Wow- I can't believe that I have an opportunity to post! It has been quite crazy for the past few days.
Friday night, my husband and I embarked on a date night, which doesn't happen very often as of late due to work, the baby and other responsibilities. Needless to say, when my parents offered to babysit, we jumped at the opportunity.
The night was fresh and cold- and our breath curled in ribbons before fading into the air. We mittened and gloved our hands and I was happy to find a safe haven from the cold in our car.
We had dinner at a little restaurant called Positive Pie- (gourmet pizza and other Italian dishes) and then went to the independent movie theatre to see The King's Speech- and it was the best movie I've seen in a long time. I'm sure that much of that can be attributed to Colin Firth's acting. Anyway, glorious time, and wonderful conversation.
In fact, the night relaxed me so much that when I finally rested my head on my pillow, I didn't even think about work- and I melted into a deep sleep.
Until 2:30 AM.
You see, the baby's crib is right across from our bed in the basement. I heard a horrible gagging sound and bolted upright because I thought that Joseph was choking. I stumbled in my robe and flicked on the light, to find the little guy covered in vomit. His hair, face, pajamas and all of his bedding- and it wasn't over.
It sprayed in an arc as we picked him up. It was EVERYWHERE. And I'm not kidding when I say I found entire hot dog pennies in the mess.
My husband started stripping his crib while I trudged up the basement stairs with Joseph on my hip and brought him to the bathroom to run his water. And when the water was ready, he stood in the tub, trembling because he was so cold. His cheeks, which usually glow bright pink, were colorless.
When my husband had finished with the bedding, he came up to help me scrub Joseph, and while he brought him downstairs I marched in to my parents' room to ask what on earth they had fed him. The culprits? Hot dogs. Pepperoni. Applesauce and two bottles.
Great.
My husband (referred to after this as Superman) tried to lull Joseph back to sleep. And almost immediately after Joseph's eyes fluttered closed, they shot open again and he became sick...all over the Man of Steel.
So I told Superman (who is a model of patience and perseverance) to go clean himself off, and I took my turn with poor Joseph. We switched of like this until about 5AM.
Then, at 7:00 AM my hero woke up with Joseph again. We had figured that all of this was due to the atrocious combination of food he had eaten the night before- and so Superman thought Joseph had made it through, and was trying to let me sleep.
Until Joseph not only got sick, but forged a diaper so deadly that it almost crawled away on its own.
That's when I called the doctor, and we packed ourselves in the car. As always, Superman looked amazing, but Joseph and I looked like we hadn't slept in weeks, and my hair was messily clipped up and my face wasn't even washed. But at that point, i didn't care. We felt so badly for Joseph- and I had never seen him so sick.
After poking and prodding the little guy (who quite obviously did NOT feel like being poked and prodded) the doctor surmised that he had contracted a 24 hour stomach virus. A 24 hour EXTREMELY contagious stomach virus.
But, I think we're in the clear. Joseph started to get color back in his cheeks yesterday evening, and I think my husband and I will be fine (as well as the rest of the house.)
This past weekend, I was just amazed at my husband's charm and his virtues. From the lovely date night we had where we held hands and had great conversation, to the dark trenches later that night where he didn't even complain when he wiping vomit off of his own face. What an amazing, amazing man.
And, of course, I'm so relieved that my little cuddle bug is feeling better- there's nothing worse than watching your child be miserable and not being able to do anything for him other than hold him. I'm so glad that he's on the mend!
God is so good to us.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
"A light shines in the darkness, and the darkness shall not overcome it..."
I have been yearning to write for weeks, but I didn't want to post anything until after I had been to see the doctor.
Our family is expecting Baby #2, to be born on August 18th!
As of right now, I am almost 11 weeks along, and (thankfully) almost through the first trimester. I suspected that I may be expecting shortly after Thanksgiving, as I was experiencing an absurd amount of heartburn coupled with nausea. I mentioned this to my husband- but it took three pregnancy tests to confirm my suspicions.
I find it a little strange that I've dealt with "morning sickness" almost everyday of the pregnancy thus far, when I never dealt with it when I was expecting Joseph. Perhaps this little one will be a girl. If it is- I think we have the perfect name picked out. If it's not, we are still trying to decide between a few boys' names.
Anyway, this definitely comes as a surprise to our family. A good surprise, but a surprise nonetheless. Before we moved to the great white North, we had hoped we would have another child after Joseph turned one so the two would be close enough in age to be good friends. For this, I am grateful.
