My friend S and her husband B had twins about a month ago. One of the babies, Anna, had some breathing problems and stopped breathing 4 times. She was finally taken to Childrens Hospital in Omaha and had emergency surgery on Friday afternoon. She went home Sunday afternoon.
It was just posted that Anna has an infection that was recently diagnosed as meningitis. I guess they couldn' t diagnose anything earlier due to all the meds she was on. She is back at the hospital and has had some testing and a spinal tap.
I has no idea exactly what meningitis was, so I searched the web:
Acute bacterial meningitis is an infection of the meninges (the system of membranes which envelops the brain and spinal cord) that often causes hearing loss and is fatal in 5% to 40% of children and 20% to 50% of adults despite treatment with adequate antibiotics. It is caused by bacteria that usually spread from an ear or respiratory infection and is treated with antibiotics. Corticosteroids are drugs that can reduce the inflammation caused by infection. This inflammation has been shown to aggravate damage to the nervous system in experimental meningitis studies in animals.
Could you please pray for Anna? Her parents are worried sick. I would appreciate it so much.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
First Meeting with Luke's Birthmom
We just got home about an hour ago from meeting with Luke's birthmom & her family. We ended up going to Coyote Canyon, which is a buffet restaurant and sat in the back room at a table, away from the crowd, so we had some privacy. We got to the restaurant early and formulated a plan for where to go, where to sit, what to do, etc. We decided I would sit back at the table with Luke and hubby would go up front to meet everyone then lead them back. It worked out really well!
When Luke's birthmom, Becca, rounded the corner and came back to where we sat, her face lit up and she was so happy to see Luke. I gave him to her right away. She just hugged him so tight. It made me tear up, as I couldn't imagine being in her shoes ... watching her baby be raised by someone else, when she loves him so much. She talked to him for awhile and took him in. Her boyfriend also was all smiles and making faces at Luke. It was so special ... meeting her son again after four months. Becca said she had been looking forward to it so much. Her mom, her mom's boyfriend & her sister also came to see Luke too.
Becca and her boyfriend held Luke while the rest of us got up to get our plates & eat. In true Luke fashion, he was ready to eat when we were ready to eat (how DOES he always know this?) We enjoyed the food and company and tried to catch them up on all the things that Luke is doing. Becca's older son, E, is about two years old (give or take) and it sounds like he is a holy terror! Or a normal two year old boy ... we shall soon see what that's like with Luke. :-) We got to hear about E's escapades and how much Luke looks like E and how similar and different they were. Lots of comparisons. It is neat to see pictures of E and what Luke may look like as he grows up.
The nice thing about Becca's family is that you don't have to do too much talking. They are a very lively bunch ... lots of stories were passed around & shared ... although the story about Becca's boyfriend killing a tomcat was a little much. What do you say in response to that? (I am a cat lover.)
It was also interesting to see how our personalities matched up. Becca is definitely a mother. She did the one-handed-bottle-lid-removal-while-holding-a-baby-technique flawlessly. She was so very attentive to him and kept watching to see if he was eating her shirt or the bib and tried to get him the bottle, as she thought he looked hungry. She cleaned out his ear as someone else was holding him. She told us how to pull him up to strengthen his core muscles to help him sit up better. She changed his diaper and told me that I should put baby powder in the diaper to get rid of heat rash around his pelvis. I just nodded and said thank you. We may try that ... we may not. It is different getting advice from a younger person (she is 21/22 and I am 31) who lets you know her opinion. Not bad ... not good, just different. I guess I think about her being the same age as my little sister (the one who just got married) and it is hard to think about her knowing more than I do (I am of the opinion I know more than my little sister) ... but he is Becca's son too ... so I accept her advice.
Becca's boyfriend said that for two weeks after Luke was born, she was grief-stricken and couldn't get out of bed. When I heard that, I felt terrible. I still do. I question how I can be so very happy and thrilled with the blessing of this amazing little boy and she was/is so devastated and misses him terribly. I can't give Luke back. I don't want to. I didn't know how soon was too soon to call or text. This isn't like dating. How many months do you wait before you awake the grief again? I didn't want to cause more pain, but Becca said she was so glad to hear from me and so glad for this meeting. She mentioned quite a few times that he looks so happy. That makes me happy. Becca also said that she thinks about Luke every single day. We will see her again soon. I'm not sure about monthly meetings quite yet, but maybe every 6 weeks would be ok.
