAT?!? No swimming caps necessary!!! 

The place is decked out in white furniture and the shower is amazing. The staff, tho, is my favorite thing. So hospitable. And breakfast was perfect! Fresh mangoes, toast with jam, omelettes, and paranthas. All ready upon our arrival. No hour long wait time. 

The funny thing is that last night, I was commenting on how amazing this place is, but how someone who has never been to India and never seen the array of places we've stayed may not see what we see. I said, "they would see..." And Jason blurts out "that thing behind you?" And I turned around to find a bunch of wires sticking out of the wall right above my head! It cracked us up and brought on a discussion about perspective. 

Too funny! For now, we're more than thankful to have a comfortable place to stay while we search for houses. 

And, for now, attitudes are much improved since yesterday. Shwew. Good thing! 

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Almost a week ago I posted about laughter on Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10154464888925107&id=550455106

Little did I know God would hear my cry and give me a day filled with my favorite thing: Laughter! 

We had the awesome privelege of being invited by two of our closest friends to their family's house about an hour from here. 

Immediately upon arriving, their aunties welcomed us with heartfelt, deep belly laughter. And, no, we didn't have something hanging out of our noses. ;) It was pure, sweet joy! And it was greatly appreciated! 

What I find interesting is that the girls recognized it right away as well and within minutes felt right at home. 

We really didn't do anything more than visit and laugh. And that was all it took to make it a much needed really great day! 

At one point in the day, Kamden ran a quick errand with Shelly (our friend's sister who has become a fast friend as well) and she came back in with a drum around her neck tapping out a beat. That was all it took to get those aunties roaring with laughter! Kamden then decided she would dance and whoever she tagged had to dance as well. It took a little persuading but soon enough just about everyone had taken their turn. 

We were encouraged to spend the night and tho we had some things going on here and Jason wasn't feeling so well, how could we say no? And we were glad we did! It was an atmosphere that was hard to leave. So we stuck around through the evening just enjoying the company and eventually everyone drifted off to sleep before heading back home this morning. 

One thing I found really neat as I was resting on a cot in the middle of the day in the middle of the living room was how much this place and this family reminded me of my own extended family and the many childhood memories spent at my Aunt Norma's. The room was crowded with people most of the day: some playing cards, some resting, children playing quietly, the aunties working hard at something delicious in the kitchen, the warmth of the summer heat, and the peacefulness and feeling of belonging that swept over you almost immediately upon entering- no matter who you were- family or not. 

I'm incredibly grateful for the day of relaxation and family that we had yesterday. What a neat feeling to be taken back in my memory to a small country home halfway around the world where I spent many of my childhood summer days. 

Thank you, God, for family- real or not...

And, Thank you, God, for laughter! 

*Here, Kamden told us she would dance only if we all put our fingers to our lips to keep from laughing! ;) 

Movie Day!

I'm trying to write more these days. Not just the big stuff, but the day to day, too. 

This summer, the girls & I made a list of summer goals (small as they may be) that we wanted to accomplish this summer. The list included: going to the park we like, game day, movie day, water park, memorize some verses, and a couple of other schooling type goals too. 

Well, often they beg for it to be movie day so today I obliged. The plan was to have an American Girl Doll Movie marathon. So they set out immediately after breakfast in my bedroom (only place with some good AC) and I set out to spend the morning in complete peace. 

I must admit, 9 hours of screen time in one day is a little concerning for me, and I'm positive that someone reading this will have a very strong opinion about it, but it's putting a huge smile on their faces. And mine too! It's like a mini-spiritual retreat for me happened this morning!

So, at the midpoint of each movie, I get them a little snack (we call it intermission-which is a Legit happening here in India in the movie theatres). Then between each movie (to help my self esteem a little), we have an interval where we have a dance party to a song or two and then they rush back in for the next feature presentation. 

It's been an incredibly relaxing day and I'm gonna praise God for it!!!!!! 

I also got to spend some good time with Soni Didi today in John chapter 3 talking about being born again. She totally got it. She shared her story with me and committed to sharing it with two others this week. Pray that she would be faithful to do so! 

Well, the only thing left on my afternoon agenda is to fix lunch and try to catch the end of movie day! 

