Spring And New Life

Someone FINALLY kicked winter in the pants and let spring arrive. Thank goodness! With temperatures in the sixties and near seventy, we are positively giddy with gladness.

When I took the kids outside on Friday and felt the sun, heard the birds singing and watched the kids play, I almost could have wept. It was like being given sight and hearing like never before.

Never were the sounds so welcome, the sun's radiant heat so glorious.

The kids, well, they were all like calves in springtime frolicking around. Who could blame them?

With spring lingering in the air, I figured I would finally post pictures of the springtime wreath I made.

I put it up at Easter time thinking spring was really around the corner, ha! That feels like forever ago now!

I gathered some PINspiration (inspiration from Pinterest...catchy, huh?) and found several ideas. I wanted springy and cheery, along with cheap and easy.

I went to my local JoAnn fabrics store and started gathering. Lily and I found this fat roll (I have no idea what they call it) of different shades of blue fabric strips. I then based the rest of the wreath off of those colors and what worked with it and complimented it.

I started by picking out which shades of the blue I was going to use from my roll and starting wrapping my wreath. I just used hot glue to fasten the beginning and end of each color before starting a new color. Super easy!

After that, it was just a matter of adding embellishments.

And, presto, spring wreath!!

Finally, since my post title indicated new life, I had to include that with spring came TWO new lives last week. I became great auntie for the 8th and 9th time! A little great nephew was added to the crew (boys are seriously behind!) on Monday and a little great niece on Tuesday.

Of course, I have to share photos of the great niece (aka. neighbor down the road) Natalie Marie, because she is just too sweet. What a peanut girl.

We are so blessed with more little ones in our family to enjoy and a little Natalie on this side of heaven to love.

Magic Baby Bottom Cream

In my almost ten years of motherhood, I have only a couple of times had a baby with diaper rash and not even remotely serious.

So, when Gianna got severe sore bottom the other week when she was sick and she had horrible sores, I cringed and my heart broke as she screamed with every diaper change. And when the toddler has diarrhea, you know I was changing A LOT of diapers.

After trying so many diaper creams without relief for my poor Boo-Boo Girl, I called our favorite doctor. He sent a prescription right away for me to pick up at the store. After driving the almost half hour to the store, having to submit insurance information, waited another half hour and then finally go to pick it up and they tell me there's a problem. Oh, wonderful.

The pharmacist comes to inform me that because all of the ingredients in this compounded prescription formula can be obtained over the counter, the insurance won't cover it. Thankfully, I ended up with a very nice pharmacist who went out to the store aisles and grabbed all I needed. She wrote down the ingredients and amounts, gave me directions to mix them all up and then gave me a plastic tub/jar like they would've given me had they mixed it up there.

After about the second application, Gianna's bottom was SO MUCH better. I thought I had to share this mixture with all of you, in the event you are ever in my shoes and need sweet relief for your child. Perhaps many of you have heard of this before, but since I hadn't I thought I may not be alone.

Total cost for all of the items was just under $11 at my local Walmart and so worth it!!!

Mix the following together and store in a sterile covered container. Apply three times daily.

*Petroleum Jelly (30g)
*Bacitracin (30g)
*Hydrocortizone cream 1% (30g)
*Anti-Fungal cream/Athlete's Foot cream (Clotrimazole) (30g)



**Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and obviously would encourage you to check with your doctor before trying this cream if you have serious questions.

For My Due Date Buddy *Update*

Patty and I have shared a special bond over these past months. A due date, but also thoughts and prayers spread between miles.

She's meeting her sweet Baby Joy this morning via c-section. Please send a few extra prayers for her and baby. I know she'll appreciate them.

And later, hopefully you can go meet her little one over at her blog. I cannot wait to see this precious little one we have prayed and eagerly awaited.


**It's a GIRL!!** Go Congratulate Patty and her family.

What's In A Name?

Considering I'm currently going through a baby name quandary of sorts, Simcha's post today gave me a good chuckle this morning.

I just had a baby eight months ago for crying out loud, shouldn't I just use the leftover names we didn't use?

Well, that would just be too easy. And, some of those names just don't feel 'right' this time around.

What's a Catholic girl to do?

And what's the Catholic girl's husband to do for the next four months as she hashes and rehashes names in search of the perfect list?

Poor man.

