School Days. . .

These are a few of my favorite things. . . 

We are homeschooling again this year.  As difficult as it can be to prepare for (and to survive), the more I do it, the more I cannot imagine going back to traditional school.

This year we are trying something a little different as we have enrolled in an online virtual public school.  So it is "public school" at home.  There are pros and cons with it for us.

There is quite a bit of computer work involved in their studies and they all enjoy that A LOT!  It makes this method "fresh" and "new," and even "fun!"

But there is still lots of book work and traditional reading and writing going on, as well.  We are slowly getting in the groove of how things work.

I am hoping to finally put together "my part" of their schooling this weekend.  (Since Catholicism and Scripture are not offered at a public school.)  Likewise, our Sacred Space could use a face lift and our daily prayer has been sporadic (as we have not quite mastered the new schedule yet).  Although I have some guilt about not starting/doing these things sooner, I keep reminding myself that I am still recovering from/adjusting to this new baby!!  So I need to cut myself a little slack now and again.

We have had one of our upstairs bedrooms termed "the study" for the past several years, and we have attempted to do school work in it for a couple, but this year, it finally seems to be working!!  I believe the secret is having ME in the study with them.  I used to get them started and expect them to do their work, while I went and sat in "the comfy chair" in the living room (away from them).  Although this was great for nursing the baby, the children really need me by their side as they work, even if it is just for moral support.

Here is our current set-up.  The little table is for Paul and Miriam.  They do not do much school yet, but we have a plethora of educational toys that they enjoy.  Then the desk Rebekah is at in this picture is actually Samuel's desk.  Jacob is sitting on my chair (the blue one ) which is truly part of the secret this year.  My husband picked up this chair at a work auction and it is amazing.  It is VERY comfortable and obviously has wheels, so I can scoot over by each of the children as needed.

In this picture, Paul is at the computer Rebekah likes to use.  And the table beside it with the tall chair is where Jacob sits.

Rebekah also has a large desk we inherited from my mom.  It is good for her as she likes to collect stuff (twigs, leaves, craft stuff, cards, etc) and this desk has lots of places to put "stuff."

Everybody loves whiteboards here.

Here are the majority of our "educational toys."  I considered tidying them all up for the picture and then promptly decided a "real life" shot would be much easier and realistic, to boot!  :)

I guess the heart of our homeschooling can really be summed up in an encounter I had the other day.  I was making dinner and Rebekah came to ask me if I "had time" to come help her.  And although it was a simple request, I just felt it resonate deep down.  I love "having time" for them.  I LOVE sitting beside them and helping them learn.  Through the insanity and struggle with schedules and children wearing their "grumpy pants," I feel blessed beyond measure each and every day.

7 Random Takes for the end of August

1) Miriam likes to take a running start to get her clothes on or lay down to get her diaper changed.  Seriously, she goes back a good eight or ten paces and runs at me, then stops (not such a big deal as she does not run all that fast yet) and lets me put her shirt over her head or lay her down to change her diaper.  For some reason, I find this entertaining rather than annoying.

2) I am having some guilt over not blogging on some key events (namely Rebekah's birthday - that was at the beginning of July!! - and Jacob's birthday, that was this month, but a while ago).  I am still trying to decide if I should do a post for them (of some sort) or not.  I guess if I hesitate long enough it will be time for their next birthdays, right?  :)

3) We are starting school next week.  I finally got the study all cleaned up and the desks are ready.  I would post a picture, but I am pinned down by the baby at the moment so you will have to take my word for it.  Although I have enjoyed this "lazy time" the past few weeks, as the rest of the world has started schooling ahead of us, I think we are ready to buckle down and get to some "serious" learning here. . . or at least get back in a more structured routine.

4) Adapting to life with six children has been considerably easier than expected.  I am not sure if it is because the last few weeks of pregnancy went so well for some reason, or because her birth was so great, or because I just seem to be getting better at having babies!  (Which is odd because I assumed it would get worse the more kids I had - as it would wear my body out more, and then of course, it would be more difficult as I got older - but I seem to still be going stronger than ever.  I guess I'm not old yet.)

