Monday, December 3, 2012
Lead by Example, please!
I would like to encourage all of you to be the best parents you can to your precious children. Children learn by example. Please be the example your children need to succeed in this world. Teach your children not only with your loving words, but also by your actions. Teach them virtues that help them not only perform good acts, but give the best of themselves. Virtues like chastity, generosity, temperance, love, meekness, humility, and diligence will help you and your children overcome lust, greed, gluttony, envy, anger, pride and sloth. The virtue of charity teaches us to love God with everything we have, and our neighbor as ourselves. If we do these two things, then charity toward everyone, including those we don’t like, becomes second nature. Children need to be taught these virtues from the time they can walk and talk until they leave the home. We live in a society that makes teaching these virtues very difficult. As parents, we must choose wisely what our children watch on TV and at the movies, the books they read and the games they play. Children learn by example. What example are your children learning from?
Monday, November 19, 2012
Merry Christmas!
Pictures Galore Christmas
Browse Shutterfly's unique Christmas card designs.
View the entire collection of cards.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Babies are here!!
Yes, it's true! Babies are here! Well, they've actually been here for the last 2 weeks, but these last 2 weeks have been a whirlwind and I don't remember much besides doctor visits and breastfeeding. I guess I'll start from the beginning....
Saturday, July 28, 2012 - 1:15am - I woke up from a dead sleep to the feeling of a slight "pop" and a small amount of fluid running down my legs. I was very still for a moment, thinking I was dreaming, before jumping into action. You see, my water has NEVER broke before and I've only gone into spontaneous labor with Savannah and Mary. Luke down to Teddy were all induced because I always went within a week of my due date with no contractions and babies born between 8.4lbs and 9.3lbs. Well, I moved a bit and sure enough more water went dripping down my legs. I quickly patted Daniel, staying very still, and whispered his name. No response. I quickly patted him harder this time and said his name much louder with "I think my water just broke!" He immediately rolled over and asked me if I was serious. Ummm, yes, pretty sure. He asked what we should do. I told him he should probably get me a towel so I can make my way to the bathroom before I ruin our bed. This threw him into action and he hurled himself toward the closet for a towel. He helped me out of bed and into the bathroom and slid back under the covers. I called his name, asked him what he was doing, told him that yes indeed my water broke. He said, "okay, just a few more minutes." I found my paper with directions of what to do in this predicament and called my doctor's office. I spoke with a very kind lady who immediately took my name and number down with the promise of a doctor returning my call shortly. In the meantime, I started to pack my bag. Yes, I said pack my bag. Remember, I don't go into labor spontaneously! The whole time I kept thinking, "I can't believe this happening! These babies are supposed to come next Thursday on my late Uncle's birthday for a scheduled c-section. I can't believe this is happening!" Phone rings. Daniel is still in bed. I talked to Dr. Youkilis, not my Dr. Duncan who has delivered 8 of my 9 kids, and tell him that yes my water has broken and that I am scheduled for a c-section on Thursday. He asks me when I last ate. Ummmm, 9:45ish. What did I eat? Ice cream. He tells me not to eat or drink anything and go directly to the hospital. I agreed and hung up. Packing just about done. Daniel is still in bed. I announce how thirsty I am and that we have to go to the hospital! Daniel jumps up, throws on some clothes, talks to Luke about covering up Teddy if he hollers and then tells Savannah where we are going. He carries my things out to the car and away we go, finally.
3:00am - Daniel drops me off at the emergency room and I wait on an outside bench while he parks the car. We go inside and I tell the guy behind the desk that my water has broken. He jumps on the phone with labor/delivery and then orders a wheelchair for me. I'm still thinking...."this can't be happening!" Wheelchair comes and off we go to the 2nd floor of Central Baptist. Everything is soooo quiet, not much action and I am put into a room. I sign my life away, answer all the same questions I answered on the hospital's website when I preregistered, and finally put on a gown. The nurse can't find baby a's heartbeat with the fetal monitor. She goes to ask for help and in walks someone with an ultrasound machine. Then, the nurse is on the phone with the doctor. I lie there for a little over an hour as this guy tries to distinguish which body parts go with which baby, checks me and rechecks me again and again - NOT FUN - and tries to help her locate baby a's heartbeat for the fetal monitor. I am dilated to 3cm at this point, which is good because not 3 days earlier I was 1-2cm. At one point he sounded hopeful that I could have a vaginal delivery, checks me again, looks at the ultrasound monitor again to find that they have moved into a completely different position. He is still stumped. Dr. Youkilis comes in, introduces himself, sits down and studies the ultrasound monitor, checks me and feels feet and decides that it must be a c-section because baby a is still breech and they think baby b has his head down, but is lying in a really weird position. And guess what? I am 5cm dilated! Really? Now I'm mad! My water finally breaks with one of my pregnancies and I dilate to a 5 with little to no pain and I have to have a c-section! Blah! Everyone moves really fast when he states I am 5 cm dilated.
