"Well, if you want to, Honey, when you get much older. If you find someone that you want to marry, and feel that God is calling you to marry her."
"But who will I marry?"
"Well, I don't know, Sweetheart. It would be a long time from now, when you're an adult."
"And when you get married, you have a wedding?"
"Yes, in church."
"And will you have cake there?"
"Yes, people usually have wedding cakes."
"Did you and Daddy have one?"
"Yes."
"What kind was it?"
"Banana."
"OOhhhhh. I want chocolate."
"Yes, chocolate is your favorite, isn't it?"
" With lots of frosting. I like wedding cake, Mommy."
"I can imagine, Sweetheart."
"Can we have some soon?"
"We can make a regular cake, how does that sound?"
"But after the wedding...what would I talk to her about?" *furrowed brows*
Because after all, he's only marrying her for the *cake*. This came up this morning too, when I was watching BBC America's coverage of the royal wedding. Henry was shocked that they didn't break the wedding cake out right there in Westminster Abbey.
*thinks about cake*
Now I want wedding cake.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Everybody is nesting these days
This morning, as I readied for work, I heard a bunch of commotion out of one of our bedroom windows. I'd been hearing a lot of cooing out there, but I didn't think too much of it. Some pigeons passing by, most likely.
Eventually, I noticed that the level of fluttering coming from that area could not possibly be from a fly by. I can't see fully out that window because there is a privacy panel on it, since the houses are so close together where we live. But there is a little space near the edge that I can peek through. So I peeked.
A mourning dove peeked back.
Mike had forgotten to lower the screen when he took our a/c units out last year, and two doves had taken up residence in the window, beginning a nest. I felt bad, but we had to shoo them out. We don't want to live *quite* that close to nature. Plus, the a/c unit will have to go back in there.
In terms of our nest, Mike is painting the nursery this weekend, and we have a very cute Berber carpet going in there next Tuesday. After that, we'll get the furniture all moved, and I can finally move the baby's "stuff" out of the closet and start arranging it in the room. I also have to wash all the little clothes. Perhaps next weekend. But I'm getting a bit freaked out - I only have a few weeks to go!
And it definitely feels it, physically. Overall, I still feel pretty darn good. But I'm nearly 37 weeks now, so the inevitable comes into play. My ankles and fingers swell very easily now, and sciatica is my constant companion. So is the bathroom, but that's a whole 'nother story.
The baby is a really good size now, and I'm feeling tons of pressure. My body is getting ready whether I'm ready or not!
Eventually, I noticed that the level of fluttering coming from that area could not possibly be from a fly by. I can't see fully out that window because there is a privacy panel on it, since the houses are so close together where we live. But there is a little space near the edge that I can peek through. So I peeked.
A mourning dove peeked back.
Mike had forgotten to lower the screen when he took our a/c units out last year, and two doves had taken up residence in the window, beginning a nest. I felt bad, but we had to shoo them out. We don't want to live *quite* that close to nature. Plus, the a/c unit will have to go back in there.
In terms of our nest, Mike is painting the nursery this weekend, and we have a very cute Berber carpet going in there next Tuesday. After that, we'll get the furniture all moved, and I can finally move the baby's "stuff" out of the closet and start arranging it in the room. I also have to wash all the little clothes. Perhaps next weekend. But I'm getting a bit freaked out - I only have a few weeks to go!
And it definitely feels it, physically. Overall, I still feel pretty darn good. But I'm nearly 37 weeks now, so the inevitable comes into play. My ankles and fingers swell very easily now, and sciatica is my constant companion. So is the bathroom, but that's a whole 'nother story.
The baby is a really good size now, and I'm feeling tons of pressure. My body is getting ready whether I'm ready or not!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Hypnobirthing
Has anybody tried this? I just read the book, and thought I'd post my quick thoughts here.
So, the important disclaimer is that I did not attend any classes. And this does sound like a method in which the creator intends for you to receive in-person training. That being said, I read the book all the way through with interest, and I did take a few things away from it. Overall though, I don't feel like I "know" the method well enough to actually use it during my upcoming birth.