5) Even though it has been "easier than expected" to adapt to having six children, I am still having a bit of a transition.  I have finally gotten the freezer stocked again with some ready-made or quick meals.  We do not rely on these all the time, but they are exceedingly handy in a pinch.  I cannot seem to get the house organized at the moment.  I finally mastered the study, but now the laundry/storage room is exploding.  Plus, the baby has already outgrown quite a few outfits and the clothes bins need to be sorted again.  The fun just never ends!!

6) Two of my children have cavities now.  (Well, Samuel had one last year and had it filled.  Today I discovered Jacob has a cavity that needs to be filled.)  I suppose we need to work on our brushing (I had been having Rebekah and Samuel help the younger ones).  I have started letting the kids use an electric toothbrush (different heads for each) so I am hoping this will help some.  Since it has been going well, I ordered a second one (so we can double up and not take so long to get all that brushing done).  I am trying not to let this make me feel like a bad parent.


7) Zipporah is an amazing baby, much like her sister Rebekah.  At about a month and a half old she started sleeping 8-10 hours a night.  She has continued to do so (settling more like 10 or 11 now).  I was hesitant to say anything for a while, as I know there can be some random occurrences, but she has stayed pretty consistent so far.

And if you have read this far, you deserve some pictures, so here are some that I find absolutely hilarious.  My husband is. . . such a kid.

And here are a couple random shots of my husband crashing my Catholic Motherhood group so he can hold one of the babies.  He is blessed among women - hehe :)

7 Quick Takes

1) Miriam's latest words are "Help, me," but it sounds more like "Hap, me" and to say her name, "Meeeum!!" which she does quite forcefully if she thinks she is going to get left out of something her big brothers and sister are doing/getting.

2) So on two separate occasions I have now managed to put Zipporah's clothes on backwards.  And to make matters worse, the first time was with a cute little jumper that my mother-in-law had purchased.  I put Zipporah in it when Grandma came to visit, only for Grandma to arrive and say, "you have that on backwards. . . "  Yep, I totally failed at sucking up that day.  The second time a dear friend knitted a beautiful dress for her and I even took a picture of her in said dress (with it on backwards) only to realize as I put her in the dress for the second time last night, that I had put it on her backwards the last time.  I am definitely a failure when it comes to style apparently!

3) I stumbled upon a recipe for Banana Breakfast Cookies (that a good friend had posted the link to on facebook - I'm not sure if she reads my blog, but if so, thanks Alison!!) and it has definitely been a game changer around here.  I should add that I do change them up just a little - to our family's liking, but generally this is the recipe.  Normally we do cereal and "something more filling" (like peanut butter and jelly toast or breakfast bars) for breakfast.  These Banana Breakfast Cookies are like a bowl of oatmeal in cookie form. Brilliant!!  Less mess when eating and I can make up a quadruple batch (which I split between fridge and freezer) to last for a couple weeks.  They are insanely more handy than putting peanut butter and jelly on five pieces of toast!!

4) We are going to try something new for our schedule this year.  Instead of individual date nights with each of the kids (we tried to do one for each kid - other than Miriam and Zipporah - once a month) we are going to have "family night" every Thursday where we will do something together as a family.  I am pointing out ahead of time that this can be as simple as going out to dinner or watching a movie or just having a special dessert.  But I'm thinking more like a family hike or game night would be ideal.

5) Another schedule change is for Gordie and I to have a standing "date night" on Fridays.  As with "family night" I am saying from the beginning that this can be simple - maybe just watching some tv or making a special meal or treat or something.  But I really want to see this as a chance to focus on the two of us.  We just celebrated 10 years of marriage and the importance of this sacrament finally dawned on me.  (Yes, I can be a little slow sometimes.)  This is the foundation for our life together and if we are not building it up, then we are tearing it down.  

I think I am especially guilty of just glossing over our relationship to each other as I live and breathe my "job" as homemaker.  And doing Gordie's laundry and making his coffee are really only the "nuts and bolts" of what keep us going.  I want something to look forward to - a time I will try to step out of my regular routine (which is a struggle as I think part of my problem is that I am always in the same place - there is no "going" to work and coming "home."  I am always at work and at home, so "turning off the job" (which I love) is especially hard for me) and really see and hear and focus on just my husband and the joy we share as a couple.