Luke was awake the whole time. He nodded off to sleep once, but didn't stay asleep long. He looked at Becca, but he didn't remember her like I imagined he would. I guess I was a little paranoid that he would cling to her and remember she was the real mommy, but he smiled more at hubby and I, so that was comforting. We have done the parenting, so it is normal for us to be his go-to-people. I think Luke was overtired from the day, as he didn't have any naps and didn't take a half-hour nap like normal between 5-7. As I type this at 10 pm, he is up and fussy in his crib. When I gave him his last bottle, he went to sleep, I put him down & figured he would zonk out, but he's up and moving and babbling. Since he's not screaming, mommy gets to blog. :-) Hopefully he will put himself back to sleep.
All in all, I was really nervous about the meeting. I didn't know what to say, what to wear, how to act, if anyone would burst into tears (didn't happen) .... the list goes on. It went pretty well, I'll have to say. I think we can form a good friendship with everyone we saw again tonight. They are really wonderful people. I meant to ask Becca what she preferred we call her, but we will save that for next time. I did ask her if she wanted to fill out pages in his Baby Book (the baby book we got is specifically for Adoption, as there are pages for the Birthmom & Birthdad to fill out about themselves, in addition to two family trees). She said she would be delighted. I was thrilled. Becca also wants to write a letter to Luke for when he is 16-17 about why she chose adoption. I said we would be honored to keep that for him and share that with him when he is older. We do plan on letting him know about his adoption as part of his normal life, by meeting with his birth family often and also with shared pictures and night prayers.
Next up on the to-meet-list is Luke's biological dad's side of the family ... which I'm WAY more nervous about than this meeting, as his bio dad was the one who was so stubborn in the hospital about signing papers and created the whole drama fest we endured. The Adoption / Birth Family relationship is new to me and really causes me to have to come out of my shell. I'm a pretty introverted person.
All in all, I hope this post helps you get a special insight into Open Adoption and maybe open some hearts to that calling. Good night!
When Luke's birthmom, Becca, rounded the corner and came back to where we sat, her face lit up and she was so happy to see Luke. I gave him to her right away. She just hugged him so tight. It made me tear up, as I couldn't imagine being in her shoes ... watching her baby be raised by someone else, when she loves him so much. She talked to him for awhile and took him in. Her boyfriend also was all smiles and making faces at Luke. It was so special ... meeting her son again after four months. Becca said she had been looking forward to it so much. Her mom, her mom's boyfriend & her sister also came to see Luke too.
Becca and her boyfriend held Luke while the rest of us got up to get our plates & eat. In true Luke fashion, he was ready to eat when we were ready to eat (how DOES he always know this?) We enjoyed the food and company and tried to catch them up on all the things that Luke is doing. Becca's older son, E, is about two years old (give or take) and it sounds like he is a holy terror! Or a normal two year old boy ... we shall soon see what that's like with Luke. :-) We got to hear about E's escapades and how much Luke looks like E and how similar and different they were. Lots of comparisons. It is neat to see pictures of E and what Luke may look like as he grows up.
The nice thing about Becca's family is that you don't have to do too much talking. They are a very lively bunch ... lots of stories were passed around & shared ... although the story about Becca's boyfriend killing a tomcat was a little much. What do you say in response to that? (I am a cat lover.)
It was also interesting to see how our personalities matched up. Becca is definitely a mother. She did the one-handed-bottle-lid-removal-while-holding-a-baby-technique flawlessly. She was so very attentive to him and kept watching to see if he was eating her shirt or the bib and tried to get him the bottle, as she thought he looked hungry. She cleaned out his ear as someone else was holding him. She told us how to pull him up to strengthen his core muscles to help him sit up better. She changed his diaper and told me that I should put baby powder in the diaper to get rid of heat rash around his pelvis. I just nodded and said thank you. We may try that ... we may not. It is different getting advice from a younger person (she is 21/22 and I am 31) who lets you know her opinion. Not bad ... not good, just different. I guess I think about her being the same age as my little sister (the one who just got married) and it is hard to think about her knowing more than I do (I am of the opinion I know more than my little sister) ... but he is Becca's son too ... so I accept her advice.