I'll start from the beginning. This is definitely a "crunchy" book, but it doesn't bang you over the head with it. I always appreciate that. The introductory section is a fascinating look back into childbirth of the 60's and 70's. The woman who created this method discussed her 4 birth experiences. She opted not to receive pain medication each time (which was really unheard of back then) and if you can believe this, for the first two, she labored unmedicated all the way through to the baby crowning, and then hospital staff would whisk her to a delivery room, strap down her arms and legs, force an ether mask onto her face, and then once she was unconscious, deliver her baby forcibly with forceps. Because that's just what they did back then. There was no concept of a woman pushing her baby out on her own. My own mom told me that about her birth with my older sister in 1970. "Oh, we'll take it from here, Honey." And then she woke up hours after the birth. I mean, I was flabbergasted. An unconscious vaginal birth? I had a hard time imagining this.
As if to add to the horror, the author also detailed how the baby was kept in the infant nursery at all times except for designated feeding times, and at those times, the fathers were not allowed to be in the room. So, a new mother would not see her baby until the day after she delivered, and then for 4-5 days (used to be the customary stay for a vaginal delivery) would be with her baby only a few times per day. The other times she had to see her baby only through the nursery windows. New fathers had no contact with their baby aside from the nursery window glimpses until mother and baby were released from the hospital. I mean, seriously?
I guess I'm a child of twenty first century childbirth, and so this boggles my mind. Although there is no technique presented per se in this information, it strengthened my fortitude to be grateful for the birthing choices we now have and to assert mine in the way that I desire when the big day arrives.
The author ultimately was able to birth her second two children on her own without the dreaded ether, and even have her husband present for the births, after finding a sympathetic doctor. But alas, both were still whisked to the newborn nursery and all that entailed.
At any rate, after the introductory information, the book addresses the main techniques of Hypnobirthing, which are breathing exercises, relaxation, and visual imagery/meditation. As I mentioned, I found it hard to understand all of the techniques just from reading the book. There is a CD included, and I plan to check that out. But overall, it kind of reinforced what I wanted to do anyway: breathing techniques, position changes, music for relaxation, and a mental focal point. I'm sure I'm missing the very essence of Hypnobirthing, which puts these all together in some unique fashion, but it's the best I can do with just the book.
Anybody else have insight on this particular method of natural childbirth?
So, the important disclaimer is that I did not attend any classes. And this does sound like a method in which the creator intends for you to receive in-person training. That being said, I read the book all the way through with interest, and I did take a few things away from it. Overall though, I don't feel like I "know" the method well enough to actually use it during my upcoming birth.
I'll start from the beginning. This is definitely a "crunchy" book, but it doesn't bang you over the head with it. I always appreciate that. The introductory section is a fascinating look back into childbirth of the 60's and 70's. The woman who created this method discussed her 4 birth experiences. She opted not to receive pain medication each time (which was really unheard of back then) and if you can believe this, for the first two, she labored unmedicated all the way through to the baby crowning, and then hospital staff would whisk her to a delivery room, strap down her arms and legs, force an ether mask onto her face, and then once she was unconscious, deliver her baby forcibly with forceps. Because that's just what they did back then. There was no concept of a woman pushing her baby out on her own. My own mom told me that about her birth with my older sister in 1970. "Oh, we'll take it from here, Honey." And then she woke up hours after the birth. I mean, I was flabbergasted. An unconscious vaginal birth? I had a hard time imagining this.
As if to add to the horror, the author also detailed how the baby was kept in the infant nursery at all times except for designated feeding times, and at those times, the fathers were not allowed to be in the room. So, a new mother would not see her baby until the day after she delivered, and then for 4-5 days (used to be the customary stay for a vaginal delivery) would be with her baby only a few times per day. The other times she had to see her baby only through the nursery windows. New fathers had no contact with their baby aside from the nursery window glimpses until mother and baby were released from the hospital. I mean, seriously?
I guess I'm a child of twenty first century childbirth, and so this boggles my mind. Although there is no technique presented per se in this information, it strengthened my fortitude to be grateful for the birthing choices we now have and to assert mine in the way that I desire when the big day arrives.
The author ultimately was able to birth her second two children on her own without the dreaded ether, and even have her husband present for the births, after finding a sympathetic doctor. But alas, both were still whisked to the newborn nursery and all that entailed.