6) I like to use soap foamers at our sinks for hand washing as my children like soap and I don't want to be wasteful.  So using the foamers allows me to use about a third the amount of soap per fill that we would use if I did straight soap.  Anyhow, the kids occasionally break the foamers (as they are kids and occasionally break almost EVERYTHING - they are DEFINITELY why I cannot have nice things).  So I recently got a new one for the bathroom upstairs and it is like a soap foamer with super powers.  It is way cool and really pumps out the foam like crazy with just one push.  So the new game for the kids is to duck down while they push it so it will foam over their hands and into their hair.  Why they find this so entertaining is beyond me, but hey, maybe I can skip a bath night because of it, right?  :)

7) I recently replaced my ring sling.  I had one from "Over the Shoulder Baby Holder" and it was AWESOME.  I had it for nine years and used it like crazy.  It is not my only carrier - I am also a big fan of the Ergo carrier and the moby wrap - but I find the sling handiest for breastfeeding and the quickest/easiest to put on for taking baby in and out of the car (as we do convertible carseats, rather than the "baby bucket").  So anyhow, since "Over the Shoulder Baby Holder" is now out of business (so sad), I found a sling from rockinbaby.com on a deals site (deals.com) for exactly what I was prepared to pay to replace my old sling (less than half of what they go for on the main website).  Thanks God!!

My buddy today (here in the Ergo carrier).   Apparently there is nothing better than being carried around by Mom.

Journal #22

Out My Window:

Sunny, hot, little bit of wind.  Overall it has not been too bad the last couple of days - only up to about 90 degrees, rather than the 110 degrees a week ago.  (Yes I said ONE HUNDRED AND TEN DEGREES!!  This part of Kansas is crazy hot in the summer and cold in the winter.  I guess I only live here because that is all I have ever known.)

Clothing Myself In:

Gym shorts, (Actually they have "Lady Barons #33 on them.  They are my shorts from playing basketball in college.  Some days I really miss playing basketball.  If I ever get done being pregnant and "recovering" from being pregnant I am going to pick up that ball again!!) sneakers, and an undershirt-type tank top (a concession to the heat, the baby liking to be worn all day, and the fact that I am not planning on doing anything "public" today).

Around the House:

I printed a few of the pictures from Zipporah's birth and am quite pleased with them.  Although now I know that when printing on canvas, I should make the pictures a little darker than I think they need to be so the contrast will be right.  There was no way for me to know this as the pictures looked fine online and I have never had canvas prints before.  But now I know for next time.

Pardon the paper taped at the bottom.  I don't think I will ever have a "grown up" house, but I'm coming to grips with that.

In the midst of "redecorating" (which consisted mostly of taking down a bunch of school work and such I had stuck up all over the living room) I did find and put up an old picture I have had for a long time but for whatever reason had hidden behind in a corner, waiting to be put up.  It is The Annunciation by Fra Angelico.

You cannot see it very well in this picture, but I like the way the colors look on our yellow walls.  In any case, it makes me happy to see it and to change things up a bit.

The Baby:

She is growing like crazy.  I am always amazed how quickly my babies grow!  She has been out of newborn clothing since the end of the first week and is in size 2 paper diapers as of a few weeks ago.  We are mostly doing cloth, but we have been using paper for trips.  She is a GREAT baby.  She sleeps well at night - often giving me 6-8 hour stretches (not absolutely consistent - some nights it is only 4, but I will still take that).  She is generally pretty mellow.  Something that sets her apart from her siblings is that she will often "finish" nursing.  Most of the other kids would nurse to asleep.  Zipporah will nurse and be "done" and then I will rock her or wear her to sleep.  Of course, being baby #6, I often nurse her while walking around and caring for the other kiddos, so maybe she is just used to the movement.  She naps well in her crib, though, too (once she is sound asleep) so as I said earlier, I am not complaining about her in the slightest.

The Kids:

Due to the craziness of adding another family member and surviving a week on vacation the kids are going a little crazy right now.  I HOPE it is simply a lack of routine and general order that is making them a bit more grumpy and irritating (especially toward each other) right now.  If not we are going to have "be kind to others" class added to our school schedule PRONTO!  