4:45ish am - I am wheeled into the operating room with the hopes that Daniel will follow in his blue garb after I am given the spinal. After 3 attempts and me practically yelling at Dr. White that he is not in the right space, the spinal is in place and they help me lie down. A blue curtain is put up and in walks a very tired Daniel. Apparently, in the time frame that they took me to the OR and then the nurse came to get him because I was ready, he fell into a deep sleep, as did his legs. The nurse entered the room, told him it was time, he stood up quickly and nearly fell down. She asked if his legs were asleep and he laughed and said yes. Thankfully, he did not fall down and recovered rather quickly to join me in the OR. What relief I felt when I saw him sit down near my right shoulder! The doctors asked if I could feel this or that and as soon as I stated no, they started the surgery. Those who know me, know I have never wanted a c-section because of the idea of someone cutting through my skin simply freaks me out. I am actually pretty surprised I did not pass out. There were times I thought I just might, especially when my body started shaking so hard, which is completely normal by the way. Okay. Daniel tried to amuse me by peeking over the curtain and making funny faces, but I could feel so much tugging, pulling and pushing that I really thought I was going to pass out. The doctors were talking nonstop about the Olympics and Daniel made faces about that, too. Then it happened!
5:12am - The room suddenly became very quiet and a cry could be heard! Clare Lorette was born. She weighed 15.5lbs and was 18 inches. Daniel stood up and watched what they were doing.
5:13am - After a minute of tugging and pulling, another cry could be heard as the nurses were working with Clare. Patrick Lewis was born. Little stinker was wedged underneath my rib cage! He weighed 7.2lbs and was 19 inches.
What sweet music to my ears as both were screaming their lungs out! Daniel watched the whole thing and was amazed. He even took a picture of the doctor taking out Patrick. As soon as Patrick was over with the nurses, he looked down at me to check on me. I could tell what he wanted to do and I told him. "Go see the babies. I'm okay." He practically sprinted over and started taking their pictures. After they were cleared, Patrick had an Apgar score of 10, practically unheard of with early babies, Daniel brought the babies over to me while the doctors were sewing me up. The nurses helped take pictures and hand babies to me so that I could see them. What precious faces!!
Daddy helped take the babies to the nursery while the doctor continued to sew the incision. It felt like it took them forever, to finish, then the nausea set in. A nurse had just asked how I was feeling when I had an overwhelming urge to puke. She told Dr. White and he immediately put some Zofran in my IV line and then held a kidney shaped bowl under my mouth. As much as I tried to puke, I couldn't because I could not feel anything below my chest. Dr. Youkilis then told me that as soon as he was done with "this particular area" the nausea would cease and it did. The uncontrollable shaking slowly stopped as well. Finally I was taken into a recovery room for an hour. Daniel rejoined me in there. It was the longest hour! I had to wait to be moved to another room before I could see our babies. Finally, we were moved to our very small room and settled with the promise from the nurse to retrieve our babies. I couldn't wait and asked Daniel to go get them. He went to the nursery, but they would not allow him to take them to our room. We had to wait for the nurse. And she took a solid 30-45 minutes! My poor babies. I've always been able to feed my babies right after delivery and here it had been close to 3 hours. Finally they arrived all clean, smelling good and fast asleep. I nursed Clare first and she latched on vigorously! She's a great nurser!! Patrick was a bit slower, still wanting to sleep and he's still that way. For some reason he latches on the left side better than the right, so although I do switch breasts with him, I tend to put him on the left side more. Funny little tidbit....one afternoon both babies were screaming and hungry. I told Daniel it was time to try tandem nursing. He laughed and said, "good luck!" We positioned the big boppy pillow in my lap, laid Patrick across it and helped him latch on. Then laid Clare across it, partially lying on Patrick and latched her on. Instantly, both babies stopped screaming and nursed, perfectly content. I picked up my phone to take a picture and in walks the lactation consultant for the first time. She couldn't believe it and laughed all the way to the door. What timing on our part! :)
Daniel left me for a short while in the evening to go home and have dinner with the kids and then returned after putting them to bed. This was the first time he has stayed with me in the hospital after having a baby. He really didn't have any choice this go around. We had the babies at 5:12/5:13am and by 4:30pm they wanted to take my catheter out. I couldn't imagine standing up and had such an understanding nurse who agreed and said she wouldn't want it taken out either. Well, 7:00pm came along with the shift change and my new nurse wouldn't take no for an answer. I convinced her to wait until Daniel returned so he could help me to the bathroom. She patiently waited and upon his return, the catheter was removed. She and Daniel helped me to the potty and boy was I regretting this decision! After asking me countless times if I could go or was I done, she turned on the sink faucet and finally I peed a little. They helped me back to bed and that is when the unbearable pain began. I had shooting pain straight to my pelvic area that rivaled contractions. After talking with the nurse, we decided my bladder could still be full so back to the bathroom for me. After 3 successful trips, pain finally disappeared. Now's about the time I finally broke down and asked for pain medication. I ended up being more swollen than when I was admitted (and I was pretty swollen going in) and peed a lot, so much in fact I had 2 nurses comment on my activity. All this up and down was not easy, but what the doctor ordered. Needless to say, I took Percocet and Motrin every 6 hours and boy did they help with the pain!!
By Sunday night I was moving around pretty good, thanks to the pain meds. My nurse asked if I had plans to return home Monday or stay another night. I couldn't believe my ears!! I just knew they were going to make me stay the full 3 days. I told her I would rather go home and she smiled and said she would write that on my chart. Daniel was thrilled to hear all of this after returning from dinner with the kids. Our first night with the twins was challenging to say the least and our second night was not much better. Maybe it's all babies, but my babies never seem to want to sleep in their bassinets. They want to snuggle with us all night. After 1 1/2 nights of screaming, we let them do just that! Not one nurse reminded us of their no co-sleeping policy, probably because they could hear the babies screaming all the way down to the nurses' station.