At any rate, after the introductory information, the book addresses the main techniques of Hypnobirthing, which are breathing exercises, relaxation, and visual imagery/meditation. As I mentioned, I found it hard to understand all of the techniques just from reading the book. There is a CD included, and I plan to check that out. But overall, it kind of reinforced what I wanted to do anyway: breathing techniques, position changes, music for relaxation, and a mental focal point. I'm sure I'm missing the very essence of Hypnobirthing, which puts these all together in some unique fashion, but it's the best I can do with just the book.
Anybody else have insight on this particular method of natural childbirth?
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
A Catholic Librarian Children update, and the Easter Vigil 2011
Well. :) Lots of updates today. It'll be a long post, so settle in with some tea. I'll start with this morning, and work my way backward, ending with details from Easter weekend, which was very special.
First, I thought I'd post about my morning. It's always interesting when you have small children. :) Hank slept in today, because he was so tired from a hardcore weekend of playing with his cousins, so I took the opportunity to sneak in the bathroom ahead of him and ready for my 36 week ob/gyn appointment. When he woke, all sleepy eyed at 7, I went in to greet him immediately and zero in on an adorable face kissing session. Don't you just love it when they're freshly woken? It's the cutest time of the day. So I proceed in and kiss his head.
Hark! What is that I smell? All experienced parents become attuned to certain smells, and this is one of them: OLD POO. It's quite distinctive.
"Honey, did you go poo in your underwear last night?"
"NO!" *look of shocked indignation at the question*
"Are you sure?"
"YES!"
*Catholic Librarian crosses her fingers and hopes the smell is coming from a prior poo encounter's leftover wipes fermenting in the garbage can after our long weekend away*
"Mommy?"
"Yes, Honey?"
"Can I have privacy to get dressed?"
This is also another one of those parenting red herrings. I'm sure some children, especially girls, develop the desire for privacy at 5, but not my son, who streaks around the house buck naked at every given opportunity. I shut his door and tap my foot outside for approximately 5 seconds, when, in a totally expected development, I hear:
"Um, Mommy? Can you come in?"
When I open the door, the smell of old poo is no longer subtle; it smacks me right in the face. And old poo is the *worst* kind of poo to clean up, because, well (cover your eyes, those with sensitive dispositions) it's all dried and stuck to everything. In a *crevice*. Not pleasant. This is one of those times that you really know that parenting is a two person job.
*call downstairs* "Honey? Do you want underwear duty or butt duty?"
Because both need to be rinsed out and scrubbed down. The life of a parent: glamour, all glamour.
So after that adventure-filled start to the morning, I dropped Hank at his before school program and head to the doctor. Starting this week, I'll be there weekly. And they'll be seeing an awful lot of me, if you know what I mean. *sigh*
So, I had the Group B Strep screen today, and hopefully that will come back negative next week. Otherwise, I'll need antibiotics during labor, and I'd like to avoid that. Baby CL is officially in the vertex position (head down, doing a good job of following directions) and growing right on target. Next week, I'll be officially full term, and we'll see if my body has made any progress toward labor. It's all very exciting.
I'm feeling totally great, albeit like a woman very "full with child". I've gained 24 pounds, which is fabulous, but you know. I feel a bit like a beached whale. I've gotten very used to it, and the end is so close, I'm handling it psychologically much better than I did when I was carrying Hank, when it felt like I may be the first woman to officially be pregnant FOREVER. But it will still be very, VERY nice to be the only one in my body coming up here pretty soon. That will be a very good day.
Ok, so. Flashing back to this weekend. Saturday was crazy, but so very worth it. We arrived at my sister's house at 1, and by 3:10 I was on a train on my way to New York City to attend the Easter Vigil. I met up with my friend Mary, and we spent some time visiting prior to Mass. By time we headed to the church, I was feeling great emotionally, but not so great physically. I still had a cold and was hacking unattractively, plus I hadn't eaten a proper dinner. I had eaten, don't get me wrong, it's just that my body is used to eating a full dinner at 5:30 pm every night. Mike and I are a tad freakish that way. As Mass begun, I was feeling a bit light headed with an upset stomach and a cough, not a good combination.
However, I hung in there, and it was worth it. I love how the Easter Vigil starts, with the service of light and the lighting of the candles in the darkened church, and then the lights come on, signaling the official beginning of Easter.