(On a somewhat related note, I have been ESPECIALLY crabby to my dear young children over the past few weeks as I stressed over vacation prep and over other silly things, so that could be causing some of their lack of good behavior.  I have since chastised myself - and gone to confession -and am back to remembering to breathe before lashing out at them or life in general. )

Everyone has been super-helpful when it comes to caring for Zipporah.  Rebekah can transport her safely and hold her and get her plug (which she is not too fond of yet) and change her diaper.  She is pretty amazing.  The boys will sing to her and can hold her with assistance.  Even Miriam loves her and is often helpful, giving her gentle kisses on her head and getting her blanket for her.  The only time she is "not so helpful" is when she tries to touch her eyes (as all kids seem to have a fascination to do).

We are prepping for the next "school year" which will most likely "start" for us in September, but I am hoping to jump back into regular school work in the next few days (as we still have some activities I planned for the summer that got dropped as the baby came and I recovered).

Crafting:

Remember the baby sack I was working on while I was pregnant with Zipporah?  Well I did finish it before she was born, but since I never take time to gauge my stitches, coupled with the fact that I did not have a pattern but was just making it up as I went, it was a bit large for her.  It fits her now.  I will work on getting a picture one of these days.

Now I am back to working on my a scarf for my mom.  A scarf I started over two years ago.  I am over half way now, so maybe in another couple years I will finally finish it.  

Reading:

Rebekah has started reading Little Women and it has been a while since I read it, so I am reading it again to be able to discuss it with her.

Bringing Me Joy:

*My husband.  He works so hard for our family and puts up with me like none other.

*Cleaning.  (Seriously, this time I still seem to have some "nesting" left in me even though Zipporah is here.  I have been cleaning and getting rid of some things and I really enjoy a clean, organized space.)

Bible Verse:

You have been born anew, not of perishable, but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.  For "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass.  The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures forever.  (1 Peter 1:23-25)

Pictures To Share:

Miriam, Zipporah, and Rebekah - Sisters

Miriam and Zipporah

Iron-Miriam

Rebekah (nine-years-old) and Zipporah (4-weeks-old)

Rebekah painted Miriam's nails.  Oh sisters :)

Zipporah's Birth

It was a dark and stormy night. . . 

Actually, it was a warm day in mid-June.  Since my last four births were inductions I was sort-of expecting the same this time, while trying to be hopeful it would not happen.  In any case, even though I had gotten to the point of planning childcare for the "big day" I was still thrown off-guard mentally at my last appointment when "it became real."  Every time, it seems that happens.  As much as I try to prepare, I am still a blubbering mess the minute my doc says, how about "this day."

I had decided to wait until the next Monday, June 23rd. . . but then as I saw my doctor the Monday before (on my due date, June 16) said she said I would need to come in for a non-stress test on Thursday, I joked about bringing my bag and just staying, but she looked at me seriously and said I could come in on Wednesday (June 18) instead. . . if I wanted.  Goodness, I felt like she had just asked if I wanted my arm or my leg cut off.  I could NOT decide!!  I spent most of the day in agony.  Seriously.  Finally, even though I wanted so badly to give myself more time, it really fit in everyone's schedule (my husband, my parents, my in-laws) better if we went ahead and "did it" on Wednesday.  And after some reflection (especially now that the induction went as it did) I honestly believe if we had decided to wait until Monday, I still would have had to be induced, it just would have been a few days later and a bit more inconvenient for everyone.

So the morning of my induction day (set to begin that evening - around 7:30pm), I woke up early and went for a nice long walk (as was my custom during the later weeks of pregnancy, once my belly became too large for jogging).  It was nice and peaceful.  I was enjoying myself and chatting with God, and suddenly I look down and 500,000 mosquitoes were attacking my legs!!  Seriously!!  Where did they come from and how did I not notice them earlier?!?!  (Well, I was wearing compression pantyhose, and I "feel" those all the time, so I guess that is why I did not notice them earlier, but to have them all attack at once was quite unnerving!!)  I spent the rest of my walk (about 30 more minutes to get back home) looking down at my legs (first front and then back - making my gait quite awkward) every five seconds to check for/swat at mosquitoes!!  I felt like I had gotten jumped in the subway and those 30 minutes were MISERABLE.  All I could think was, "Really, God?!?!  Was that necessary?!?!"  Anyhow, about 10 minutes from home I realized I was early enough this morning that I could probably jump in the shower and still make it to the church near my house for the 8am daily Mass.  My brain thought, "Good idea!!" so I picked up the pace, speed-showered, and ran up to the church only to discover they do not have the 8am daily Mass on Wednesdays. . . only Tuesdays and Thursdays (the days we usually attend with the local Catholic school).  So slap-in-the-face number two. . .