Monday morning came with a flurry of activity to discharge us. We had a terrible time naming the babies because we couldn't agree on names. I was leaning to Francis Lewis and Clare Lorette, but Daniel didn't like Francis and not a big fan of Clare. My Bunco sisters came up with Patrick and Clare and I loved it! Daniel continued to come up with names like Amos and Amelia. Finally, he relented (muttering he had dibs if we had another one) and on Monday we made it official when the lady came with the birth certificates, for the second time! Daniel went home to change cars and the babies and I were ready for him when he returned in the afternoon. How good it was to be leaving and going home!!
The kids met us at the van and helped bring everything inside the house. First thing Teddy said, "hold baby, me hold baby." And hold baby he did! Patrick screamed and Teddy wasn't quite sure what to think of his screaming and quickly gave him back. :) Savannah and Mary quickly claimed which baby was their baby and they have been nothing but great help since. Luke and Grace are super helpers and love to hold the babies. In fact, Luke can already tell the difference between Patrick and Clare's cries. Mrs. Gagnon arrived later in the evening and was thrilled to see all the kids. What a HUGE help she was for the week that she stayed with us. Patrick and Clare ended up with jaundice, not unusual with our babies or with twins, and Patrick came very close to the number they hospitalize. However, he peaked at that number and was finally cleared almost a week after leaving the hospital. I think in the first week we were home, we went to PAA for bili sticks and weight checks every day except Thursday and Sunday. What a stressful week. I don't remember much, except trying to feed them as much as possible and going to PAA with Daniel's help. Not being able to drive for 2 weeks was the pits, too! Thankfully, the pain of the incision is fading though it still hurts if I do too much around the house. I am trying to find a delicate balance between rest and activity. Thank you, Jesus, for terrific kids who haven't minded helping me more around the house, especially now that Grammy has returned to Maryland. :)
Yesterday, 2 weeks from the day we were discharged, both babies passed inspection at PAA. Clare is back up 15.5 lbs and has grown to 19 inches! Patrick weighed 6.10 lbs and measured 20 1/2 inches. He's not all the way back up to his birth weight, but gained a significant amount of weight in the past 7 days that Dr. Riley was content. How strange to hear babies were in the 2% and 4% percentile for weight. We are so used to being up in the 80th percentile with all of our other large babies, we kind of panicked for a moment. Dr. Riley assured us it was fine and they both looked great! What a great relief to hear him say, "See you in 2 months!"
Saturday, July 28, 2012 - 1:15am - I woke up from a dead sleep to the feeling of a slight "pop" and a small amount of fluid running down my legs. I was very still for a moment, thinking I was dreaming, before jumping into action. You see, my water has NEVER broke before and I've only gone into spontaneous labor with Savannah and Mary. Luke down to Teddy were all induced because I always went within a week of my due date with no contractions and babies born between 8.4lbs and 9.3lbs. Well, I moved a bit and sure enough more water went dripping down my legs. I quickly patted Daniel, staying very still, and whispered his name. No response. I quickly patted him harder this time and said his name much louder with "I think my water just broke!" He immediately rolled over and asked me if I was serious. Ummm, yes, pretty sure. He asked what we should do. I told him he should probably get me a towel so I can make my way to the bathroom before I ruin our bed. This threw him into action and he hurled himself toward the closet for a towel. He helped me out of bed and into the bathroom and slid back under the covers. I called his name, asked him what he was doing, told him that yes indeed my water broke. He said, "okay, just a few more minutes." I found my paper with directions of what to do in this predicament and called my doctor's office. I spoke with a very kind lady who immediately took my name and number down with the promise of a doctor returning my call shortly. In the meantime, I started to pack my bag. Yes, I said pack my bag. Remember, I don't go into labor spontaneously! The whole time I kept thinking, "I can't believe this happening! These babies are supposed to come next Thursday on my late Uncle's birthday for a scheduled c-section. I can't believe this is happening!" Phone rings. Daniel is still in bed. I talked to Dr. Youkilis, not my Dr. Duncan who has delivered 8 of my 9 kids, and tell him that yes my water has broken and that I am scheduled for a c-section on Thursday. He asks me when I last ate. Ummmm, 9:45ish. What did I eat? Ice cream. He tells me not to eat or drink anything and go directly to the hospital. I agreed and hung up. Packing just about done. Daniel is still in bed. I announce how thirsty I am and that we have to go to the hospital! Daniel jumps up, throws on some clothes, talks to Luke about covering up Teddy if he hollers and then tells Savannah where we are going. He carries my things out to the car and away we go, finally.
3:00am - Daniel drops me off at the emergency room and I wait on an outside bench while he parks the car. We go inside and I tell the guy behind the desk that my water has broken. He jumps on the phone with labor/delivery and then orders a wheelchair for me. I'm still thinking...."this can't be happening!" Wheelchair comes and off we go to the 2nd floor of Central Baptist. Everything is soooo quiet, not much action and I am put into a room. I sign my life away, answer all the same questions I answered on the hospital's website when I preregistered, and finally put on a gown. The nurse can't find baby a's heartbeat with the fetal monitor. She goes to ask for help and in walks someone with an ultrasound machine. Then, the nurse is on the phone with the doctor. I lie there for a little over an hour as this guy tries to distinguish which body parts go with which baby, checks me and rechecks me again and again - NOT FUN - and tries to help her locate baby a's heartbeat for the fetal monitor. I am dilated to 3cm at this point, which is good because not 3 days earlier I was 1-2cm. At one point he sounded hopeful that I could have a vaginal delivery, checks me again, looks at the ultrasound monitor again to find that they have moved into a completely different position. He is still stumped. Dr. Youkilis comes in, introduces himself, sits down and studies the ultrasound monitor, checks me and feels feet and decides that it must be a c-section because baby a is still breech and they think baby b has his head down, but is lying in a really weird position. And guess what? I am 5cm dilated! Really? Now I'm mad! My water finally breaks with one of my pregnancies and I dilate to a 5 with little to no pain and I have to have a c-section! Blah! Everyone moves really fast when he states I am 5 cm dilated.