As the Liturgy of the Word proceeded, I started to feel a tad better, although the hacking remained. Finally, it was time for the Liturgy of the Sacraments of Initiation, and, really, all I can say is that it was so, so special. My friend Mary and one other woman were the only 2 catechumens (the rest, a significant number, were all candidates to be confirmed) and so we proceeded up to the altar first. The priest went through the baptismal promises and the affirmation of the Catholic faith with each, and then baptized both. As one of her sponsors, I was so delighted to be able to right up there with her as this was all taking place.
After that, the rest of the congregation affirmed our baptismal vows, and then the confirmations took place. We went back to the pew to await the Liturgy of the Eucharist. And so, for the first time in our 14 year friendship, Mary and I received the Eucharist together under both species. It was truly magnificent, and the atmosphere in the church was almost magical.
I've only attended 1 other Easter Vigil, and when you know someone receiving the sacraments on that occasion, it's simply not to be missed. What an awesome opportunity provided by God. I'll never forget it.
I took it easy on Easter Sunday, another bright and beautiful day. And with the birth of Baby CL approaching, I feel joyful all the time. Life is truly very good.
First, I thought I'd post about my morning. It's always interesting when you have small children. :) Hank slept in today, because he was so tired from a hardcore weekend of playing with his cousins, so I took the opportunity to sneak in the bathroom ahead of him and ready for my 36 week ob/gyn appointment. When he woke, all sleepy eyed at 7, I went in to greet him immediately and zero in on an adorable face kissing session. Don't you just love it when they're freshly woken? It's the cutest time of the day. So I proceed in and kiss his head.
Hark! What is that I smell? All experienced parents become attuned to certain smells, and this is one of them: OLD POO. It's quite distinctive.
"Honey, did you go poo in your underwear last night?"
"NO!" *look of shocked indignation at the question*
"Are you sure?"
"YES!"
*Catholic Librarian crosses her fingers and hopes the smell is coming from a prior poo encounter's leftover wipes fermenting in the garbage can after our long weekend away*
"Mommy?"
"Yes, Honey?"
"Can I have privacy to get dressed?"
This is also another one of those parenting red herrings. I'm sure some children, especially girls, develop the desire for privacy at 5, but not my son, who streaks around the house buck naked at every given opportunity. I shut his door and tap my foot outside for approximately 5 seconds, when, in a totally expected development, I hear:
"Um, Mommy? Can you come in?"
When I open the door, the smell of old poo is no longer subtle; it smacks me right in the face. And old poo is the *worst* kind of poo to clean up, because, well (cover your eyes, those with sensitive dispositions) it's all dried and stuck to everything. In a *crevice*. Not pleasant. This is one of those times that you really know that parenting is a two person job.
*call downstairs* "Honey? Do you want underwear duty or butt duty?"
Because both need to be rinsed out and scrubbed down. The life of a parent: glamour, all glamour.
So after that adventure-filled start to the morning, I dropped Hank at his before school program and head to the doctor. Starting this week, I'll be there weekly. And they'll be seeing an awful lot of me, if you know what I mean. *sigh*
So, I had the Group B Strep screen today, and hopefully that will come back negative next week. Otherwise, I'll need antibiotics during labor, and I'd like to avoid that. Baby CL is officially in the vertex position (head down, doing a good job of following directions) and growing right on target. Next week, I'll be officially full term, and we'll see if my body has made any progress toward labor. It's all very exciting.
I'm feeling totally great, albeit like a woman very "full with child". I've gained 24 pounds, which is fabulous, but you know. I feel a bit like a beached whale. I've gotten very used to it, and the end is so close, I'm handling it psychologically much better than I did when I was carrying Hank, when it felt like I may be the first woman to officially be pregnant FOREVER. But it will still be very, VERY nice to be the only one in my body coming up here pretty soon. That will be a very good day.
Ok, so. Flashing back to this weekend. Saturday was crazy, but so very worth it. We arrived at my sister's house at 1, and by 3:10 I was on a train on my way to New York City to attend the Easter Vigil. I met up with my friend Mary, and we spent some time visiting prior to Mass. By time we headed to the church, I was feeling great emotionally, but not so great physically. I still had a cold and was hacking unattractively, plus I hadn't eaten a proper dinner. I had eaten, don't get me wrong, it's just that my body is used to eating a full dinner at 5:30 pm every night. Mike and I are a tad freakish that way. As Mass begun, I was feeling a bit light headed with an upset stomach and a cough, not a good combination.