I pushed on with my day, finished packing/prepping the house to be gone a few days, etc. and managed to get my husband and oldest daughter, Rebekah (who would be attending the birth with me), to Plainville (30 minutes away - where I would deliver), not only on-time, but early!!  We got them Dairy Queen burgers for dinner (the husband's favorite) and I skipped because I was too nervous to eat.

Notice my husband's humor. . . he was quick to "doodle" on our white-board.

We had to enter through the Emergency entrance because that is the only door not locked after 6 pm.  The ladies there, though, were most helpful and friendly.  Shortly after getting settled they started me on cervadil.  Although many of my friends have great stories of labor happening shortly after starting this drug, I cannot add my story to theirs.  The best I had were some fairly regular "wimpy" contractions by morning.  Fortunately I was able to sleep fairly well - even in that uncomfortable hospital bed.

So then that morning I had to make ANOTHER DECISION!!  Blargh, why is giving birth full of so many choices?!?!  

(But on the flip side, I am grateful to be consulted.  I should note that when I got there, my nurse told me, "This is YOUR birth.  Whatever YOU want, let us know."  And I really carried that attitude with me.  This is MY BIRTH.  I am in charge and they are here to assist/help.)

I was not eager to start pitocin, but I was not quite ready to "just go home" and come back on Monday.  So we decided to do some walking.  We walked from Rooks County Health Center (RCHC) to the awesome playground at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Plainville.  Although it takes five minutes to make the trip by car, it is apparently about two miles one way.  Who knew?  My doctor was a little shocked to hear that we went so far but my family really enjoys "destination" walks, so this was perfect for us.

After letting my daughter play some we walked on to the local convenience store for her and my husband to pick up some snacks.  By the time we got back to RCHC my contractions (which had been every 3-5 minutes for a minute to a minute and a half long) were getting stronger.  I was hopeful that maybe things would keep going.  Unfortunately as I sat down for a bit back in my room, they practically stopped.

I was grateful for this opportunity to try and "do it on my own" but I finally realized that I NEEDED the pitocin.  So we ate lunch and got it started.  Oddly enough, even with the pitocin, my contractions were not all the regular (which is not how pitocin usually works for me - normally they come fast and furious) and they were not all that strong either (but that is NOT uncommon for me in the beginning of starting pitocin).  Once the pitocin started I had to be "babysat" in case anything went wrong.  But I did not mind because I had an AMAZING nurse.  Seriously, she is THE BEST LABOR NURSE EVER!   What I remember most about her was feeling so comfortable.  With other labor nurses, I know they are there to help me and keep me safe, but there is almost a "fear" about them -a sense of "I have to protect you, I HOPE you will listen to me, and I am AFRAID for what you are going through."  There was none of that with Nancy.  She was completely relaxed and calm and it might have helped that we had similar interests in tv shows and books.  It was as if I had my best friend in the room, although we just met that morning.  Plus she was always reminding me to change positions every so often and suggesting other things to try and help the baby move down and open my hips, etc, but without being pushy or over-bearing about it.  Nancy was a tremendous blessing and I will be singing her praises for A LONG TIME and probably be requesting her if/when I end up delivering at RCHC again.