4:45ish am - I am wheeled into the operating room with the hopes that Daniel will follow in his blue garb after I am given the spinal. After 3 attempts and me practically yelling at Dr. White that he is not in the right space, the spinal is in place and they help me lie down. A blue curtain is put up and in walks a very tired Daniel. Apparently, in the time frame that they took me to the OR and then the nurse came to get him because I was ready, he fell into a deep sleep, as did his legs. The nurse entered the room, told him it was time, he stood up quickly and nearly fell down. She asked if his legs were asleep and he laughed and said yes. Thankfully, he did not fall down and recovered rather quickly to join me in the OR. What relief I felt when I saw him sit down near my right shoulder! The doctors asked if I could feel this or that and as soon as I stated no, they started the surgery. Those who know me, know I have never wanted a c-section because of the idea of someone cutting through my skin simply freaks me out. I am actually pretty surprised I did not pass out. There were times I thought I just might, especially when my body started shaking so hard, which is completely normal by the way. Okay. Daniel tried to amuse me by peeking over the curtain and making funny faces, but I could feel so much tugging, pulling and pushing that I really thought I was going to pass out. The doctors were talking nonstop about the Olympics and Daniel made faces about that, too. Then it happened!
5:12am - The room suddenly became very quiet and a cry could be heard! Clare Lorette was born. She weighed 15.5lbs and was 18 inches. Daniel stood up and watched what they were doing.
5:13am - After a minute of tugging and pulling, another cry could be heard as the nurses were working with Clare. Patrick Lewis was born. Little stinker was wedged underneath my rib cage! He weighed 7.2lbs and was 19 inches.
What sweet music to my ears as both were screaming their lungs out! Daniel watched the whole thing and was amazed. He even took a picture of the doctor taking out Patrick. As soon as Patrick was over with the nurses, he looked down at me to check on me. I could tell what he wanted to do and I told him. "Go see the babies. I'm okay." He practically sprinted over and started taking their pictures. After they were cleared, Patrick had an Apgar score of 10, practically unheard of with early babies, Daniel brought the babies over to me while the doctors were sewing me up. The nurses helped take pictures and hand babies to me so that I could see them. What precious faces!!
Daddy helped take the babies to the nursery while the doctor continued to sew the incision. It felt like it took them forever, to finish, then the nausea set in. A nurse had just asked how I was feeling when I had an overwhelming urge to puke. She told Dr. White and he immediately put some Zofran in my IV line and then held a kidney shaped bowl under my mouth. As much as I tried to puke, I couldn't because I could not feel anything below my chest. Dr. Youkilis then told me that as soon as he was done with "this particular area" the nausea would cease and it did. The uncontrollable shaking slowly stopped as well. Finally I was taken into a recovery room for an hour. Daniel rejoined me in there. It was the longest hour! I had to wait to be moved to another room before I could see our babies. Finally, we were moved to our very small room and settled with the promise from the nurse to retrieve our babies. I couldn't wait and asked Daniel to go get them. He went to the nursery, but they would not allow him to take them to our room. We had to wait for the nurse. And she took a solid 30-45 minutes! My poor babies. I've always been able to feed my babies right after delivery and here it had been close to 3 hours. Finally they arrived all clean, smelling good and fast asleep. I nursed Clare first and she latched on vigorously! She's a great nurser!! Patrick was a bit slower, still wanting to sleep and he's still that way. For some reason he latches on the left side better than the right, so although I do switch breasts with him, I tend to put him on the left side more. Funny little tidbit....one afternoon both babies were screaming and hungry. I told Daniel it was time to try tandem nursing. He laughed and said, "good luck!" We positioned the big boppy pillow in my lap, laid Patrick across it and helped him latch on. Then laid Clare across it, partially lying on Patrick and latched her on. Instantly, both babies stopped screaming and nursed, perfectly content. I picked up my phone to take a picture and in walks the lactation consultant for the first time. She couldn't believe it and laughed all the way to the door. What timing on our part! :)
Daniel left me for a short while in the evening to go home and have dinner with the kids and then returned after putting them to bed. This was the first time he has stayed with me in the hospital after having a baby. He really didn't have any choice this go around. We had the babies at 5:12/5:13am and by 4:30pm they wanted to take my catheter out. I couldn't imagine standing up and had such an understanding nurse who agreed and said she wouldn't want it taken out either. Well, 7:00pm came along with the shift change and my new nurse wouldn't take no for an answer. I convinced her to wait until Daniel returned so he could help me to the bathroom. She patiently waited and upon his return, the catheter was removed. She and Daniel helped me to the potty and boy was I regretting this decision! After asking me countless times if I could go or was I done, she turned on the sink faucet and finally I peed a little. They helped me back to bed and that is when the unbearable pain began. I had shooting pain straight to my pelvic area that rivaled contractions. After talking with the nurse, we decided my bladder could still be full so back to the bathroom for me. After 3 successful trips, pain finally disappeared. Now's about the time I finally broke down and asked for pain medication. I ended up being more swollen than when I was admitted (and I was pretty swollen going in) and peed a lot, so much in fact I had 2 nurses comment on my activity. All this up and down was not easy, but what the doctor ordered. Needless to say, I took Percocet and Motrin every 6 hours and boy did they help with the pain!!