However, I hung in there, and it was worth it. I love how the Easter Vigil starts, with the service of light and the lighting of the candles in the darkened church, and then the lights come on, signaling the official beginning of Easter.
As the Liturgy of the Word proceeded, I started to feel a tad better, although the hacking remained. Finally, it was time for the Liturgy of the Sacraments of Initiation, and, really, all I can say is that it was so, so special. My friend Mary and one other woman were the only 2 catechumens (the rest, a significant number, were all candidates to be confirmed) and so we proceeded up to the altar first. The priest went through the baptismal promises and the affirmation of the Catholic faith with each, and then baptized both. As one of her sponsors, I was so delighted to be able to right up there with her as this was all taking place.
After that, the rest of the congregation affirmed our baptismal vows, and then the confirmations took place. We went back to the pew to await the Liturgy of the Eucharist. And so, for the first time in our 14 year friendship, Mary and I received the Eucharist together under both species. It was truly magnificent, and the atmosphere in the church was almost magical.
I've only attended 1 other Easter Vigil, and when you know someone receiving the sacraments on that occasion, it's simply not to be missed. What an awesome opportunity provided by God. I'll never forget it.
I took it easy on Easter Sunday, another bright and beautiful day. And with the birth of Baby CL approaching, I feel joyful all the time. Life is truly very good.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Big day tomorrow
Easter weekend 2011 is finally here, and this year is special. We're packing up tonight, and leaving early tomorrow morning for my sister's house. Tomorrow evening, I will attend the Easter Vigil where my very good friend will be baptized, confirmed, and receive the Eucharist for the first time. I am one of her sponsors, and I couldn't possibly be prouder or more excited. It'll be a long day with all the driving, but it'll be worth it.
Easter Sunday will bring morning Mass, and then a total day of relaxation and visiting with family. It's going to be a wonderful holiday this year. Hank is SO excited about the trip and seeing his cousins. He's got his Thomas the Tank Engine suitcase out and all ready to be packed tonight. I do so love traveling by car these days. You can come and go at whatever time you want, eat what you want, stop when you want, pack as much as you want, all without someone pawing through your bag and frisking you. Good stuff.
In other news, I've actually slept better the past few nights, and although we're still all a bit pathetic and weak with our colds, we're on the upsurge.
Baby CL is getting so big that whenever he or she moves around, it kind of hurts. :) If s/he decide to cross their feet or something, my belly takes on a lopsided, freakish look. He or she will be full term in just over a week. A WEEK. That is *insane*. I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy has flown by.
I was just marveling at my metamorphosis on TheBump.com's message boards. In the first trimester, everyone was talking about their early symptoms, fretting about miscarriage, and obsessing over early ultrasounds. In the second trimester, the big news was buying maternity clothes and the big 20 week ultrasound complete with gender reveal. The third trimester, started off innocently enough with gestational diabetes screens and baby showers, but quickly morphed into the "I'm so massive and uncomfortable" zone. I think we've about peaked through the Group B Strep issue, and have moved insidiously enough onto mucus plugs, worries about personal body functions during labor, and episiotomies. Anybody who isn't certain what a few of those words mean will be *very* grateful that I'm not going to define them for you now. Trust me on this one.
At any rate, both Baby CL and I are hanging in there just fine. I wish you all a *very* blessed Easter. I won't be blogging on Monday due to travel, but will report in on Tuesday with a full report.
Happy Easter!
Easter Sunday will bring morning Mass, and then a total day of relaxation and visiting with family. It's going to be a wonderful holiday this year. Hank is SO excited about the trip and seeing his cousins. He's got his Thomas the Tank Engine suitcase out and all ready to be packed tonight. I do so love traveling by car these days. You can come and go at whatever time you want, eat what you want, stop when you want, pack as much as you want, all without someone pawing through your bag and frisking you. Good stuff.
In other news, I've actually slept better the past few nights, and although we're still all a bit pathetic and weak with our colds, we're on the upsurge.