However, I am also very worried as my dear husband is still searching for a job, and my job as a humble DRE makes it very difficult to support one person, let alone four. I am praying that Our Lady has pity on us and advocates for us to Our Lord so he will find employment soon. I am also hoping for this so I will be able to leave my job and stay home with the children. I think, especially when they are young, that having a mother at home is important.
Joseph has been growing by leaps and bounds. Right now, the "little" guy is cutting molars. In fact, the other night at dinner I nearly jumped out of my skin because I noticed a stream of blood trickling out of the corner of his mouth! I thought he had bitten his tongue- (he was crying)- but upon further investigation, my husband discovered that his gums were bleeding because his teeth are pushing through.
Joseph has also been learning how to kiss, and it is just too darn cute. He has been trying to talk as well, but has been less successful in that department. However, he tries to say "banana", nana, "kitty" itty?!, and baby- pronounced bebe. In addition to trying to speak, he also communicates by signing- and signs for "more" when he wants more food, or wants us to perform the same act again (i.e. turning on a musical toy, playing hide and seek with him, etc.) He's also been combing his hair and brushing his teeth, helping to pull his clothes on and off, dancing, and of course; terrorizing the cats and the dog by chasing them. Joseph is, without a doubt, all boy. And, grandma just bought him a training potty. This should be interesting.
Joseph has also entered the "terrible twos" early. Arching his back, crying out of frustration- crying over everything- it's been tantrum city. When I come home at the end of the day, and if I'm not in a state where I need to be scraped off of the floor due to first trimester exhaustion, I try to relieve my husband, who promptly retreats to the basement to take out his frustration my delving into his books or his PS3. I'm convinced that my husband has probably already earned his spot in heaven several times over.
Anyway, that is the update as of right now. We are joyful. May we be rid of anxiety and wait in "joyful hope" for the things Our Lord has planned for us.
Our family is expecting Baby #2, to be born on August 18th!
As of right now, I am almost 11 weeks along, and (thankfully) almost through the first trimester. I suspected that I may be expecting shortly after Thanksgiving, as I was experiencing an absurd amount of heartburn coupled with nausea. I mentioned this to my husband- but it took three pregnancy tests to confirm my suspicions.
I find it a little strange that I've dealt with "morning sickness" almost everyday of the pregnancy thus far, when I never dealt with it when I was expecting Joseph. Perhaps this little one will be a girl. If it is- I think we have the perfect name picked out. If it's not, we are still trying to decide between a few boys' names.
Anyway, this definitely comes as a surprise to our family. A good surprise, but a surprise nonetheless. Before we moved to the great white North, we had hoped we would have another child after Joseph turned one so the two would be close enough in age to be good friends. For this, I am grateful.
However, I am also very worried as my dear husband is still searching for a job, and my job as a humble DRE makes it very difficult to support one person, let alone four. I am praying that Our Lady has pity on us and advocates for us to Our Lord so he will find employment soon. I am also hoping for this so I will be able to leave my job and stay home with the children. I think, especially when they are young, that having a mother at home is important.
Joseph has been growing by leaps and bounds. Right now, the "little" guy is cutting molars. In fact, the other night at dinner I nearly jumped out of my skin because I noticed a stream of blood trickling out of the corner of his mouth! I thought he had bitten his tongue- (he was crying)- but upon further investigation, my husband discovered that his gums were bleeding because his teeth are pushing through.
Joseph has also been learning how to kiss, and it is just too darn cute. He has been trying to talk as well, but has been less successful in that department. However, he tries to say "banana", nana, "kitty" itty?!, and baby- pronounced bebe. In addition to trying to speak, he also communicates by signing- and signs for "more" when he wants more food, or wants us to perform the same act again (i.e. turning on a musical toy, playing hide and seek with him, etc.) He's also been combing his hair and brushing his teeth, helping to pull his clothes on and off, dancing, and of course; terrorizing the cats and the dog by chasing them. Joseph is, without a doubt, all boy. And, grandma just bought him a training potty. This should be interesting.
Joseph has also entered the "terrible twos" early. Arching his back, crying out of frustration- crying over everything- it's been tantrum city. When I come home at the end of the day, and if I'm not in a state where I need to be scraped off of the floor due to first trimester exhaustion, I try to relieve my husband, who promptly retreats to the basement to take out his frustration my delving into his books or his PS3. I'm convinced that my husband has probably already earned his spot in heaven several times over.