By Sunday night I was moving around pretty good, thanks to the pain meds. My nurse asked if I had plans to return home Monday or stay another night. I couldn't believe my ears!! I just knew they were going to make me stay the full 3 days. I told her I would rather go home and she smiled and said she would write that on my chart. Daniel was thrilled to hear all of this after returning from dinner with the kids. Our first night with the twins was challenging to say the least and our second night was not much better. Maybe it's all babies, but my babies never seem to want to sleep in their bassinets. They want to snuggle with us all night. After 1 1/2 nights of screaming, we let them do just that! Not one nurse reminded us of their no co-sleeping policy, probably because they could hear the babies screaming all the way down to the nurses' station.
Monday morning came with a flurry of activity to discharge us. We had a terrible time naming the babies because we couldn't agree on names. I was leaning to Francis Lewis and Clare Lorette, but Daniel didn't like Francis and not a big fan of Clare. My Bunco sisters came up with Patrick and Clare and I loved it! Daniel continued to come up with names like Amos and Amelia. Finally, he relented (muttering he had dibs if we had another one) and on Monday we made it official when the lady came with the birth certificates, for the second time! Daniel went home to change cars and the babies and I were ready for him when he returned in the afternoon. How good it was to be leaving and going home!!
The kids met us at the van and helped bring everything inside the house. First thing Teddy said, "hold baby, me hold baby." And hold baby he did! Patrick screamed and Teddy wasn't quite sure what to think of his screaming and quickly gave him back. :) Savannah and Mary quickly claimed which baby was their baby and they have been nothing but great help since. Luke and Grace are super helpers and love to hold the babies. In fact, Luke can already tell the difference between Patrick and Clare's cries. Mrs. Gagnon arrived later in the evening and was thrilled to see all the kids. What a HUGE help she was for the week that she stayed with us. Patrick and Clare ended up with jaundice, not unusual with our babies or with twins, and Patrick came very close to the number they hospitalize. However, he peaked at that number and was finally cleared almost a week after leaving the hospital. I think in the first week we were home, we went to PAA for bili sticks and weight checks every day except Thursday and Sunday. What a stressful week. I don't remember much, except trying to feed them as much as possible and going to PAA with Daniel's help. Not being able to drive for 2 weeks was the pits, too! Thankfully, the pain of the incision is fading though it still hurts if I do too much around the house. I am trying to find a delicate balance between rest and activity. Thank you, Jesus, for terrific kids who haven't minded helping me more around the house, especially now that Grammy has returned to Maryland. :)
Yesterday, 2 weeks from the day we were discharged, both babies passed inspection at PAA. Clare is back up 15.5 lbs and has grown to 19 inches! Patrick weighed 6.10 lbs and measured 20 1/2 inches. He's not all the way back up to his birth weight, but gained a significant amount of weight in the past 7 days that Dr. Riley was content. How strange to hear babies were in the 2% and 4% percentile for weight. We are so used to being up in the 80th percentile with all of our other large babies, we kind of panicked for a moment. Dr. Riley assured us it was fine and they both looked great! What a great relief to hear him say, "See you in 2 months!"
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
The Woman With You
I'm nesting. No surprise there since I'm 34 weeks! I'd say it's about time! Too bad that nesting phase doesn't happen a bit earlier. The kids and I accomplished quite a bit around the house yesterday and my whole body ached by bedtime. I finally decided to take a bubble bath, hoping the warm water and soft tunes of Kenny Chesney would soothe my swollen and aching joints and limbs. The only thing missing was something cold and fruity to drink. ;)
As I searched through Kenny's songs on his MySpace player, I came across one I haven't heard in a while....The Woman With You. I've heard this song a hundred times, I think I even have the CD. However, this time it hit me in a completely different way. I could really relate to the lyrics......
As I searched through Kenny's songs on his MySpace player, I came across one I haven't heard in a while....The Woman With You. I've heard this song a hundred times, I think I even have the CD. However, this time it hit me in a completely different way. I could really relate to the lyrics......
Been gopherin', chaufferin', company chairmen.
Coffee maker, copy repairman.
Anymore there ain't nothin' I swear man that I don't do.
Been juggling, struggling, closing big deals.
Dancing backwards in high heels.
Just when it feels like I can't make it through.
She said it sure is nice to just be the woman with you
Coffee maker, copy repairman.
Anymore there ain't nothin' I swear man that I don't do.
Been juggling, struggling, closing big deals.
Dancing backwards in high heels.
Just when it feels like I can't make it through.
She said it sure is nice to just be the woman with you
As a homeschooling mother to 9 children (almost 11), I'm definitely the gopher, the chauffer and chairmen of our home while Daddy is away working. Instead of coffee, I fill up cups with water, milk and/or juice constantly and cook meals. I repair toys, bikes, games and kiss gently boo-boos that sting and hurt. I juggle the older kids with the younger ones and really struggle on days when nothing seems to go right and no one seems to listen and obey. Closing big deals means finding books, toys and kid clothing at reasonable prices and then settling sibling arguments that arise throughout the day. I'm not going to lie. Taking care of 9 kids all day every day with hardly a break is not easy. It's not impossible, but there are days giving up and crawling back to bed seems the only reasonable option.