Baby CL is getting so big that whenever he or she moves around, it kind of hurts. :) If s/he decide to cross their feet or something, my belly takes on a lopsided, freakish look. He or she will be full term in just over a week. A WEEK. That is *insane*. I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy has flown by.
I was just marveling at my metamorphosis on TheBump.com's message boards. In the first trimester, everyone was talking about their early symptoms, fretting about miscarriage, and obsessing over early ultrasounds. In the second trimester, the big news was buying maternity clothes and the big 20 week ultrasound complete with gender reveal. The third trimester, started off innocently enough with gestational diabetes screens and baby showers, but quickly morphed into the "I'm so massive and uncomfortable" zone. I think we've about peaked through the Group B Strep issue, and have moved insidiously enough onto mucus plugs, worries about personal body functions during labor, and episiotomies. Anybody who isn't certain what a few of those words mean will be *very* grateful that I'm not going to define them for you now. Trust me on this one.
At any rate, both Baby CL and I are hanging in there just fine. I wish you all a *very* blessed Easter. I won't be blogging on Monday due to travel, but will report in on Tuesday with a full report.
Happy Easter!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
A blessed Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday dawns chilly here, as it has been all week. Lent is supposed to be chilly though, so I don't mind too much. :) My In Conversation with God from yesterday, Wednesday of Holy Week, was an excellent narrative on Jesus carrying the cross to Calvary.
"We are sad, living the Passion of Our Lord Jesus. See how lovingly He embraces the cross. Learn from him. Jesus carries the Cross for you; you carry it for him...But don't drag the Cross...Carry it squarely on your shoulder, because your Cross, if you carry it like that, will not just be any cross...It will be the Holy Cross..."
We've been very busy, getting ready for our trip this weekend, and we're all sick. Henry is nearly better, but Mike has a miserable cold right now. I feel bad for him, especially since school is winding down for him now and he has lots to get done. My cold is milder than his, but it's making me even more rundown that I would normally be at 35 and a half weeks pregnant, which isn't a good thing. But we're hanging in there.
Every night I have a list of chores to accomplish. Yesterday, I stopped off on my way home at Best Buy to fetch a car adapter for Hank's VTech VReader and portable DVD player, both indispensable items for a long car ride. I also blocked some gifts I knitted for Easter, and those are drying happily right now. Hank loves to help me block. I had lots of little items, so he manned the bathtub and soaked, rinsed and squeezed everything, while I arranged them properly in the next room and laid them out and shaped them carefully. Tonight, I'd like to wrap the gifts, and maybe clean the kitchen floor. It's tough, because I have the energy of a slug in the evenings these days. I'm SO, SO tired. But I love these tasks, because I'm excited about our trip. It's all good.
Tomorrow will be for packing, and there is lots I need to remember. I love Easter morning. Since Hank's birthday is in November (so close to Christmas that we really don't get him much except throwing a party) I always include a gift or two from the Easter bunny. He also has an insatiable sweet tooth, so the chocolate is always met with tremendous excitement. He's such a good little helper.
"We are sad, living the Passion of Our Lord Jesus. See how lovingly He embraces the cross. Learn from him. Jesus carries the Cross for you; you carry it for him...But don't drag the Cross...Carry it squarely on your shoulder, because your Cross, if you carry it like that, will not just be any cross...It will be the Holy Cross..."
We've been very busy, getting ready for our trip this weekend, and we're all sick. Henry is nearly better, but Mike has a miserable cold right now. I feel bad for him, especially since school is winding down for him now and he has lots to get done. My cold is milder than his, but it's making me even more rundown that I would normally be at 35 and a half weeks pregnant, which isn't a good thing. But we're hanging in there.
Every night I have a list of chores to accomplish. Yesterday, I stopped off on my way home at Best Buy to fetch a car adapter for Hank's VTech VReader and portable DVD player, both indispensable items for a long car ride. I also blocked some gifts I knitted for Easter, and those are drying happily right now. Hank loves to help me block. I had lots of little items, so he manned the bathtub and soaked, rinsed and squeezed everything, while I arranged them properly in the next room and laid them out and shaped them carefully. Tonight, I'd like to wrap the gifts, and maybe clean the kitchen floor. It's tough, because I have the energy of a slug in the evenings these days. I'm SO, SO tired. But I love these tasks, because I'm excited about our trip. It's all good.