The Summer of Grace

To be quite honest, it's been quite the summer. I won't go into detail, it's just been one of those seasons. 

So, my saving grace has been that these girls get along exceptionally well lately (with the normal occasional bickering like what I just broke up a second ago)! 

But, seriously, there's no glamour to their little lives right now. No summer days at the park. No soccer teams or gymnastics class, or Wednesday night choir with Ms. Dee or Mrs. Vicki. No Pinterest crafts or snacks from this Mommy. No ice cream dates or really much of anything that involves getting outside. So, when I say that their little friendship is my saving grace, I really mean that. It is one of the major things I spend time praising God for every day. 

So, I figured to remember this season of grace in my own life, I should put it into a quick blog. And why not today, when I got to experience a little bit of a lovely salon put on by Kiley and then filled in by Kamden when it was Kiley's turn to be pampered. 

I just enjoyed my manicure, facial, and hairstyle and then went on my merry little way while they worked out the rest. :) 

Thank you, God, for these blessings. For the light in the darkness. And for the reminder of your love for me. 

Worry=Sin

"Do not worry saying what shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or what shall we wear. For the pagans run after all these things and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them! But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you as well!"  

This verse came to mind just a few moments ago. Why? Because I just got home from a perfect doctor's visit where both babies checked out great and all looks well. And I'm on cloud nine. And then, what do I do? I begin to question, "where will we get the things they 'need'? How in the world will we provide for them? How will this all work out?" And then I'm hit in the face with this reminder! 

Seriously, sometimes I'm ashamed of myself. Just like the Israelites. He hits me with a blessing and I praise him with a doubt?!? Crazy! 

"Oh what peace we often forfeit.

Oh what needless pain we bear. 

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer." 

Lamentations 3:22-23

After yesterday's post about our day that came out of nowhere, I've had a few thoughts on my mind. 

First of all, thank you for your many words of encouragement! I'm a big words of affirmation girl and your kindness really puts things in perspective and helps me to persevere. 

But, also, I want to share that nothing good in that post came from my own natural desires. God is refining us. God is carrying us. And tho God is allowing trials, He's bringing us safely through them. 

The first verse on my mind after the fire was Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you." In a semi-joking way, I told Jason that if the smoke stain didn't come off the wall we would put that verse there to remind us! (The smoke stain came right off, btw). 

But today, as I was scrolling through Facebook, I came across this status and was blown away by the reminder: "Through the Lord ’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22, 23 NKJV)

It is ONLY BY HIS GRACE that any of us are not consumed. We absolutely cannot take credit for a good attitude, making it through a tough day, or doing anything good at all. Afterall, like the song says, "the only thing that's good in me is Jesus!" 

I'm thankful for His grace. Without it. I. Would. Be. Nothing. 

Not A Bed of Roses. Or Is It?

Yes. We get to experience some pretty cool things living this 'adventurous' life we live. And, yes, I'm thankful for the amazing things we've seen and done, places we've been, people we've met, and life God has given us. 

But this weekend has been one of those weekends that has made me want to throw in the towel and go running for home. And, since I mainly share the positive side of things, today, I'm gonna tell it like it is. And truthfully, throughout this trial I have repeatedly reminded myself of what I have to be thankful for. Not only besides the trial but actually in it. So I'll share those too. 

Both girls came down sick beginning Friday night. Kamden, without exaggerating, threw up every five to ten minutes from 11:30PM till 3AM when she finally caught a break and slept until 6AM and started puking again. My heart broke for her and there was nothing I could do. She's usually pretty chipper through puking (strange child) but this time she could barely hold her head up. 

And then when we all woke up Saturday AM, Kiley's first words were "My tummy hurts." And so it began for her as well. She was lucky. Only threw up once but had a terrible fever to go with it. 

Did I mention Jason was out of town and the power was off and on all night? And that Kamden almost never misses the bucket, but this time she did! ;) 

Honestly, somehow, only by God's grace, I was able to serve those two girls far better than I ever have in the past. I just kept reminding myself to serve them with love. Graciously and selflessly. Yes. Pathetic that I had to remind myself but a victory that I did it.  And God gave me the grace to stay awake during (most of) their movies that they wanted so desperately for me to see! 

