kids and babies

I have quite a few friends who have large families by today's standards. One might be tempted to assume that kids in homes where lots of babies are born would become bored by or indifferent to new little lives entering the world... My recent experience has been quite the contrary. These kids are genuinely excited to meet Felicity, who is now 5 1/2 weeks old.

Maybe it's because they're accustomed to little ones, so they're not afraid, but the ooohs and aaahs from my friends' children have been really touching to me. These kids are truly being raised in a pro-life culture - in their homes, that is. They live in places where babies are desired and welcomed.

Openness to life is certainly not the only way to demonstrate a pro-life stance. And I'm well-aware that not everyone who sincerely desires children will be blessed in that way... However, when parents are open, when they make material and physical sacrifices to welcome another child, and when they see children as blessings rather than burdens, i think kids are well aware. and the attitude rubs off on them. They seem to be filled with joy at the sight of a new baby or a pregnant mommy.

Oh yeah, I should mention that most of the kids I'm talking about are home-schooled, so they spend lots of time around their little brothers and sisters. Familiarity with little people, and people of all ages, is another great advantage of the homeschool environment. Time together really is a gift. Life is a gift. We can spend time with babies, in nursing homes, visiting relatives and neighbors of all ages. And we learn that all lives are valuable, no matter what.

We hope to have more children. But, even if life should not turn out that way, I want my kids to know that we were open. We like having them around, even on the difficult days, and more people like them would always be welcome in our family.

hats

these are so cute, it's ridiculous:
www.moboleez.com

i've been trying forever to figure out how to link other websites to my blog posts, and i cannot figure it out. help!!

Question:

Answer: Pretty darn cute. Must get it from your dad (check him out
below at the Notre Dame - Air Force football game)

Sunday Musings part 2

Well, we've survived another week of Eustace working nights. It is not my favorite scenario; however, the payoff is that he will be home every night for the next three weeks!

So, we had Thanksgiving dinner with our sweet and generous next door neighbors on Thursday. Then, Thanksgiving dinner at my parents' house on Friday. Finally, we had a little bridal shower for my soon-to-be sister-in-law on Saturday with her mom, my mom and sister. She and my brother are so excited about getting married, which is making us all very happy. It is also a fun reminder of the time right before WE got married. Seems like a long time ago, seems like just yesterday...

At church today, Victor crawled into my lap and snuggled up. What a sweet moment. It seems he's been moving into 'big boy' mode recently. He hasn't been a big fan of kisses, hugs, and the like, except right before bed. He tells me he doesn't like kisses anymore. I did not expect this shift at age almost-3. So, I was loving it today when he wanted to sit on my lap and suck his thumb... It reminded me of the last time he REALLY nursed to sleep. I was early in my pregnancy with Felicity, and nursing was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. Most of the time, he was satisfied with 3 seconds on each side (which was pretty funny, actually. We would count 1-2-3 on each side, and he would sit up and say,'I all done!'). But, one afternoon, we just sat in the rocker and he nursed and nursed, all warm and cozy, until he fell fast asleep. Then I rocked and rocked and just held him while he slept. Tears rolled down my face, because somehow I knew it would be the last time. Sure enough, 2 weeks later he weaned himself. And now, he's starting to prefer handshakes. So, anytime I can grab a snuggle, a hug or a kiss, I'm going to make sure to take it.

This Advent, we're going to do some of the suggestions from Elizabeth Foss' Real Learning Advent unit based on Tomie de Paola books. I won a sweet e-bay auction: 22 Tomie de Paola books for 31.50. Anyway, our goal is to spend as much time as possible snuggled up on the couch reading books. We might get a little baking done, or we might do a craft or two, but mostly, we're just going to enjoy being together with our new little bundle and enjoy the time together, preparing for our Savior's birth. If anybody catches me getting stressed about doing more Christmas stuff, please remind me I said that!

Happy Feast of Christ the King!!!

Felicity's Baptism

Is there anything happier than a baptism? I just love everything about them, especially when the child is my own: the infinite generosity and mercy of God, the gift of His Church, the infusion of grace into this tiny little person (or big person, as the case may be) whom God has loved and planned for from all eternity... It's just overwhelmingly beautiful.

Here are some highlights from Felicity's big day...

Our immediate families families were almost entirely present, including all Felicity's cousins from both sides of the family. Everyone was ON TIME for the baptism, even though many had to travel for more than 2 hours and/or get multiple small children up and ready early in the morning - kudos!!

The baptismal gown is made from my Mother-in-law's wedding gown. My husband and all his brothers wore it, followed by all the grandchildren, in turn. It is ivory lace with blue trim.

Felicity's godparents were out-of-state for a sibling's wedding. So, although we were saddened by their absence, the godparents by proxy were my mom and my father-in-law. All the promises of the godparents apply as much to the grandparents (at least in this case)- how fitting.

A celebratory Italian lunch was held for 28 ( including 14 kids age 11 and under), and the marinara sauce stains were minimal (I think).

The only blemish on the day was our forgetting the camera!! So, I'm counting on someone in the family to send me pictures....

Say what?

Yes, I actually said these words: "yes, sometimes potatoes DO wear bibs." Don't ask.

My loving hubbie reminds me, I also said this: "If you wipe your hands on your new flower girl dress, my head will explode."

Prayers would be appreciated.

toddler tunes

one pack of big boy underpants: $9

one new toilet training seat: $15

the sound of one 2 1/2 year-old boy belting out "Annie" show tunes while sitting on the potty:
...priceless

"tomorrow, tomorrow, i love ya, tomorrow! you're only a daaaaay aaaaaa-waaaay!!!"