A couple hours of so-so contractions came and went.  I listened to some soothing music, got bored, watched an episode of Eureka, and then just sat and talked with Nancy for a while.  Finally around 5pm my doc came in and broke my water.  I had been wanting her to do that a bit sooner, but she had some patients to see, some loose ends to tie up, etc.  Since I was not in major discomfort yet I did not mind so much.  I was only at a loose 4 by this point.  However, once she broke my water, I immediately KNEW it was time for things to start happening.  I was nauseous and shaking.  I told my husband to call our birth photographer and tell her the baby would probably be here within an hour.  He looked at me skeptically and double-checked, "really, ONE hour?!?!"  I told him I could be wrong (although deep inside, I did not doubt my prediction) but just tell her "things are happening."  Fortunately, she was planning to come once she got off work at 5pm, so she was already on her way.  (Good thing, too, as I ended up delivering about 50 minutes later.)

This is where I mentally began to go crazy as I KNEW the end was close, but THIS WAS THE HARD PART!!  My favorite position ended up being hands and knees on the bed, with the head of the bed way up for me to grab on.  I had failed to get myself some cute "labor clothes" (one item from the "to do" list that just never got done) so here I was in my old giant t-shirt that I happened to be wearing when I came the day before and nothing else - giant arse up in the air for all to see.  But that's what labor is, right?  :)  At this point though, the pain was getting intense enough I really did not care AT ALL.  Now I care.  But then, not so much.  It was all I could do to breath through the contractions as they were the rough ones.  Fortunately there were only a few - I counted the REALLY BAD ones - somewhere between 6 and 10, I would say and did my best to offer up the pain for the intentions of my friends (that I had carefully listed out and read through earlier).

The handy thing about this position was that I did not have to switch to let my doc check me.  Which sounds silly, but it was a major perk as laying on my back during this part of labor is THE WORST for me.  Finally I felt the baby move down into my pelvis and my doc confirmed I was complete.  Then she asked if I wanted to deliver squatting.

ANOTHER DECISION!!  Sheesh!! 

(I say in jest, of course, I wrote a labor plan and mentally prepped myself for this moment as I really enjoy the pushing part and I wanted to savor it.  If I can say that without sound dumb, of course :)

I had WANTED to deliver in the birthing tub.  It was in my birth plan and everything.  But I knew the minute they hooked up the pitocin that would not happen as you cannot be on pictocin and have a water birth.  I would have to be off the pitocin for at least 30 minutes before getting in the water.  So plan B. . . They had brought in a squat bar, but I was more excited about the birthing stool.

This is might be hard to believe, but this picture was taken as I climbed off the bed, getting ready to push.  I was SO HAPPY!!  Giving birth is such a rush!  Notice my awesome nurse, Nancy, holding the doppler for the baby so they could hear her heartbeat?  She went above and beyond, for sure.  And my doc is behind me, prepping for delivery I guess. . . or maybe tying her shoe?  (LOL :)

In any case, I hopped off the bed, and I remember shouting out my thanks to God for getting me to that point!!  It was like seeing the finish line about a hundred yards out after a marathon.  (No, I have not run a marathon yet, but I would imagine that is what it is like, ok?  On a side note, running a marathon has been added to my "bucket list.")

Pushing.

I decided to just squat and began pushing.  After the first push, my doctor had me stop a minute to check if the cord was wrapped around the baby's neck.  It was not, but I had a bit of a cervical lip, apparently.  So she simply lifted it over the baby's head, easy peasy.  (Apparently that is quite painful, but I don't remember feeling it at all.)  Then another push and out fell Miss Zipporah.

You have to look closely, but down there, right by my doctor's hand, you can see a baby hand.  She just arrived.

I am taking off my shirt in this picture.  So I can put that baby on my chest.

Deliriously happy :)

Cute chubby baby face.

Pure bliss.

I should put this up on my facebook page and ask for captions as I have no idea what Gordie was saying here and can think of nothing pithy to put at the moment.

Here my doctor is giving my daughter a lesson on "placentas."  The other ladies standing by her were "learning" doctors that where shadowing Dr. Brull.  (I was WELL taken care of :)  I really love how she was very enthusiastic about me having Rebekah there.

I was back and forth on having Rebekah come.  When I initially asked her (shortly after telling her we were pregnant) she said she did not want to be there, but then about a week before she told me she could not decide.  Then the DAY BEFORE she said she WANTED to come.  I am so glad she was there.  She was a great help and it was an experience I am sure she will treasure.