Then, Daddy returns home and all is forgotten. His return home is probably the most exciting part of our day. There are days I don't know who is more excited to see him...me or the kids? I love him with my whole heart. After almost 16 years, he can still make my heart pitter patter with just one glance. After all the kids are tucked into bed, we snuggle every night on the couch watching TV, reading or simply talking about the day's events before going to bed together. We stay connected and close this way and I don't know that setting apart each night for one another was ever intentional, but just sort of became routine as God blessed us with one baby after another. I do know our mutual growth in Christ is a large part of who we are as a married couple, even as a family. I am thankful to God every day for the love He has for us and for our family and for the opportunity He gives us each new day to mirror that love within our family. What a huge blessing! I pray all married couples and their families may have this same love and devotion to one another as shown within the Blessed Trinity.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Pregnant with Twins
Our last busy week has come to an end and today I've been resting to try to reduce some of the swelling that has accumulated. I am thankful Daniel will be home with us for a long weekend. It's looking like it will take all weekend to flush out some of this fluid. I am 28 weeks pregnant with twins and I can definitely feel the difference between a twin pregnancy and a singleton. And I am sure the surge in heat this weekend is only going to heighten my awareness!
Besides the excess fluid in my legs, arms and hands, I am having the hardest time eating. Nothing sounds good nor does it taste all that great. This is a huge difference compared to my other pregnancies and it comes at the worst time because I need all the calories and protein possible to help these2 babies grow and develop. Usually I crave sweets or carbs. While the ice cream tasted good for a while, even that no longer sounds good. Can you imagine? This is sooo bizarre!
Then about a week ago, I started to panic a bit. Well, enough to send my heart beating and my pulse racing when I thought about the end of this pregnancy. The thought of birthing/feeding/raising two babies at the same time, in addition to what was already expected of me as mother to 9 children, was overwhelming. I'm mostly concerned about the feeding part since I've always breastfed my babies. The book that was loaned/recommended to me by a new friend didn't seem to calm my anxiety. Finally, one day I was resting on my side between busy days and decided I would search out blogs talking about raising twins. There were many to choose from, not to mention websites dedicated to raising twins. After reading several, I am calm and more confident in my ability to successfully feed these babies when the time comes. And I can't wait for them to arrive! Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to have twins. I remember telling Daniel once that I thought God would honor that desire and look where we are today. I firmly believe these babies are from Him and I couldn't be more thankful for the blessings He continues to bestow upon us. First, Henry's amazing healing and now these beautiful babies! Thank you, Jesus!!
Besides the excess fluid in my legs, arms and hands, I am having the hardest time eating. Nothing sounds good nor does it taste all that great. This is a huge difference compared to my other pregnancies and it comes at the worst time because I need all the calories and protein possible to help these2 babies grow and develop. Usually I crave sweets or carbs. While the ice cream tasted good for a while, even that no longer sounds good. Can you imagine? This is sooo bizarre!
Then about a week ago, I started to panic a bit. Well, enough to send my heart beating and my pulse racing when I thought about the end of this pregnancy. The thought of birthing/feeding/raising two babies at the same time, in addition to what was already expected of me as mother to 9 children, was overwhelming. I'm mostly concerned about the feeding part since I've always breastfed my babies. The book that was loaned/recommended to me by a new friend didn't seem to calm my anxiety. Finally, one day I was resting on my side between busy days and decided I would search out blogs talking about raising twins. There were many to choose from, not to mention websites dedicated to raising twins. After reading several, I am calm and more confident in my ability to successfully feed these babies when the time comes. And I can't wait for them to arrive! Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to have twins. I remember telling Daniel once that I thought God would honor that desire and look where we are today. I firmly believe these babies are from Him and I couldn't be more thankful for the blessings He continues to bestow upon us. First, Henry's amazing healing and now these beautiful babies! Thank you, Jesus!!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Summer Break is Here!!
Today is the first day of summer break for our family. We are taking it easy, to say the least. Kids have done nothing but eat, play card games, read books together, put together puzzles with their younger siblings, read, play one hour of Wii and now 6 of them are swimming while the 3 little boys are napping to the sounds of KLOVE. I'm still in my pajamas while washing/drying clothes. There are dishes in the sink and the house is a bit messy. Needless to say, it's a GREAT first day of summer break!
Sure we have projects around the house that need to be done and some summer schoolwork to do, but today we are relishing in not having any demands or deadlines. We'll complete our lazy day with baseball/soccer games this evening and may even stay up late watching our new Netflix family movie with popcorn and candy. After such a stressful summer last year with news of Henry's Leukemia relapse, intense chemo treatment and ultimately his bone marrow transplant last October, we are looking forward to this summer! Thank you, Jesus, for Henry's amazing healing and for the summer months ahead! I hope you all have an amazing summer, too! :)
Sure we have projects around the house that need to be done and some summer schoolwork to do, but today we are relishing in not having any demands or deadlines. We'll complete our lazy day with baseball/soccer games this evening and may even stay up late watching our new Netflix family movie with popcorn and candy. After such a stressful summer last year with news of Henry's Leukemia relapse, intense chemo treatment and ultimately his bone marrow transplant last October, we are looking forward to this summer! Thank you, Jesus, for Henry's amazing healing and for the summer months ahead! I hope you all have an amazing summer, too! :)
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Recognizing Sanctity
My kind and generous mother-in-law has given hubby and I our very own copies of Making God the Joy of Our Soul,
which is a book filled with inspiring homilies by Father McLean
Cummings. I have slowly been reading through them, though not in the
order in which they are organized. I've been picking from the Table of
Contents based on subject matter. I thought I would share about one
that really spoke to me about Recognizing Sanctity in Others.