Anyway, that is the update as of right now. We are joyful. May we be rid of anxiety and wait in "joyful hope" for the things Our Lord has planned for us.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
A New Year
It's a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The sun is shining, the snow is glistening...and Joseph is asleep.
Bliss.
At least for a little while.
I realized this morning during Mass that I haven't yet made any New Year's Resolutions. Since I was fifteen, I've always made any resolutions on Christmas Day. It allowed me time to think about what type of change I'd like to see in the upcoming year.
During Mass, I came to the realization that my New Year's Resolution would be:
To be more gentle to myself- and to allow God to take care of the things I am unable to do.
I have a feeling that this resolution will not only make ME happier, but make everyone around me happier as well- and I'll be allowing God to be God! It amazes me that sometimes we try to put limitations on God- try to do things ourselves- when all we really need to do is rely on Him.
There's a lot more I would like to write, but it will have to wait until another time- hopefully late next week.
For those who come across this blog- I hope that you have had a most blessed and holy Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
Bliss.
At least for a little while.
I realized this morning during Mass that I haven't yet made any New Year's Resolutions. Since I was fifteen, I've always made any resolutions on Christmas Day. It allowed me time to think about what type of change I'd like to see in the upcoming year.
During Mass, I came to the realization that my New Year's Resolution would be:
To be more gentle to myself- and to allow God to take care of the things I am unable to do.
I have a feeling that this resolution will not only make ME happier, but make everyone around me happier as well- and I'll be allowing God to be God! It amazes me that sometimes we try to put limitations on God- try to do things ourselves- when all we really need to do is rely on Him.
There's a lot more I would like to write, but it will have to wait until another time- hopefully late next week.
For those who come across this blog- I hope that you have had a most blessed and holy Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Longings
It's been a long week. Preparing for a parish Christmas Pageant, a Youth Liturgy, board meetings and CCD classes- dealing with a teething baby and a sick husband- and preparing for the homecoming of my youngest sister and her boyfriend has left me totally and utterly exhausted.
And the week is not yet over.
Tomorrow is my only "day off" from work this week- and my husband and I are going to the symphony with the Rectory staff. Saturday is the first Christmas Pageant rehearsal. Sunday night is CCD class plus Vespers and Adoration (which I AM looking forward to...) and Monday starts a week chock full of more stuff.
Needless to say- I'm tired.
Lately, I've been yearning to stay at home with my son. I've been praying for my husband to find employment. I've been trying to cook and clean and be wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, DRE and youth minister and I know I'm too small to do it without God's grace. I know that God is planning something for my husband's employment- but I YEARN with everything in my being to be a stay at home mom and to have quiet time with God. I feel like Tantalus. I see the things that I want- but I'm just not able to grasp them.
I pray that I am able to unite these little things with Jesus' suffering on the Cross. Mother Mary, please intercede for me.
And the week is not yet over.
Tomorrow is my only "day off" from work this week- and my husband and I are going to the symphony with the Rectory staff. Saturday is the first Christmas Pageant rehearsal. Sunday night is CCD class plus Vespers and Adoration (which I AM looking forward to...) and Monday starts a week chock full of more stuff.
Needless to say- I'm tired.
Lately, I've been yearning to stay at home with my son. I've been praying for my husband to find employment. I've been trying to cook and clean and be wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, DRE and youth minister and I know I'm too small to do it without God's grace. I know that God is planning something for my husband's employment- but I YEARN with everything in my being to be a stay at home mom and to have quiet time with God. I feel like Tantalus. I see the things that I want- but I'm just not able to grasp them.
I pray that I am able to unite these little things with Jesus' suffering on the Cross. Mother Mary, please intercede for me.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Thankful
I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've written. Between family, and a very demanding and time consuming job, I've been exhausted.
But, today is my birthday, and i wanted to MAKE TIME to write!
It has been a very busy time these past few months- and I don't believe I've really written much since Papere passed away. Today, I just wanted to write a few things for which i was thankful, as I didn't get to do so on Thanksgiving.
1. My amazing, godly, virtuous and handsome husband- who is a perfect model of St. Joseph and puts up with my shenanigans. :)
2. My "little" Joseph, who just celebrated his first year of life in October! It's amazing to me that time moves so quickly.