Becca's boyfriend said that for two weeks after Luke was born, she was grief-stricken and couldn't get out of bed. When I heard that, I felt terrible. I still do. I question how I can be so very happy and thrilled with the blessing of this amazing little boy and she was/is so devastated and misses him terribly. I can't give Luke back. I don't want to. I didn't know how soon was too soon to call or text. This isn't like dating. How many months do you wait before you awake the grief again? I didn't want to cause more pain, but Becca said she was so glad to hear from me and so glad for this meeting. She mentioned quite a few times that he looks so happy. That makes me happy. Becca also said that she thinks about Luke every single day. We will see her again soon. I'm not sure about monthly meetings quite yet, but maybe every 6 weeks would be ok.
Luke was awake the whole time. He nodded off to sleep once, but didn't stay asleep long. He looked at Becca, but he didn't remember her like I imagined he would. I guess I was a little paranoid that he would cling to her and remember she was the real mommy, but he smiled more at hubby and I, so that was comforting. We have done the parenting, so it is normal for us to be his go-to-people. I think Luke was overtired from the day, as he didn't have any naps and didn't take a half-hour nap like normal between 5-7. As I type this at 10 pm, he is up and fussy in his crib. When I gave him his last bottle, he went to sleep, I put him down & figured he would zonk out, but he's up and moving and babbling. Since he's not screaming, mommy gets to blog. :-) Hopefully he will put himself back to sleep.
All in all, I was really nervous about the meeting. I didn't know what to say, what to wear, how to act, if anyone would burst into tears (didn't happen) .... the list goes on. It went pretty well, I'll have to say. I think we can form a good friendship with everyone we saw again tonight. They are really wonderful people. I meant to ask Becca what she preferred we call her, but we will save that for next time. I did ask her if she wanted to fill out pages in his Baby Book (the baby book we got is specifically for Adoption, as there are pages for the Birthmom & Birthdad to fill out about themselves, in addition to two family trees). She said she would be delighted. I was thrilled. Becca also wants to write a letter to Luke for when he is 16-17 about why she chose adoption. I said we would be honored to keep that for him and share that with him when he is older. We do plan on letting him know about his adoption as part of his normal life, by meeting with his birth family often and also with shared pictures and night prayers.
Next up on the to-meet-list is Luke's biological dad's side of the family ... which I'm WAY more nervous about than this meeting, as his bio dad was the one who was so stubborn in the hospital about signing papers and created the whole drama fest we endured. The Adoption / Birth Family relationship is new to me and really causes me to have to come out of my shell. I'm a pretty introverted person.
All in all, I hope this post helps you get a special insight into Open Adoption and maybe open some hearts to that calling. Good night!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Six Years
In honor of our Sixth Wedding Anniversary (August 5, 2006), I borrowed JellyBelly's Q & A sheet she answered about her fourth anniversary.
1. Where/how did you meet:
We met on a blind date on New Years Eve 2004. My friend was dating a guy who had a roommate who was single. And tall. And I'd had a whole host of bad dates by then, so I dreaded the evening. I cleaned my apartment and drug my feet on meeting him. We went out to eat and whatever I asked him, he wouldn't look at me and responded to his friend. I couldn't wait to get back home, as it was going terribly. But once we got back to my friend's apartment, we had fun playing games together and I realized his was a really nice guy. He was just EXTREMELY shy. As in "never-had-a-girlfriend-shy." (Love you honey! I'm baring your soul here.)
Happy 6th Anniversary to my DH!!! I love you!!!
1. Where/how did you meet:
We met on a blind date on New Years Eve 2004. My friend was dating a guy who had a roommate who was single. And tall. And I'd had a whole host of bad dates by then, so I dreaded the evening. I cleaned my apartment and drug my feet on meeting him. We went out to eat and whatever I asked him, he wouldn't look at me and responded to his friend. I couldn't wait to get back home, as it was going terribly. But once we got back to my friend's apartment, we had fun playing games together and I realized his was a really nice guy. He was just EXTREMELY shy. As in "never-had-a-girlfriend-shy." (Love you honey! I'm baring your soul here.)