Jason got home in time to leave again. ;) And last night we found... (I'm baring it all now, ladies and gentlemen), ROACHES!  And I don't mean one. Plural. Dis. Gust. ING. We live in the middle floor of a home that is wedged between other homes so it's no wonder. But, seriously! I was disgusted. We didn't sleep. We researched. And we set out for battle!  Thankfully, it seems as if they've confined themselves to one room. They are coming through the drain and residing under our kitchen sink. I know. Gross. You don't have to tell me. But what to do other than declare war and go at it. We got up extra early and Jason set out to get the weapons while I went to work completely stripping the kitchen of everything. 

Sadly, this is where I have to mention that Kamden came down with a high fever as well. So now, two sick girls and an all-out war on the most disgusting creature in the world. 

So, when you think what a glamorous life we seem to be living. Think again. Because moments like these remind me that we are certainly not living a fairy tale. 

So... Now for the thankful moments because it's good to end on a good note: 

-Jason came home! Yay! And he's always level headed! While I'm considering packing our bags, he's thinking logically. 

-Both girls have gotten lots of cuddle time and surely know I love them. ;) As a matter of fact, there's tons to be done but I'm currently holding a sleeping Kamden because of her reputation of seizing from fevers so I don't want to leave her alone. 

-Jason and I work WELL together! And I think it's neat to see how five years ago this disaster would have ended in an argument. Not today. Today we have worked as a team. 

-Soni Didi was able to come today so, as I cleaned out the kitchen, she washed every dish in it so we could really have a next to perfectly spotless kitchen.

-We are pretty certain we've found the source and the proper method for getting rid of them and tho me of little faith has a hard time believing we won't be dealing with this again soon, I'm thankful for now. 

-I'm reminded that life isn't a bed of roses. Or maybe it is. And that's just it. Roses have thorns. And this weekend, tho I could smell the roses, I could certainly feel the thorns! 

Addendum: I can't believe I'm actually having to add to this but the 'fun' actually didn't stop there! We were on the last phase of clean up when we heard a loud pop! Our electrical box had blown sending very bad smoke throughout the house. So we checked on it and got outside because the smell was too much. About five minutes later, Jason and I stepped inside and the smell was worse. Believe it or not, a spark had managed to fall into a basket we keep nearby and had caught it on fire! My purse, wallet, and the basket were among the only real casualties. We were on the verge of overly frustrated when some friends stopped by to show us their new cd! Yay for good friends to take yourkns off things. So we all sat outside while the house cleared out! 

The rest is just laughable. Finally finished cleaning the house around ten after fixing dinner in the newly cleaned kitchen. Wen for a long awaited shower... Our water heater had quit! No problem, right? We have another shower. Got in. Water ran out!!!! Sent Jason downstairs to start the pump, I hear him growl... What now... A cat had gotten into our trash!!!! Unbelievable!!!! We finally made it to bed and are taking the girls in tomorrow to see the doc and get those tummy issues cleared up! Whoo! What. A. Day. 

EASTER - EASTER = JESUS

Our first Christmas here was a doozie. There's no denying that. But the second Christmas when I had come to my senses, I asked someone after the church service, "So, what will you guys do now?" Mind you, their kids were ecstatic that it was Christmas, dancing around all hyper and pumped! They're answer? "कुच नहीं!" Means: NOTHING. I'm pretty sure I picked my chin up off the floor. Because it hit me, these guys were excited about one thing and one thing only: JESUS!!!! 

So, this weekend that concept has been on my mind. If it weren't for the new dress, the Easter bunny, the Easter basket and the egg hunts, the special meal, and, should I dare say, even the extravagant worship service, would we wake up as excited to celebrate simply Jesus this Easter? Or would it be just another day? 

I asked the girls why they were excited about Easter. Kamden said it was because Jesus died on the cross. Kiley said she wasn't really sure, she just loves how excited everyone is. But, what about you? What about me? What gets us excited about Easter? The extra time with family? The pretty dresses everyone will be wearing? The smile on our kids' faces when they see a load of toys and candy? Or is it Jesus? And if it's Jesus, why shouldn't we be so excited year round! I don't know and I have a lot of baggage and a lot of ideas about a 'good Easter' myself, but, man, there's nothing like worshipping with a bunch of people who have nothing else to look forward to that day besides, well, JESUS!!! 

