Time Flies

I'm three months old tomorrow? Get outta Dodge!

What Have I Been Up To??

Monica's having a growth spurt so I've been doing a whole lot of nursing and not a lot of sleeping. She's three months old on Thursday and it seems like she reverted back to newborn-ness in some ways. Last week, she was starting to soothe herself to sleep, sleeping for about 8 hours a night and really being more independent. Now, we have a tougher time getting her to sleep (a la six weeks of age) and she is going for maybe 5-6 hours a night, if we're lucky. As with most things, I know it's a stage, but I'll be excited to have this one over and done. It must be very uncomfortable to be growing so fast! Kevin has been a huge help while she's going through this stage. Thank God for hands-on Daddies!

One thing that I've noticed with our Little One is how fast they change and grow. It is such a whirlwind! In the thick of it, I often have a hard time remembering how fast everything passes. Some nights, some hours seem like an eternity, but they really are so fleeting. Yet, it is important to live the fleeting moments well, since the care and compassion we show our daughter, even at this early age, really does have eternal significance. She is the precious little life that God has given us to love and care for. I'm so thankful he gives all of us the grace to thrive on even the toughest days, and nights!

"Abandoning Our Plans for Christ"

I was reading a meditation (same title as this post) in Magnificat today, and this excerpt really hit home, especially in being a new mom and accepting all that comes with that.

Whoever trusts in God gains quality in his life, in his potential, in security, and in his way of life. Surely all of us have plans in mind. This is good, but let us not make the mistake of remaining alone, convinced only of our own plans, of only what we want, because God tells us, "With me you can work miracles"... For sure, if you want to love, you have to renounce your immediate plans and your modern conveniences because without the cross, it is true that you cannot love. You cannot love the woman who gives her life for you, who renounces everyting to stay with you. You cannot even love your children who expect a smile or a word from you. You do not have time because you are focused on fulfilling your own little plans. True love always comes with an ability to renounce, with a sacrifice; and then that sacrifice becomes concrete love.
Mother Elvira Petrozzi

I Just Didn't Know-Motherhood Lessons Learned the Hard Way

That would be the title of my book concerning first time motherhood. Here are a few topics I would address:

1. Breastfeeding.
There will be tough times. You may have to do some wrestling and/or swaddling to accomplish a good feeding. You may have to eat copious amounts of food (read milkshakes, butter etc.) to make milk that will fatten up the baby. Gassy babies often equal unhappy babies.

2. Sleep. Respect the baby's needs or all will go insane. When the baby sleeps, you sleep.

3. Crying. Sometimes you just need to walk away and do a bit of that yourself.

4. Isolation. Do what you can to stay connected to the outside world and get out. There are some long days at the homestead, but it's important to make the effort.

5. Personal Hygiene. Shower. Brush teeth. Change underwear. Repeat at least daily.

6. Prayer. Do lots of that.

That's my list so far. I'm sure there will be more tidbits as time goes on.

Here are some recent pics. Lovin' the Bumbo!

Merry Christmas!

A few days belated, but we're still in the season, right? Here are some photos from Monica's first Christmas.

Family and Finds

Kevin, Monica, and I went to his parents' house for the weekend-an early Christmas celebration with his family. It was a lot of fun, and Monica did very well, all things considered. On Sunday, Kevin started digging through the closet in his old room and pulled out a few treasures. One of these finds was his old retainer. Ew. He definitely put it in his mouth. Apparently, it tasted pretty horrible. No surprise after over 10 years of sitting in its case! Why does he still have it anyway??!!

He also pulled out one of these:



A mint condish Transformers TV tray. I found one that sold for ten bucks on eBay. I guess it would be better to keep it and let him use it. And you know he will.

Here's a family Christmas pic in front of the tree. At least Monica is old enough to gaze intently at the lights this year. She's been enjoying that.

This One Says It All

Monica was baptized on Sunday. It was a blessed event, but not so peaceful for some...namely Monica and her parents! She screamed for all but two minutes, I think. She wanted to nap, but instead, Mommy put her in a scratchy gown and let a deacon pour water on her head. No wonder she was so TO'd!

The deacon that baptized her was just ordained a few weeks ago, so this was his first baptism. He was so excited and joyful even in the midst of the screaming. God's grace is abundant no matter the circumstances. We can all count on that!