Tomorrow will be for packing, and there is lots I need to remember. I love Easter morning. Since Hank's birthday is in November (so close to Christmas that we really don't get him much except throwing a party) I always include a gift or two from the Easter bunny. He also has an insatiable sweet tooth, so the chocolate is always met with tremendous excitement. He's such a good little helper.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Limping through Holy Week
It's official.
My belly button is an outie.
It's been begging me for weeks to please leave it alone, but really, what could I do? I'm told that my belly is "small" (relatively speaking, of course; I apparently have a freakishly long torso) for the stage that I'm at in my pregnancy, but still, my belly button lost the war. It's all right. I'll become an innie again after delivery, although it may not speak to me for a time. It'll get over it. The baby needs room.
And Mommy needs sleep. I had almost forgotten about this nefarious little part of late pregnancy. Right now, I could put my head down on my desk and be asleep in 1.2 seconds. But at 2 am when I wake up to use the restroom? Right, can't get back to sleep. I don't know if it's hormones or what, but it is hard to get sleep when you're this pregnant. I feel like a bit of a zombie today. Preparation for the newborn stage, I suppose.
Aside from the physical exhaustion, I feel great. I'm doing my Holy Week devotional reading, and I'm focusing on my novena to Blessed Kateri. I'm very much looking forward to the Triduum and Easter. It's a beautiful time of year, and there is so much to celebrate. I'll be attending Mass on both the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday this year, and I'm looking so forward to both liturgies. I'd love to make it to Mass on Holy Thursday, but not sure if that will happen given Mike's class schedule. We'll see. But in any event, I feel blessed to be in Holy Week 2011.
My belly button is an outie.
It's been begging me for weeks to please leave it alone, but really, what could I do? I'm told that my belly is "small" (relatively speaking, of course; I apparently have a freakishly long torso) for the stage that I'm at in my pregnancy, but still, my belly button lost the war. It's all right. I'll become an innie again after delivery, although it may not speak to me for a time. It'll get over it. The baby needs room.
And Mommy needs sleep. I had almost forgotten about this nefarious little part of late pregnancy. Right now, I could put my head down on my desk and be asleep in 1.2 seconds. But at 2 am when I wake up to use the restroom? Right, can't get back to sleep. I don't know if it's hormones or what, but it is hard to get sleep when you're this pregnant. I feel like a bit of a zombie today. Preparation for the newborn stage, I suppose.
Aside from the physical exhaustion, I feel great. I'm doing my Holy Week devotional reading, and I'm focusing on my novena to Blessed Kateri. I'm very much looking forward to the Triduum and Easter. It's a beautiful time of year, and there is so much to celebrate. I'll be attending Mass on both the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday this year, and I'm looking so forward to both liturgies. I'd love to make it to Mass on Holy Thursday, but not sure if that will happen given Mike's class schedule. We'll see. But in any event, I feel blessed to be in Holy Week 2011.
Yet another sign of spring...
Mike: "What are you looking at out there?"
Me: "There's a bunny out there, see? She's tucked over by the fence, real still. I saw her before, when I was pulling out of the garage to go to Mass. I think maybe she's nesting!"
*excitement ensues*
Later that same day...
Mike: "Are you looking out there again? Why are you stalking that bunny?"
Me: "We're kindred spirits."
I mean, it's so obvious, right?
Me: "There's a bunny out there, see? She's tucked over by the fence, real still. I saw her before, when I was pulling out of the garage to go to Mass. I think maybe she's nesting!"
*excitement ensues*
Later that same day...
Mike: "Are you looking out there again? Why are you stalking that bunny?"
Me: "We're kindred spirits."
I mean, it's so obvious, right?
Monday, April 18, 2011
A blessed Palm Sunday
Holy week has started off very chilly and snowy here in Western New York, kind of appropriate, I suppose. :) As always, yesterday's Mass was lovely and Hank enjoyed playing with his palm. The reading of the passion always gets me every year - how the congregation plays the part of those calling for the death of Jesus. It's humbling to remember that all of us can so easily slip into modern day ways of denying Him, just like Peter. My In Conversation with God reading for today focused on this as well.
