Has It Been 6 Months Already?

Today is Simon's 6 month birthday. Its a miracle really. Six months ago I was in the hospital hooked up to monitors, having regular contractions, and wishing I could have something to eat. Now, I'm sitting at my desk (at work) after pumping milk for my little munchkin to eat, wishing I could be home with him, and hoping he'll sleep tonight. He's probably trying to coax my mom (she watches him while I work) into playing with him, singing to him, cuddling with him, or some sort of activity. He doesn't have to try very hard - she adores him!

My pregnancy was relatively easy - no overboard weight gain, no swelling, no real morning sickness, just a growing belly - and that didn't even show up until I was 5-6 months pregnant! The delivery was very uncomplicated - I went in - had already been dilating, effacing & contracting for almost a month. Simon popped out after only 10 minutes of active pushing. Simon's first 6 months have been relatively easy too - no serious illnesses (a cold/allergies once or twice), incredible weight gain (from 7 lbs 14 oz to 23+ lbs - will get official weight on the 20th), incredible development from tiny baby push ups to sitting on his own and rolling from back to front and back again, and an abundance of love!

I am blessed to have had such a wonderful experience. I sometimes look at Andrew & Simon and wonder how I became so blessed. Then I see my parents with Simon and know that I was partially blessed because I was raised by two other blessed individuals. I know I'm not perfect, Simon's not perfect, Andrew's not perfect, nor are my parents perfect. However, I think the fact that we all strive to be the best people God has called us to be gives us these wonderful gifts from Heaven.

Happy 6 month birthday, Simon! Happy 6 months of parenthood to Andrew & me! Happy times are had by all!

Monday Gratitude

I've been remiss in my blogging lately. However, I have good reason. I'm working overtime to make some extra money to help finance a vacation. I'm also continuing to nurse Simon, try to cook and clean the house, and have time w/ my husband. Its a crazy life. However, I love it because it means I've finally gotten what I've always wanted - a family. I'm so happy to be a wife and mother that I'd walk through fire over coals to do it again! I went through some rough spots in my life when I thought I was going to grow old w/o someone to love me as only a husband can. I thought I was never going to be able to have children.


Now I have a great husband who challenges me daily to be a better person and to keep my feet on the ground. I have a beautiful son who issues the same challenges, but adds dealing w/ baby drool, dirty diapers, painful nursing, and sleepless nights. In exchange for these challenges I have the assurance from my husband that he loves me endlessly (although he'd never say it that way), appreciates all I do, recognizes how hard I try, is proud of my efforts, and is happy to have me (as I'm happy to have him). Simon's gifts are the beautiful toothy smile when he sees me after a day w/ one of his grandmas, the singular devotion he has to me for comfort as well as food, the squeals and shrieks when he's just pleased to be alive, the adorable bouncing in his Johnny Jump Up or saucer, and the peaceful way he'll hold my finger, shirt, or hair while he slumbers.



It may not sound like much. Afterall, according to Andrew, I'm a simple (easy to please) person w/ loyalty that outweighs anything else. However it sounds, I'm happy - I have my fondest desires next to me every night - a husband to cuddle with and a baby to comfort! Although sometimes my life seems too full and too hard, in the end its all worth it for these gifts I get from my two boys! Thank you, God!

Monday Gratitude a little late!

I am grateful to have such a wonderful family. My parents & DH's parents are more than willing to help us w/ DS anytime its necessary. With all the help we receive, we still have our struggles, but we always know we have someone to help us through them.

I also have the good example of child rearing from my parents! Its so awesome when I think that they've been married for 34 years this year! They've never hidden the normal conflicts that come w/ marriage. They also never hid the fact that they truly love & respect each other! I know I am blessed to have them in my life!

They have truly given me an example to follow. As Catholics family life is very important to us. Together my parents have raised 3 children within the Church. They never forced things on us, but taught us right from wrong early on (although we didn't/don't always listen) in our lives.

My dad is a convert, but his faith is as strong or stronger than some cradle Catholics I know. His trust and perserverence have shown me that even a guy as big and strong as my dad (6'4" tall w/ arms as big as my legs), needs help from Above. Hopefully, I've learned from him that I too need help, both from Above and from my family. He is truly the head of the household w/o being a dictator or tyrant. The gentleness of his hands is impressive - especially when seen cradling a newborn baby's head. That image always makes me think of my Heavenly Father cradling all of us in His Hands.

My mom truly tries to live her life in the image of the Blessed Mother or as she likes to say St. Monica (praying for the re-conversion of her children). There have been rough times for my mom - most recently a struggle w/ breast cancer (the same type that killed her mother and grandmother, and more). Through the whole struggle she maintained her faith and strength of character. Although my dad is head of the household, my mom is the core strength of it. She is always ready w/ advice, solutions, and encouragement when necessary. When I think of my mom I see images of Mary w/ Jesus during the hidden times of His youth and in the background of His ministry. That's my mom, she plays a very vital role, but usually relegates herself to the background.

I just hope Andrew & I can do the same w/ Simon (& any little ones that follow)!