I am so blessed to have such a great doctor!!

And I cannot thank God enough for this amazing birth and this amazing baby.  I love you, Zipporah Marie!!

Welcome to the family of God, Zipporah Marie!

Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray.  The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them, but Jesus said, "Let the little children come tome and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs."  And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.  (Matthew 19:13-15)

I'm not sure this verse is mentioned in the section on baptism from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, but I have always thought of it when I have my infant children baptized.  Today it really struck me how it is the faith of the community that is witnessed to at this event.  True, the grace happens to the baby.  Little Zipporah Marie is now a daughter of God, adopted through Jesus Christ, but she is also still just a baby.  And it is up to us as parents and her godparents and in fact, the entire Church community to help her learn and live the faith.

I should also note that Father Fred gave us kudos on picking her name and quizzed the congregation on who Zipporah was in the bible.  He also chose Mass today to mention how kids are most welcome and he understands how it can be tough for parents with little kids.  He, himself, was the second oldest of 10, so he "gets it," and was most encouraging of families that pack up all the kids to get to Mass on Sundays.

And now, without further ado, here are some pictures:

For the record, I have no idea what I found so funny at the time of this picture.

Receive the light of Christ!  :)

Being baptized really wears a girl out.

In the gown made from Great Grandma Mary Schmeidler's wedding gown.  (Which all the grandkids and great grandkids, thus far, have been baptized in.)

Decorated with lots of love (and perhaps not so much skill).  This was "Grandma's recipe" for chocolate cake and there were no left-overs.

Baby Thoughts. . . some reflecting, mostly random

Ordinarily I would have a huge happy post about welcoming the new baby (Zipporah Marie) to the family right now.  And let me tell you, it is killing me to not have such a post, but I'm making myself wait as I want to share her birth story and I am anticipating some wonderful pictures to accompany it.  This time I was blessed to have a birth photographer and if you were ever on the fence over such a thing, let me just say I will TREASURE these pictures, I am sure (from what I have gotten to glimpse so far, anyhow).  Now, would I/if I could have, had one for each of my sixth births? . . . I'm not sure.  But at this point in my life, it is SO COOL to see pictures of the birth as by the time the photographer got there and started taking pictures I was "in the zone" trying to survive all the insanity going on in my body and I have always wondered what it looked like from the outside.  My husband assured me it was "gross" and I did not want to see it, but that is why women give birth and not men I think.  Or perhaps seeing the pictures simply reminds me of the entire event as a whole - which is absolutely incredible- perhaps the most important event I get to participate in my whole life! (With the exception of the Sacrifice of the Eucharist at Mass, of course :)

Anyhow, as usually happens to me, post-birth, I have been doing some reflecting over the past few days.  Pregnancy and childbirth are such amazing occasions in a woman's life. I know birth always gives me a spectacular high that lasts several days (about a week this time) before I am just flat-out exhausted and then comes the hormonal insanity, but really there is such a beauty to it.  I am always floored by how much I can love another creature - this little baby - so fiercely and completely.  But more than just this new profound, anticipated, but still seemingly unexpected love for my baby, I feel almost as though the blinders come off my heart for a bit during this "recovery period" and I "feel" love for everyone more profoundly.  Suddenly I am writing thank you notes that make people cry and I am GERMAN - I DON'T CRY or have anything to do with crying!!  Every decision becomes life-shattering and I feel completely caught up trying to absorb every minute.  

I took Zipporah to daily Mass last Thursday and it really was a Mass of Thanksgiving for me.  Thanksgiving for her arrival and her perfection.  Thanksgiving for God blessing me with such a wonderful family.  I had to go to adoration afterward because I just could not get enough.  In the midst of my thankfulness, I remember my friends who long for children and mourn for them and then I think of all those children aborted and mourn for them and their poor, lost parents.  How I wish they could experience my seemingly infinite thankfulness.

And now it is time to rest and as much as I want to continue pondering. . . I really need to "pull the plug" here, so to speak, and get some rest.  My apologies for being "all over the place" but in my defense, I did call it reflections and ramblings and there has been a lot of both of those, for sure!  

Be sure to keep your eyes out for that birth post as it is coming soon.

Blessings!