I'm currently praying a novena to Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha (with my beautiful new Kateri chaplet :) )for conversion intentions, and it will end on Good Friday. I'm keeping to my devotional readings, and trying to remain contemplative this holy week. I also have a ton to do to prepare for the 6 hour car journey this weekend to visit my sister, brother-in-law and nephews, and to attend the baptism and confirmation of my good friend in New York City. It's going to be a big week.
And let's not even get into my impending baby-induced panic and general tornadoing around the house in preparation for his/her arrival. That's a whole post in and of itself.
*panics*
I'm currently praying a novena to Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha (with my beautiful new Kateri chaplet :) )for conversion intentions, and it will end on Good Friday. I'm keeping to my devotional readings, and trying to remain contemplative this holy week. I also have a ton to do to prepare for the 6 hour car journey this weekend to visit my sister, brother-in-law and nephews, and to attend the baptism and confirmation of my good friend in New York City. It's going to be a big week.
And let's not even get into my impending baby-induced panic and general tornadoing around the house in preparation for his/her arrival. That's a whole post in and of itself.
*panics*
Friday, April 15, 2011
Looking forward to Holy Week
Palm Sunday to Easter is one of my favorite weeks of the liturgical year. I just love the different liturgies, and the physical reminders all week long of the passion of our Lord.
As ever, I'm very contemplative this year as we approach the end of Lent. I finished my main spiritual reading for the season already, and I'd love to start more. However, I'm getting kind of close to "my time,"if you will, and so I've delved into the Hypnobirthing book that just came for me from Amazon Marketplace. I'm quite intrigued, I'll be reviewing that one on here, fyi. But anyway, my reading time is limited, so I'm in a quandry. After I finish Hypnobirthing, even if Lent is over, I think I'm just going to pick up another hardcore spiritual title. It'll do me good in the weeks leading up to my delivery.
This weekend, we're slated to begin painting the nursery. As well, we're taking Hank on an Easter egg hunt and to see the bunny. And of course, Palm Sunday Mass on Sunday morning. It'll be a busy one.
Baby CL has been busy as well. I'm feeling some cervical pressure (not painful, and aren't you glad I'm telling you all this personal information about my innards?) and TONS of Braxton Hicks contractions, as well as menstrual-like cramping. Again, none of this is painful nor causing bleeding of any kind, which of course would immediately warrant a call to my doctor. But wow is this different from my first pregnancy. I suppose I got occasional Braxton Hicks then, but absolutely nothing was going on until the day before I delivered. It's nice to know that things are progressing in the way that they should, but I definitely want Baby CL to stay *in* for at least another two and a half weeks, preferably another month. He or she needs that extra baking time!
In the mean time, I'm preparing as best I can both physically and spiritually. One day at a time.
As ever, I'm very contemplative this year as we approach the end of Lent. I finished my main spiritual reading for the season already, and I'd love to start more. However, I'm getting kind of close to "my time,"if you will, and so I've delved into the Hypnobirthing book that just came for me from Amazon Marketplace. I'm quite intrigued, I'll be reviewing that one on here, fyi. But anyway, my reading time is limited, so I'm in a quandry. After I finish Hypnobirthing, even if Lent is over, I think I'm just going to pick up another hardcore spiritual title. It'll do me good in the weeks leading up to my delivery.
This weekend, we're slated to begin painting the nursery. As well, we're taking Hank on an Easter egg hunt and to see the bunny. And of course, Palm Sunday Mass on Sunday morning. It'll be a busy one.
Baby CL has been busy as well. I'm feeling some cervical pressure (not painful, and aren't you glad I'm telling you all this personal information about my innards?) and TONS of Braxton Hicks contractions, as well as menstrual-like cramping. Again, none of this is painful nor causing bleeding of any kind, which of course would immediately warrant a call to my doctor. But wow is this different from my first pregnancy. I suppose I got occasional Braxton Hicks then, but absolutely nothing was going on until the day before I delivered. It's nice to know that things are progressing in the way that they should, but I definitely want Baby CL to stay *in* for at least another two and a half weeks, preferably another month. He or she needs that extra baking time!
In the mean time, I'm preparing as best I can both physically and spiritually. One day at a time.
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