2. How long have you known each other:
Since our first date on New Years Eve ... 8 years coming up on New Years 2012.
3. How long after you met did you start dating:
Officially we began dating on Valentines Day 2005 (about 1.5 months after we met). I couldn't wait to become "official", as I knew there was something special about him.
4. How long did you date before you were engaged:
10 months, he proposed on October 30, 2005 (my youngest sister's birthday).
5. How long was your engagement: 8 months
6. How long have you been married: 6 years
7. What is your anniversary: August 5
8. How many people came to your wedding reception: Maybe 100-125
9. What kind of cake did you serve:
We had marble cake with "the good kind of frosting" (i.e. not the cool-whip-type stuff). The grooms cake was a chocolate cake with chocolate icing.
We had marble cake with "the good kind of frosting" (i.e. not the cool-whip-type stuff). The grooms cake was a chocolate cake with chocolate icing.
10. Where was your wedding: Our parish at the time, which is in the same city we live now. We had the reception & dance at a Holiday Inn.
11. What did you serve for your meal: Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, corn, beans, dinner roll ... all the good stuff!
12. How many people were there in your bridal party:
4 bridesmaids, 4 groomsmen, 1 flower girl & 1 ring bearer
13. Are you still friends with them all: Yes
14. Did you or your spouse cry during the ceremony:
I did. DH didn't. From the moment I thought about the walk up the aisle with my dad, my eyes kept watering. And when walking up the aisle, my lip wouldn't stop quivering, so I looked in pain walking up the aisle (oops!), but if I didn't hold my lip in, I would have burst out in sobs.
15. Most special moment of your wedding day:
I really choked up saying our wedding vows. I repeated the first line and then had to take a break as I was crying and couldn't talk. And my DH reached up with his hand and wiped the tears from my eyes. My dad said the next day that this action by my DH made it to where there were NO dry eyes in the church.
16. Any funny moments:
At the reception, my friend (who was a bridesmaid) had bought these huge bright pink granny-panties for DH to pullout during the garter-find-and-toss at the reception. I didn't know it. So ... imagine my surprise when he crawls out from under with a huge grin on his face and hold those beauties up!!! He had them in his pocket all during our wedding too. Nice. :-)
17. Any big disasters:
The heat. I think it was 105 or so. It. Was. Hot. Luckily, everything was inside, we just took a few outdoor photos together at a park.
18. Where did you go on your honeymoon: Hawaii
19. How long where you gone: 7 days
20. If you were to do your wedding over, what would you change: I'd decorate the church more (my decor was skimpy) and I'd pick the bridesmaid dresses differently (I liked my Maid of Honor's dress, but then picked something less expensive for the rest of the bridesmaids) ... oh, and flowers ... I'd do some real ones. (see #29)
21. What side of the bed do you sleep on: The Right
22. What size is your bed: King (we're both good-sized people)
23. Greatest strength as a couple: Communication ... we tell each other everything and we know we are in it for the long haul.
24. Greatest challenge as a couple: Infertility
25. Who literally pays the bills: I do.
26. What is your song: "You are so Beautiful to Me"
27. What did you dance your first dance to: "You are so Beautiful to Me"
28. Describe your wedding dress: White "wedding gown fabric (?)" with a lace overlay and an embroidered top and bottom and train. It was about the 4th or 5th dress I tried on. My Mother-in-Law cried when she saw me in it, so that's how I knew it was the one. I took my MIL dress shopping with my mom & my 2 sisters (my MIL had all boys and wasn't ever able to participate in a wedding-gown-dress-selection-event).
29. What kind of flowers did you have at your wedding: I had red roses in a bouquet. My bridesmaids all had red roses & yellow roses with red tips in their bouquets. We made a "flower ball" for the flower girl to carry with the same red roses & yellow roses as the bridesmaids. We made all our bouquets by hand with fake flowers. It did turn out good, but I would change that to real flowers if I were to do it all again.
