Lest I Forget

Doesn't she look content? And sleeping? WRONG! I've given birth to an insomniac. There are no pictures of the mama because the baggy eyes are not pretty. In her defense, it is hard to keep a schedule when you happen to be baby number 6. If it weren't for funny stories like the following, I think I might just lose my mind for lack of sleep. Therese had to go to the audiologist this morning, since she failed the hearing test at the hospital. Thank goodness Tony was able to go stay home with the little ones. I came home and was greeted at the door by Anna, who informed me she was hungry and wanted breakfast. I asked her what her Dad was doing. Without missing a beat, she replied: Not getting me breakfast.

Therese is a little spoiled. Nobody wants to put her down. The pictures are grainy because it is dark outside, but the flash makes everything too harsh. Any suggestions? I love Anna's face on this one. They always ask me to put her in their arms so they can see her face. Did I mention that my husband is a foot taller than me? Well, he is. Thus the reason for the angle. This last photo is of my mother holding me the day she came home from the hospital. I think Therese looks a little like me.

I have been trying to keep things simple around here while we adjust to a newborn's schedule or lack thereof! Meals have got to be quick and easy and hopefully still nutritious. So while Therese was laying so sweetly in her Moses basket, I decided to go ahead and prepare the chicken for roasting. Anna, who has seen me do this many times, had a lightbulb moment today. You mean they kill birds? To eat? I confirm that this is indeed what happens. I inquired if it bothered her that we ate animals. A little, but it sure tastes good!

is never dull. This week, he has made me laugh out loud so often. He was watching me change Therese's diaper and was worried about the umbilical cord. I explained that that was how she received food from me while she grew in my tummy. Anna then walked into the room and he wanted to share his new knowledge with her. "Anna, this is the invisible cord." But what really made me giggle was this: (this will probably only happen in your house if your husband's occupation is 'tuba player') Jack put the Boppy pillow around himself and lifted one end to his mouth. He then proceeded to "play" Seventy-six trombones into his own sousaphone while marching around the living room. He's really quite a talented musician and entertainer. I knew I needed to write these little moments down before they were lost forever in my sleep deprived state. But I am joyfully making the sacrifice. Did I mention that we are all in love over here with our little Therese? P.S. I ha...

Mary Therese (we will call her Therese) born on September 8, 2010 The Feast of the Nativity of the Blesssed Virgin 8 pounds 10 ounces, 21 1/2 inches We are in love with our precious little girl!

Long ago, when there were only 2 kids and I was much, much younger and energetic, I used to like planning birthday parties. Somewhere along the way, I turned into an old fuddy-duddy, and there would be cake and ice cream and presents, but that was about it. A few months ago, Anna checked out this book from our library. The book ignited a long extinguished flame in me to create this party for Anna. Enjoy the pictures. It was a lovely afternoon, darlin'! Anna and I made the placemats and decorated the silverware. Jelly filled (gasp!) white store-bought bread. "Tea cups" on doilies look ever so fancy! My first attempt at homemade cake. The guests added sprinkles galore! "Tea" is apple juice with ice and apple slices. The guests were very thirsty. The hostess with her company. Working on our tiaras was such fun. So was wearing them! Aren't they lovely? Then, on to the refreshments. Don't forget...pinkies up, ladies! The singing of "Happy Birthday...

My little counter on the sidebar says 10 days and counting. These nine months have gone by much faster than I wanted. I love this time that I get to myself with the baby. It is a time for bonding that no one can share but the two of us and God. She is with me every minute, wherever I am. I am reluctant to give that up, yet at the same time I am so eager to hold her in my arms. I look at the crib and smile as I picture her resting peacefully in the place I have lovingly prepared for her. But there is the anxiety that I try to keep at bay. What if? I know that tragic things can happen, do happen. Is it possible to ever not think about the potential heartache after losing a child? Every little elbow jab, I say a little prayer of Thanksgiving that she is still OK. ********************************************************************************* In the midst of the confusion of packing up the car in the wee morning hours, we missed several things. We were probably not very quiet that mornin...