"There aren't perhaps many great saints among us that we don't realize, but there certainly are many potential saints that perhaps we don't realize. We don't think of them as what they are, truly potential saints in the making. Because we know each other so well, the faults and failings are all around us, we get used to each other, especially in families. One doesn't seem to think of these as truly, truly potential saints because we know their faults. But we have to remember that even sinners, of course, are potential saints. We have to remind them of this too, that God has created you to be holy. In a thousand different way, especially the way we treat them, we have to make this known, that God expects each and every one of us to be truly, truly holy."
I didn't hear anything remotely like this growing up and am so thankful for my Catholic faith as an adult. I've had to rely upon book after book to teach me how to be holy so that I can teach my children. As parents, we are our child's first educators and we must be aware that we will be held accountable to God in what we teach or did not teach our children. Of course, learning holiness can be as easy as opening up the Bible and reading God's Word. What role models we have in the New Testament in Jesus, Peter and Paul, just to name a few. The saints are also my favorite role models because they come from all walks of life and have attained the holiness that God expects. Besides, they are in Heaven! What better people to pray for me than those who are with Jesus in Heaven and can intercede on my behalf! I can't but think what a difference this world would be if we all treated each other as sacred individuals and if all parents taught their children that God has created each one of them holy and that, yes, that can be saints!
"We ourselves too mustn't fall into the same error, getting so used to ourselves and our failings and our habits, that we think that is is more or less about as good as I'll ever be. This would be false humility. We too are called to be saints. When we come into contact with people throughout our day, our only goal should be that that contact, help them along this road towards sanctity. Because it's truly, truly possible. We have to help each other, in particular, to suffer well, that's a way to holiness, and to pray well."
Two things came to mind when I read the paragraph above. One, it is not God that tells us that we are as good as we are going to be. That voice would be from the devil because he is the one who doesn't want us to attain holiness. It is a temptation we must all defeat! St. Michael, pray for us!! Secondly, I am reminded of the end of the Litany of Humility that asks Jesus to grant us that "that others become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should." I love this prayer and actually have it hanging on the back of my bathroom door. It is not easy to be humble because our pride gets in the way in so many ways. Again, if only others could be convinced of their sacred worth and holiness. What a different world we would live in!
I'm sure there is more waiting to be shared by Father Cummings. Stay tuned! :)
"There aren't perhaps many great saints among us that we don't realize, but there certainly are many potential saints that perhaps we don't realize. We don't think of them as what they are, truly potential saints in the making. Because we know each other so well, the faults and failings are all around us, we get used to each other, especially in families. One doesn't seem to think of these as truly, truly potential saints because we know their faults. But we have to remember that even sinners, of course, are potential saints. We have to remind them of this too, that God has created you to be holy. In a thousand different way, especially the way we treat them, we have to make this known, that God expects each and every one of us to be truly, truly holy."
I didn't hear anything remotely like this growing up and am so thankful for my Catholic faith as an adult. I've had to rely upon book after book to teach me how to be holy so that I can teach my children. As parents, we are our child's first educators and we must be aware that we will be held accountable to God in what we teach or did not teach our children. Of course, learning holiness can be as easy as opening up the Bible and reading God's Word. What role models we have in the New Testament in Jesus, Peter and Paul, just to name a few. The saints are also my favorite role models because they come from all walks of life and have attained the holiness that God expects. Besides, they are in Heaven! What better people to pray for me than those who are with Jesus in Heaven and can intercede on my behalf! I can't but think what a difference this world would be if we all treated each other as sacred individuals and if all parents taught their children that God has created each one of them holy and that, yes, that can be saints!
"We ourselves too mustn't fall into the same error, getting so used to ourselves and our failings and our habits, that we think that is is more or less about as good as I'll ever be. This would be false humility. We too are called to be saints. When we come into contact with people throughout our day, our only goal should be that that contact, help them along this road towards sanctity. Because it's truly, truly possible. We have to help each other, in particular, to suffer well, that's a way to holiness, and to pray well."
Two things came to mind when I read the paragraph above. One, it is not God that tells us that we are as good as we are going to be. That voice would be from the devil because he is the one who doesn't want us to attain holiness. It is a temptation we must all defeat! St. Michael, pray for us!! Secondly, I am reminded of the end of the Litany of Humility that asks Jesus to grant us that "that others become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should." I love this prayer and actually have it hanging on the back of my bathroom door. It is not easy to be humble because our pride gets in the way in so many ways. Again, if only others could be convinced of their sacred worth and holiness. What a different world we would live in!
I'm sure there is more waiting to be shared by Father Cummings. Stay tuned! :)
Sunday, May 6, 2012
A Peek in our daily life....
Believe it or not, my house is quiet and it's 4:00pm. Most people assume we operate around a schedule and they are correct. Some years are better than others. I've tried most of the "house schedules" out there in the and have tweaked them over the years. Now we run mostly by routine than a schedule. Kids know we eat breakfast after everyone is awake, dress, chores, and school begins. We eat lunch at noon after picking up the house, on Fridays they are allowed to eat in the living room and watch a movie and during the summer months they always eat outside. They have free time after lunch, then it's nap time at 2pm for the younger kids and quiet reading time for the rest. This is where I surprise people. Our house is actually quiet, minus the music playing in the little boys' room to drown out distractions like a phone ringing. This is how I keep my sanity while raising 9 children. Everyone needs quiet time, not just moms. I have always done this and my kids know no different. The only who balks is the one who thinks they are too big to nap. And let me say, no one is too big to nap. :) After naps are over, then they have free time while I prepare dinner. Before Daddy returns home we pick up the house again, so he comes home to a clean house. We eat with Daddy, kitchens chores are done and they play with Daddy until it's time for bed. House is always picked up again, if needed, before bedtime. On days we go to our homeschooling co-op the next day, co-op clothes are found, backpacks are packed and lunches are packed with non-perishables. On Saturday nights, Sunday outfits are chosen and, if needed, ironed. We do the same during baseball/soccer seasons. All game outfits are found the night before and cups are filled and put in the refrigerator. This helps so much on those mornings we have to be out the door early.