30. Are your wedding bands engraved? No. I wanted to do my DH's, but ran out of time to do so once I thought about it.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Birthmother Meeting Scheduled
I'm excited (and nervous) to say that we have a meeting scheduled for next week with Luke's birthmom. I don't think we'll have a shortage of things to talk about, but I am probably over-thinking the logistics a bit.
Where would a good place be to meet with her and her parents? I've thought about a restaurant, if we could reserve a back room that's a little more private. I've thought about the mall, where there is a kids play place, but that will be kind of loud and not private at all. I've thought about the library, perhaps we could reserve a room. I've thought about a park, but it is really hot out. I've even thought about our house ... it might be the easiest.
I'm looking for opinions, ideas and experiences for suggestions of places to go, what to plan for, etc.
I'm excited for her to see Luke again. She wrote that she's been thinking about him alot. I hope this will be a wonderful experience for her, but I'm sure it will be painful at the end too.
Where would a good place be to meet with her and her parents? I've thought about a restaurant, if we could reserve a back room that's a little more private. I've thought about the mall, where there is a kids play place, but that will be kind of loud and not private at all. I've thought about the library, perhaps we could reserve a room. I've thought about a park, but it is really hot out. I've even thought about our house ... it might be the easiest.
I'm looking for opinions, ideas and experiences for suggestions of places to go, what to plan for, etc.
I'm excited for her to see Luke again. She wrote that she's been thinking about him alot. I hope this will be a wonderful experience for her, but I'm sure it will be painful at the end too.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Update & Prayer Request
I haven't had a chance to get online and write anything yet, so it is late notice, but I would again appreciate any prayers you can spare.
The first is for my mom's knee surgery today (7/31). Thanks to all of you that prayed before!!! My mom was released from the hospital about 11:30 am on Saturday, the morning of my sister's wedding. We were able to find a wheelchair (the right kind is hard to find!) and mom was in high spirits and spent the day & evening at the wedding & reception. I know she is so grateful for the drugs! (lol) and for feeling as good as she did for so long that day. She was a real trooper!!!
Mom is pretty immobile and requires help to do pretty much everything (she has to keep all weight off that leg for 3 months), so it will be tough on my dad to work, care for mom and care for his 94 year old mom still living at home. Could you pray for my dad ... For strength and his health and for a volunteer to appear and provide help as well for mom?
Could you pray for my sisters and brother still living in the same town as my parents & grandma ... that they will be able to help without being told (it's harder for my 17 year old brother to understand this concept) (my 2 years younger sister already helps a great deal with my grandma, but has work, school and a hubby as well to take care of)? I wish I were there to help, but I'm 3 hours away and trying to decide with work being so crazy, whether to go back home for a few days with Luke to help out.
Finally, the owner of the company I work for ... her husband (the man that hired me and mentored me to be a great cabinet designer/salesperson) ... He is having surgery today (7/31) to replace his pacemaker and the lead wires that go into his heart. He has been frail and the pacemaker has been kicking in, which is a good and bad thing (good that it is working and keeping him alive, bad because of how frequent it has been working and he has had a few scares already about being so close to death if it didn't kick in). If you could pray for his strength and recovery and for peace for his family tomorrow.
I appreciate your prayers a few days ago for my mom's health!!! I hate to ask for so many prayers from you all, but I know the power of prayer ... especially my blog friends. I continue to pray for all you in return.
The first is for my mom's knee surgery today (7/31). Thanks to all of you that prayed before!!! My mom was released from the hospital about 11:30 am on Saturday, the morning of my sister's wedding. We were able to find a wheelchair (the right kind is hard to find!) and mom was in high spirits and spent the day & evening at the wedding & reception. I know she is so grateful for the drugs! (lol) and for feeling as good as she did for so long that day. She was a real trooper!!!
Mom is pretty immobile and requires help to do pretty much everything (she has to keep all weight off that leg for 3 months), so it will be tough on my dad to work, care for mom and care for his 94 year old mom still living at home. Could you pray for my dad ... For strength and his health and for a volunteer to appear and provide help as well for mom?
Could you pray for my sisters and brother still living in the same town as my parents & grandma ... that they will be able to help without being told (it's harder for my 17 year old brother to understand this concept) (my 2 years younger sister already helps a great deal with my grandma, but has work, school and a hubby as well to take care of)? I wish I were there to help, but I'm 3 hours away and trying to decide with work being so crazy, whether to go back home for a few days with Luke to help out.