Dreams Really Do Come True

My. Whole. Life. I've dreamed of one thing. Desires come and go. Ideas of perfection change. But this one hope always flickered in the back of my mind. As a child, I wanted four kids. Two of them twins. I had the names picked out and everything. ;) 

I've daydreamed even in recent years of having twins and if you know me very well, you know I'm not kidding when I say I've wanted them my whole life. 

So, when we walked into that ultrasound, looking back, I'm surprised that the thought wasn't on either of our minds. In that moment, we were just excited about seeing the baby and letting the girls get their first glimpse. 

But it all happened so fast!!!! The lady scanned across my belly. I saw two black circles flash across the screen while she simultaneously says, "Was this a normal concep..." And I started screaming, "GO BACK!!!!!! GO BACK!!!!! I SAW IT!!! THERE'S TWO!!!!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!? ARE THERE TWO?!? THERE'S TWO! I SAW THEM!!!!!!! I HAVE WANTED THIS MY WHOLE LIFE!!!!!!!!!"  

I'm surprised the lady didn't have me hospitalized for my extreme outburst. ;) She was patient and only had to tell me to sit still a handful of times. ;) I began to cry and she blamed it on the level of emotions but, do you know why I was crying? 

Because WHO AM I?!?!? That God would smile down on me in such a way! And give me not only the desires of my heart but in such a beautiful and perfect way!!!  I just kept asking Jason, "Does this really happen in real life?!?!? Is this for real?" 

The girls were excited, but I'm not gonna lie. My excitement somewhat outshines everyone else's. ;) After all, I've been dreaming of this moment the longest. 

They did, however, shout out "NOW WE EACH GET ONE!!!!" Talk about spoiled! ;)

Jason was all smiles. Because he's awesome like that. And he knows how bad I've always wanted this. And, he's just cool, and in his own words, "I'm up for anything!"  

We got to see two sweet little hearts beating and then walk out on a cloud!!!

OH MY WORD WE ARE HAVING TWINS!!! 

Sharing the news has been more than fun!!! I mean, really, how often do you get a call to say someone is having twins, let alone someone who has wanted them forever.  So, the repeated "oh my gosh oh my gosh" or the "get out of town" and the beloved "I actually prayed for this!!" Or the "I already had to shut my office door. My boss thinks I'm crazy!"  Or your dad looking back and forth between the screen and your mom and saying "She's kidding us! She's kidding!" And being reminded ever so sweetly of how a lady whom I love very much, my own grandmother, always said that the happiest day of her life was the day she gave birth to her twins! And, now, I get to experience that same amazing blessing!!!  

No kidding, folks, I daydreamed of how I would one day share the news if ever I were so blessed. And, I must say, words fail me. But all I know is that long ago, I asked for twins. And God chose instead to bless me with the most amazing little girls in the world. But, now, He has outdone Himself once again by pouring blessing on top of blessing!!!!!! 

And, so, in true Coke fashion, it's always an adventure!!!!! 

PS. Let me be quoted in saying that I know this is not going to be easy but I'm up for the challenge. Remind me of that in those difficult moments. ;) 

Kiley said these were the TWO hearts beating in my tummy! 

Blessed FAR Beyond Measure

As I sit here at 1AM, I can't help but be incredibly thankful. Life just doesn't work out this way in real life and yet somehow, for me, it has. How is it that we can walk into a place where we know no one, under leadership we've met only one time through Skype, and end up being in a dream world of a situation? How did we end up with mentors who really care about us and really want to see us succeed? How did we end up with people who not only went before and paved the way, but continue to walk alongside us and be not only our leaders, but our friends? I know that this is a rare, if not nearly impossible situation to end up in. And I am so incredibly grateful for it. When I stop and consider what benefits I have gained from being a part of this team in this place at this time, it's like a snowball effect because one thing leads to another and I see the iceberg that is below the surface of all that these guys have done to ensure as smooth a ride as possible. My words truly aren't sufficient and, chances are these guys may never read this post but I am counting my blessings tonight because I know we have been incredibly blessed! 