3. My family.
4. The infamous Charlie- who, despite his yowling, is always ready to cuddle.
5. My sister's cat Gabriel. He's the sweetest cat alive.
6. Friends.
7. My job. I've been so blessed that ever since I've graduated from college, I've had a Catholic job. I'm also blessed that I can go into the Church whenever I please because it's less than five steps away from my office.
8. That my parents are allowing us to stay in their house until my husband is hired and we find our own place.
9. That I taught myself how to cook. :)
10. In the same vein, I'm abundantly thankful for The Food Network.
11. P90X.
12. Literature, poetry and writing.
13. Learning how to give myself a French Manicure.
14. Mother Teresa. I've been reading a book by her for some time- (and I can never, ever remember the title..) but I'm continually moved by how she served the "poorest of the poor," and acknowledges that those who are lonely and have no one to love them are the poorest of all. This has touched my heart and I try to remember this on a daily basis.
15. The gift of my life- thanks to Mom and Dad for being pro-life! They prayed for ten years to have me, and I was to be born on Christmas Day, but was born a month early instead. What a blessing to be wanted. So many children in today's society aren't seen for the gift that they are.
16. That (despite my objections) God is teaching me flexibility (I have a feeling this will be an ongoing process) and patience.
17. The wonderful priests at my Church, particularly Fr. E, who is the most optimistic person I have ever met- and is SO very happy with his vocation! He will be a blessing to many.
18. For Vermont. Though I must admit, I miss Texas and it's warmth and hospitality so much!
19. My hair. After I was married, I cut off my hair. I highlighted my hair. I dyed my hair. I'm thankful that I've left it alone and it is NATURAL again, and that I'm growing it out- I've missed it!
20. My sister, Amanda and my grandfather, Papere, who are interceding for me continually and will be there to meet me should I make it to Heaven. I'm blessed to have two saints praying for me.
But, today is my birthday, and i wanted to MAKE TIME to write!
It has been a very busy time these past few months- and I don't believe I've really written much since Papere passed away. Today, I just wanted to write a few things for which i was thankful, as I didn't get to do so on Thanksgiving.
1. My amazing, godly, virtuous and handsome husband- who is a perfect model of St. Joseph and puts up with my shenanigans. :)
2. My "little" Joseph, who just celebrated his first year of life in October! It's amazing to me that time moves so quickly.
3. My family.
4. The infamous Charlie- who, despite his yowling, is always ready to cuddle.
5. My sister's cat Gabriel. He's the sweetest cat alive.
6. Friends.
7. My job. I've been so blessed that ever since I've graduated from college, I've had a Catholic job. I'm also blessed that I can go into the Church whenever I please because it's less than five steps away from my office.
8. That my parents are allowing us to stay in their house until my husband is hired and we find our own place.
9. That I taught myself how to cook. :)
10. In the same vein, I'm abundantly thankful for The Food Network.
11. P90X.
12. Literature, poetry and writing.
13. Learning how to give myself a French Manicure.
14. Mother Teresa. I've been reading a book by her for some time- (and I can never, ever remember the title..) but I'm continually moved by how she served the "poorest of the poor," and acknowledges that those who are lonely and have no one to love them are the poorest of all. This has touched my heart and I try to remember this on a daily basis.
15. The gift of my life- thanks to Mom and Dad for being pro-life! They prayed for ten years to have me, and I was to be born on Christmas Day, but was born a month early instead. What a blessing to be wanted. So many children in today's society aren't seen for the gift that they are.
16. That (despite my objections) God is teaching me flexibility (I have a feeling this will be an ongoing process) and patience.
17. The wonderful priests at my Church, particularly Fr. E, who is the most optimistic person I have ever met- and is SO very happy with his vocation! He will be a blessing to many.
18. For Vermont. Though I must admit, I miss Texas and it's warmth and hospitality so much!
19. My hair. After I was married, I cut off my hair. I highlighted my hair. I dyed my hair. I'm thankful that I've left it alone and it is NATURAL again, and that I'm growing it out- I've missed it!
20. My sister, Amanda and my grandfather, Papere, who are interceding for me continually and will be there to meet me should I make it to Heaven. I'm blessed to have two saints praying for me.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Happiness Abounds
It's a little after 10 PM and I should be in bed recovering...but I am just too ridiculously happy right now! For the past three days, I've felt as if I had a cement block on my chest due to the asthma/respitory infection...and not 20 minutes ago, I felt it lift off of my chest! Someone is praying for me. Thank You, Lord! Now, to finish my jasmine-lemon tea with honey and sleep. Tomorrow is Joseph's birthday, and I've got some serious cake baking and decorating that needs attention in the morning.