Finally, the owner of the company I work for ... her husband (the man that hired me and mentored me to be a great cabinet designer/salesperson) ... He is having surgery today (7/31) to replace his pacemaker and the lead wires that go into his heart. He has been frail and the pacemaker has been kicking in, which is a good and bad thing (good that it is working and keeping him alive, bad because of how frequent it has been working and he has had a few scares already about being so close to death if it didn't kick in). If you could pray for his strength and recovery and for peace for his family tomorrow.
I appreciate your prayers a few days ago for my mom's health!!! I hate to ask for so many prayers from you all, but I know the power of prayer ... especially my blog friends. I continue to pray for all you in return.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Prayers for my Mom
My youngest sister is getting married tomorrow, so we are traveling back home for the wedding. Got a call from my dad this morning ... My mom was cleaning a ceiling fan in the bedroom, fell and fractured her tibula/tibia in her leg (they think, at this point). My parents are at the ER now. Not sure if she will make the wedding tomorrow. Waiting on doc. Maybe surgery next week.
Could you offer up a prayer for her pain and for her to be able to attend the wedding tomorrow? It would mean so much.
Could you offer up a prayer for her pain and for her to be able to attend the wedding tomorrow? It would mean so much.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
A Question about Holy Hour
For those of you that are Catholic, I have a question that I'd like to get your input on. I probably could just ask a priest, but I don't totally rely on their "more liberal" answer like I do yours (I live in a more "liberal" diocese) ... unless you tell me that you have no idea and to check with a priest anyway. :)
I've had a scheduled hour at our Adoration Chapel for the last few years now (I can't remember when I started going). It has always been 2-3 am on Wednesday morning and I started going because I wanted to grow closer to God by sitting in front of Him and taking the time out of my day to focus on Him. There are definitely less interruptions for me, especially at 2 am!
I have had my hubby come with me in the last year or so, as I hoped God would work through my DH and plant a seed about Catholicism not being so bad and opening his mind to the beliefs we believe as Catholics (perhaps through prayer he would convert at some point?). My DH wasn't happy about that specific time interrupting his REM sleep, so I recently switched my time to Tuesday mornings from 12-1 am, and he'd gone with me regularly until Luke joined our family.
I had a Holy Hour the evening/morning of the first day Luke was born. I didn't want to leave Luke alone at all (I had to get my "mommy fix" & didn't want to be very far away at all) and I couldn't get a replacement. I'd spent ALL day calling the multiple substitute list they give you, but it didn't work. So, as my hubby had been going with me prior, he said he would go pray during my Holy Hour and I could stay with Luke. So that's what happened.
There have also been two other times in the last 3-1/2 months since Luke came along where I was just totally wiped from late nights / early mornings / 3-4 hours of sleep a night and my DH went to Holy Hour instead of me. While I appreciate it, I am also wondering if this is a sin of some sort? Do you have to be Catholic only to go to Holy Hour? I know DH doesn't believe the EXACT same things I do, but he believes in God, Jesus, the Trinity, etc. DH says his religion is Christian, not a specific religion like Methodist or Lutheran, & does pray when he goes there (which is the point of going ... to grow closer to God & talk to Him).
My question: Do I need to confess anything? Is what I'm doing considered a sin? Should I be the one going regardless of how I feel and just offer it up?
I've had a scheduled hour at our Adoration Chapel for the last few years now (I can't remember when I started going). It has always been 2-3 am on Wednesday morning and I started going because I wanted to grow closer to God by sitting in front of Him and taking the time out of my day to focus on Him. There are definitely less interruptions for me, especially at 2 am!
I have had my hubby come with me in the last year or so, as I hoped God would work through my DH and plant a seed about Catholicism not being so bad and opening his mind to the beliefs we believe as Catholics (perhaps through prayer he would convert at some point?). My DH wasn't happy about that specific time interrupting his REM sleep, so I recently switched my time to Tuesday mornings from 12-1 am, and he'd gone with me regularly until Luke joined our family.