The US Dollar: What a Concept

Today was fun. Soni Didi came up to me holding a US Quarter and a Euro that had fallen off of Jason's nightstand. 

She said, "Didi, what are these? They look like money, but they're not!" So I began to tell her how countries all over the world use different types of money. She totally didn't get It for a while! It was so fun educating her! 

And, then I braved that Hindi by deciding to educate her even further on the US dollar! Guys! Did you ever realize how confusing our system is?!?!! When I pulled out a penny and said "one" but then pulled out a dollar and it had "1" written on it but I had to tell her it was actually one hundred!!! Shwew!!  And she was so confused as to why the quarter didn't have a number written anywhere on it! And we're supposed to just know what it's worth?!? ;) 

So then I started showing her all the coins and how each one was worth a certain number of pennies!!!! And as I went on, I realized how hard it really is to teach U.S. money!!! ;) 

Then, don't forget the comparison to the rupee! So I said that if milk is 20 rupees a bag here then it would be about 40 cents. But, she took that to mean milk is 40 cents in the US! Ha! Long shot! So then I had to explain, no, it's much more expensive, but that 20 rupees was equal to about 40 cents! Wowzers! 

It was fun and educational for me as well! The things we don't realize that aren't just common knowledge to everyone. She even asked me "Didi! Did you know about the rupee before you came here? And how? And what did you do when you got here to spend money? They wouldn't take your money, would they?"  

So interesting! So fun! And, I give myself an A+ for explaining a complex topic in a foreign language and her an A++ for understanding something she's never even heard of and especially through my Hindi. ;) 

The 5 Cokes (titled BEFORE our most recent findings!)

Well, ladies and gents! The news is out and we couldn't be happier! We are expecting our third baby! The4cokes will soon become the5cokes! I hope to jot down some of the cute and funny things my 6 & 8 year olds say and do throughout this pregnancy. 

So, for now, I'll just share how I told the family about our new addition and how the girls responded. 

First off, I took a 10 year expired pregnancy test so I wasn't convinced it was actually accurate. I know, counterproductive. Why take the test if you're not gonna believe it. And then it was time to leave for a week in the village! So, what else to do other than keep it a secret until I could know for sure!!!! So I didn't say a word to my husband. Didn't even let on!!!! Looking back, I am a bad person!!!! But, in my defense, I didn't want to say to him, "we might be". Plus, I wanted to surprise him in a fun way so he was forced to be excited. ;) Sneaky sneaky. 

So, when we returned home, I retested and sure enough... That night I baked a cookie cake that read "the5cokes". Then I asked the girls if they wanted to play telephone. I whispered in Kiley's ear "I'm gonna be a big sister." She whispered in Kamden's ear, then Kamden whispered in Daddy's ear. And... The girls were totally oblivious. They totally didn't get it. After all, it was just a game of telephone, not gospel truth, right?!? ;) finally they caught on, Jason has suspected for quite some time (not so great at hiding things apparently), and once they got it, a party ensued!! 

Back story: Kamden has literally been ANGRY that, in her own words, "I'm the only one who's not a big sister!..." So she has been waiting for this day for quite some time!

Also, that night (thanks to Kamden's brave science teacher) I was informed by Kamden, "Mommy!!!! Did you ever know it comes out right beside you leg?!?" Thank you, Kamden, for that lesson in childbirth! 

The girls immediately began choosing and writing names. And I immediately informed them that mommy and daddy would be choosing the name! 

Also, Kamden looked at the cake and said, "mommy! You should have put 'theM5cokes' for 'maybe' because it could be twins!!! 

They were also quite concerned about us having to change our emails etc! Gotta love the important details they think of. 

The next morning, Kamden divied of jobs for taking care of the baby. Kamden- teach it to ride the scooter and hold it. Kiley- teach it criss cross applesauce and how to color inside the lines. I have to feed it and daddy changes diapers! Hahaha! All I have left is to do the dishes if Soni Didi doesn't come. Hmmm! This should be the easiest baby ever! ;) 

Kamden can't stop rubbing my belly and talking to the baby and Kiley can't stop saying, "I can't believe it! I never thought you'd have another baby!" 

The land of the4cokes is full of adventure and this is bound to be another great one!