We are moving the party to Saturday, so I'm going to buy a small pre-made cake or cupcake for tomorrow- because the big cake will be reserved for the party. I can't wait!
We are moving the party to Saturday, so I'm going to buy a small pre-made cake or cupcake for tomorrow- because the big cake will be reserved for the party. I can't wait!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
My Little Monkey
It's hard to believe I haven't had time to write and it's almost been a month!
Today, I'm ill, so I stayed home from work. I caught some sort of respitory infection that has activated my long dormant asthma- resulting in me puffing on my inhaler, taking Nyquil, and drinking absurd amounts of jasmine-lemon tea, slurping down honey to soothe a scratchy and sore throat and eating a lot of chicken soup. It seems that as long as I lie still in bed or I sit, I'm fine- but if I move at all I begin wheezing and coughing, and sinus pressure increases. However, I've never been very good at being sick. I don't like staying in bed and watching movies or reading when I feel like I should be playing with the baby or cooking or going to work...something besides lying in bed.
So, the past two hours, I've been looking up buttercream frosting recipes and daydreaming about streamers and birthday cake. Why? Because Friday is my little one's first birthday, and I don't want to be sick for it!
Last week, my husband and I (and baby) were running errands and I found the cutest monkey cake pan- and thus- we've decided to have a monkey-themed party.
Grant it, it's not going to be a big party- just family- but I want to make it special. It's so unbelievable to me that one year ago, the most amazing gift God has ever trusted me with, was born. Fred and I had wanted a little one for what seemed like such a long time- and then, miracles of miracles, he had arrived.
And in that moment when I first looked at that baby, the pain- the memories of his legs getting stuck under my ribs, being kicked all through the night, and the fear I had when he had been in distress just minutes before, vanished.
And there he was. Perfect.
It's been an amazing year- and Joseph has brought us such joy.
Anyway, that is why I'm going to attempt this monkey cake. It seems a little bit daunting (I don't consider myself to be a fantastic cake decorator) but I'm excited to do it. We decided we're going to go with a vanilla cake, and then we will need chocolate buttercream and plain buttercream frosting, and colors to tint the icing, as well. I even bought those frosting bags with the flower and star shaped tips on the end. This will certainly be an adventure, and I'll be sure to post pictures of my little monkey with his monkey cake, soon!
And, when things are a bit calmer, I'm hoping to blog on a more regular basis.
Today, I'm ill, so I stayed home from work. I caught some sort of respitory infection that has activated my long dormant asthma- resulting in me puffing on my inhaler, taking Nyquil, and drinking absurd amounts of jasmine-lemon tea, slurping down honey to soothe a scratchy and sore throat and eating a lot of chicken soup. It seems that as long as I lie still in bed or I sit, I'm fine- but if I move at all I begin wheezing and coughing, and sinus pressure increases. However, I've never been very good at being sick. I don't like staying in bed and watching movies or reading when I feel like I should be playing with the baby or cooking or going to work...something besides lying in bed.
So, the past two hours, I've been looking up buttercream frosting recipes and daydreaming about streamers and birthday cake. Why? Because Friday is my little one's first birthday, and I don't want to be sick for it!
Last week, my husband and I (and baby) were running errands and I found the cutest monkey cake pan- and thus- we've decided to have a monkey-themed party.
Grant it, it's not going to be a big party- just family- but I want to make it special. It's so unbelievable to me that one year ago, the most amazing gift God has ever trusted me with, was born. Fred and I had wanted a little one for what seemed like such a long time- and then, miracles of miracles, he had arrived.
And in that moment when I first looked at that baby, the pain- the memories of his legs getting stuck under my ribs, being kicked all through the night, and the fear I had when he had been in distress just minutes before, vanished.
And there he was. Perfect.
It's been an amazing year- and Joseph has brought us such joy.
Anyway, that is why I'm going to attempt this monkey cake. It seems a little bit daunting (I don't consider myself to be a fantastic cake decorator) but I'm excited to do it. We decided we're going to go with a vanilla cake, and then we will need chocolate buttercream and plain buttercream frosting, and colors to tint the icing, as well. I even bought those frosting bags with the flower and star shaped tips on the end. This will certainly be an adventure, and I'll be sure to post pictures of my little monkey with his monkey cake, soon!
And, when things are a bit calmer, I'm hoping to blog on a more regular basis.
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