I had a Holy Hour the evening/morning of the first day Luke was born. I didn't want to leave Luke alone at all (I had to get my "mommy fix" & didn't want to be very far away at all) and I couldn't get a replacement. I'd spent ALL day calling the multiple substitute list they give you, but it didn't work. So, as my hubby had been going with me prior, he said he would go pray during my Holy Hour and I could stay with Luke. So that's what happened.
There have also been two other times in the last 3-1/2 months since Luke came along where I was just totally wiped from late nights / early mornings / 3-4 hours of sleep a night and my DH went to Holy Hour instead of me. While I appreciate it, I am also wondering if this is a sin of some sort? Do you have to be Catholic only to go to Holy Hour? I know DH doesn't believe the EXACT same things I do, but he believes in God, Jesus, the Trinity, etc. DH says his religion is Christian, not a specific religion like Methodist or Lutheran, & does pray when he goes there (which is the point of going ... to grow closer to God & talk to Him).
My question: Do I need to confess anything? Is what I'm doing considered a sin? Should I be the one going regardless of how I feel and just offer it up?
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Thanks for your Prayers!
Thank you all so much for praying for my friend, S, on my last post! She had a very short, quick labor yesterday. She went in at 7 am to start pitocin and by 2 pm had delivered 2 baby girls naturally. Not bad for 7 hours of labor!
I know you all helped her labor be as easy as it was and less complicated than it could have been. Mama and babies are doing just fine and heading home tomorrow!
THANK YOU, Prayer Warriors!!!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Prayer Request & Weekend Update
My friend, Suzanne, who is pregnant with twins (I wrote about her here ... and yes, I'm over it) is due to be induced tomorrow morning. If you could spare a prayer for her, she is going to try and have both babies the good old-fashioned-way and try not to go for a c-section unless she has to. If you could pray for a safe delivery and health of both her baby girls and herself, I would be so grateful!
In other news, we had a great weekend with family on Saturday, when everyone got together at our house. Luke's cousin, J, is 2 months older than Luke, so they are kind of at the fun age where they still like each other, but don't know why. I took a few shots of them both and enjoyed babysitting both of them, by myself, on Saturday morning. It was super easy for about 15 minutes, about 8 am, when they both were asleep, then it got tougher as I had to feed one while entertaining the other and vice versa. And the icing on the cake was Luke having a 15 minute cry-fest when I was feeding J (who is a big guy) and I couldn't hold Luke ... so I learned to make use of the boppy pillow for J with a bottle and I knelt on the floor beside J and held Luke. It. Was. Awesome! (kind of kidding) Lets just say that I thought outside the box on that one. I'm not sure how to handle two kids, but I guess other people survive, so I probably would too. :-)
In other news, we had a great weekend with family on Saturday, when everyone got together at our house. Luke's cousin, J, is 2 months older than Luke, so they are kind of at the fun age where they still like each other, but don't know why. I took a few shots of them both and enjoyed babysitting both of them, by myself, on Saturday morning. It was super easy for about 15 minutes, about 8 am, when they both were asleep, then it got tougher as I had to feed one while entertaining the other and vice versa. And the icing on the cake was Luke having a 15 minute cry-fest when I was feeding J (who is a big guy) and I couldn't hold Luke ... so I learned to make use of the boppy pillow for J with a bottle and I knelt on the floor beside J and held Luke. It. Was. Awesome! (kind of kidding) Lets just say that I thought outside the box on that one. I'm not sure how to handle two kids, but I guess other people survive, so I probably would too. :-)
We started out the day well ... both playing on our play mats.
Then, Luke decided to fuss while I was giving Baby J his bottle.
After putting Baby J in the boppy pillow & feeding him, I could hold Luke & he would decide to fall asleep ... for about 30 minutes.
The boys then helped me make chocolate chip cookies for the guests who were coming over that day. I told them all the secrets of making some amazing cookies ... from a package mix! :-)
Then it was nap time for Baby J. Luke got to play in his crib and watch his mobile (the best $15 we ever spent!) Baby J naps for 30 minutes.
Then hubby's mom & brother showed up, so they had to take pictures with the boys. I don't think Luke quite had Baby J figured out yet ...