Laundry is a huge issue in our household. Pajamas are worn more than once. Towels are used more than once. I do all the laundry on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Some people do a load or two every day, but I am not that fond of laundry and desire to have days that I do not have to do it. I wash, dry and separate the clothes in piles. Everyone puts their clothes away and the older kids have a buddy's clothes they put away. It's funny to me that they usually end up teaching their little buddy how to put their own clothes away to help ease their load.
I think that just about sums up our busy day to day life. :)
Laundry is a huge issue in our household. Pajamas are worn more than once. Towels are used more than once. I do all the laundry on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Some people do a load or two every day, but I am not that fond of laundry and desire to have days that I do not have to do it. I wash, dry and separate the clothes in piles. Everyone puts their clothes away and the older kids have a buddy's clothes they put away. It's funny to me that they usually end up teaching their little buddy how to put their own clothes away to help ease their load.
I think that just about sums up our busy day to day life. :)
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Adding 2 limbs to the family tree!
Yep, it's true! We are expecting twins, one boy and one girl. As much as I teased Daniel about me carrying twins in the beginning of this pregnancy because my morning sickness was the worst yet, the news still came as quite a shock at our second ultrasound. My OB missed the baby boy when he performed a mini ultrasound at my first visit because little stinker is lying transverse. Now it is time for another ultrasound to get a better view of the babies' hearts and other organs the ultrasound tech couldn't get with the last ultrasound. I can't wait! I LOVE peeks inside the womb and am so excited about these babies! I've wanted twins since I was a little girl and am so thankful God has blessed us with them now. I've even bought them their first silky blankets because I simply couldn't resist.
baby Jack blankets makes the best blankets! Teddy has two of Kelley's Red Sox fleece/minky dot blankets in different sizes and Henry has a twin size Atlanta Braves fleece/minky dot that he took with him to Cincinnati. These silky satin ribbon tab loveys will be our first and should be here by the end of the week.
Life is great within the Gagnon household! Hopefully, I'll have ultrasound pics of these 2 precious babies soon that I can share with you! Until then, take care! May God bless you and Mary keep you.
baby Jack blankets makes the best blankets! Teddy has two of Kelley's Red Sox fleece/minky dot blankets in different sizes and Henry has a twin size Atlanta Braves fleece/minky dot that he took with him to Cincinnati. These silky satin ribbon tab loveys will be our first and should be here by the end of the week.
Life is great within the Gagnon household! Hopefully, I'll have ultrasound pics of these 2 precious babies soon that I can share with you! Until then, take care! May God bless you and Mary keep you.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Let's try this again! :)
After a most difficult year since I created this blog and wrote my first post, I'm giving it another try....
I have much to be thankful for in the continued healing of our 4 year old son, Henry. He underwent a bone marrow transplant (October 18) due to this ALL relapse just 14 months into treatment last June. Henry and I spent roughly 2 months in Cincinnati, which was 2 hours away from home. Thanks to the kindness of my mother and the thoughtfulness of our St. Andrew's parish, life at home went on without me. Meals were delivered twice a week, mom moved in and continued the task of homeschooling 6 children and once Daniel returned from his 2 week stay in Cincinnati, the kids enjoyed their time again at Holy Family Cooperative twice a week. It wasn't all roses for Henry's siblings, each one reacting to my absence differently and not all at the same time. However, thanks be to God for so many faithful prayers, sacrifices and offerings, Henry and I were back home in record time and Henry continues to flourish. Each day is a gift from Him and I treasure them all. That being said, finding our old routine has been really hard and very stressful, but I think we finally found it! Yes, I am still playing catch up in the kids' studies. Every time I think I've finally figured it all out, something/someone else is brought to my attention. Isn't that life though?
Crazy, loud, structured, loving would be some of the words I would describe the atmosphere of our house. I love it though and wouldn't trade homeschooling or our big family for anything this world has to offer. :)
Talk to you again soon!
I have much to be thankful for in the continued healing of our 4 year old son, Henry. He underwent a bone marrow transplant (October 18) due to this ALL relapse just 14 months into treatment last June. Henry and I spent roughly 2 months in Cincinnati, which was 2 hours away from home. Thanks to the kindness of my mother and the thoughtfulness of our St. Andrew's parish, life at home went on without me. Meals were delivered twice a week, mom moved in and continued the task of homeschooling 6 children and once Daniel returned from his 2 week stay in Cincinnati, the kids enjoyed their time again at Holy Family Cooperative twice a week. It wasn't all roses for Henry's siblings, each one reacting to my absence differently and not all at the same time. However, thanks be to God for so many faithful prayers, sacrifices and offerings, Henry and I were back home in record time and Henry continues to flourish. Each day is a gift from Him and I treasure them all. That being said, finding our old routine has been really hard and very stressful, but I think we finally found it! Yes, I am still playing catch up in the kids' studies. Every time I think I've finally figured it all out, something/someone else is brought to my attention. Isn't that life though?
Crazy, loud, structured, loving would be some of the words I would describe the atmosphere of our house. I love it though and wouldn't trade homeschooling or our big family for anything this world has to offer. :)
Talk to you again soon!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)