Yay! Lukie found his toes! He just stared ... and stared ... and stared. So cute!!!
Taking both boys to the mall to go shopping! So much fun to be out and about! People kept thinking my BIL and I were the ones married and had both babies ... we weren't even sitting close together ... the babies look like visibly (I think) different ages ... some people need to know when to keep their mouths shut! There isn't a filter on what comes out of their mouths! :-)
The cutest little K-State-er around! Love this pic!
The most unintentional picture ever turned out to be the funniest and cutest thing in the whole world! Ok, I'm biased ... but how can you have a bad day looking at this lil' guy?
It was hard being so cute ... Luke fell asleep in his carrier.
Before Cousin J left ... we had to get another shot of them playing ... and holding hands. :)
Sunday afternoon we played Aggravation with Uncle J (Hubby's bro) who stayed over.
No, Luke didn't win that game. :(
Sunday, we were a GREAT napper! Our festivities on Saturday just plain tuckered us out!
Luke loves to be photographed, videotaped and then look at himself and coo back to himself. We were just goofing around with the camera. I think he's trying to say something ... :)
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Luke is SOOOO Big!!!
I am seriously overdue for a post. I am SO SORRY! Work has been crazy ... life has been crazy ... and I have not had a chance to sit down, go through photos and type out what's been running through my head these last four(!) weeks ... although I did discover my phone has a "record" device, so I've recorded some little gems on that and will back-post my thoughts. To catch you up on Luke and so you can see how big he's getting ... enjoy these weekly photo shots. I'll be back really soon with more Luke-info and updates and questions for you all. :-)
As my bib says, ladies, I'm THE BOSS!! I am keeping mommy busy and away from the computer. All I have to do is smile at her ... :-)
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
One Lovely Blog Award
Kristen over at Lucky as Sunshine, has awarded me with the One Lovely Blog Award. Thanks, Kristen!
I love reading Kristen's blog! She is on the journey to become a mom and writes about all things that go along with it. She has married her high-school sweetheart, is beginning NaPro treatments, teaches CCD, & is a godmother to many lucky children ... plus, she has done an amazing job becoming healthier & has lost 40 lbs so far!
I love reading Kristen's blog! She is on the journey to become a mom and writes about all things that go along with it. She has married her high-school sweetheart, is beginning NaPro treatments, teaches CCD, & is a godmother to many lucky children ... plus, she has done an amazing job becoming healthier & has lost 40 lbs so far!
Here are the steps to follow after receiving this award:
- Share who gave it to you with a link back to their blog. (See above)
- Write down seven random facts about yourself.
- Give this award to fifteen other bloggers.
- Let them know they've won.
- Pop the award on your blog.
7 Random Facts about Me:
1. Met my hubby on a blind-date on New Years' Eve. We were set up by my best friend and her boyfriend at the time. They didn't last long after we met.
2. I have 4 cats. My younger sister has 2 cats. My youngest sister has 2 cats. My parents have 5 cats. That's a total of 13 cats. :-) We were never allowed to have pets bigger than a hamster or fish when we were little. I moved out, got a cat, had to move to a different town for college, sent my 2 cats (at the time) to my parents ... and the cat-acquiring began!
3. I love watching The Office. I will watch the seasons over-and-over-and-over again and laugh EVERY time!
4. I'm 6'1. I am totally uncoordinated. I cannot play basketball. But I get asked if I played basketball all.the.time.
5. Love to procrastinate! (Ummm, hello, I sat on this award for a month before posting about it!!)
6. Just bought a minivan and LOVE IT! If you are debating on getting the sliding/power doors on both sides, just DO IT!
7. I love shopping the clearance aisle! It's the first place I head to when I go into stores.
Bloggers I Nominate (I'm picking nine in honor of my upcoming birthday in a few days):
- Novie *and* Jan @ Women for All Seasons
- Morgan @ Life as We Know It ... Robbins' Style
- Polkadot @ Making God Laugh
- Jess @ With Love for Africa
- Sissy @ Two plus One equals Three
- Lena @ Eucharist Always
- Sarah @ A Child to call me Mama
- Julie @ Andrew & Julie's Adoption Story
- Karen @ Small Things with Great Love
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