Boy Wonders

The other day I overheard my son out of the blue talking to my husband about babies.

"Dad, I guess when my wife has babies I'll finally find out where babies come out. You know because you go with mommy to the hospital when she has us. So, when my wife goes to the hospital I'll finally know the answer."


Deep down, I think my husband breathed a sigh of relief that our son hadn't asked any questions and just figured out his own answer this time around.

Who cares if he's 25 before he finds his answer? He's fine with waiting.


-----------------

Yesterday, while driving in the van with my boy and my baby, we were chatting about seating arrangements in the van. I reminded him that when the new baby arrives, he or she will be in the first row with Gianna.

He excitedly asked, 'Then Lily will be in the back with me ALL the time?'

'Yup, all the time. That way the little ones will be closer to me up front.'

He then questioned, 'But when we have another baby what are we going to drive? We won't all fit in here.'

I replied with my new answer (because I've been looking in to this sort of thing), 'Ooohhh....then mommy can get a Swagger Wagon.'

He stopped and thought. Then randomly, 'How old are you?'

I told him and he thought some more.

And then, 'That's A LOT of years before you're forty! You'll still have a lot of chances to have more kids!'



Once again a new pregnancy has brought about a new batch of childhood questions and wonders. It's so fun to hear how their minds work.

And apparently a reference I made once to women being childbearing until age forty has made an indelible mark in my children's memories and they think it's a magical cut-off point.

One Of My Favorite Baby Gifts

For a baptism gift for Gianna, my BIL and SIL gave us an awesome gift of a 13 month undated sticker Baby Calendar. I'm finding that with each passing week I'm enjoying it even more.

What an excellent gift idea, especially if this is baby number 2 or more. You know how that is when you record everything diligently for the first child in their beautiful baby book and then the next one(s) come along and there are many blank pages? At least, that's what happened here.

I love this calendar because you start it the month of baby's birth and keep it up for that first year. It even comes with stickers like 'First Tooth', 'First Steps', 'Doctor Visit', etc. With plenty of room to jot down other things you may want to remember as well.

Taking my SIL's suggestion, I keep it in Gianna's room along with a pencil to record things quickly where it's handy. I've included her first night in the crib, behavior changes, weight at checkups, family events, lots of 'firsts' and a couple other stories to remember.

The one Gianna received was from Hallmark, but I just found out last week that they are now discontinued. I searched Amazon and found a Baby Girl Calendar by Avalanche for a reasonable price, even with shipping that I purchased for my friend's new baby.



If you are searching for a perfect baby gift, I'd HIGHLY recommend one of these calendars. You won't regret it and mommy will be absolutely delighted to receive this treasured gift!

Who's Been Drinking The Water?

I daresay there's something in the water around Blogville. In the last several weeks I cannot even mention all of the lovely ladies that have announced pregnancies.

Actually, I know it's not the water. It has a lot more to do with the blessed women and their husbands that are open to the precious and beautiful gift of life. It's so amazing to read another pregnancy announcement when some other glowing mama is blogging it!

Currently on my fridge is my prayer list of moms and babies both of bloggers and IRL friends. The total is currently at sixteen! One of them just recently had her baby and the due dates will continue to roll on through the beginning of next year. Wow!

With this realization it starts to get me thinking and perhaps a bit eager to drink of the water again. Yes, you just read that correctly. Now that you've just re-checked my blog sidebar and reminded yourself that I just had a baby in February, you can *gasp*. Keep in mind that I'm not saying TODAY that I want to drink fully of the water here, but it gets a girl thinking. And my husband *sighing*.

Then I remind myself that I was just part of this current wave of babies coming soon. I was at the beginning of the wave and we're just riding out the rest of it. I can wait my turn, but you never know what God may have in store for us. Not being completely sure of what happened that labeled us as a case of secondary infertility, the reality is not forgotten that we could possibly face that again. It is just that thought that again brings the baby bug, despite my just having a three month old. You must also remember that Gianna is near the perfect baby. When she makes things so easy, it's simple to want to add another little darling to our household.

I'm finding it easier to think of a bigger household when I've surrounded myself with like-minded women who celebrate the gift of their fertility and welcome fully each new child she is given. What a blessing! It's easy to picture life with more children when I read of all of you grace-filled moms who keep it together (albeit, as you share honestly, sometimes just barely) with your four or more children. I've learned so much from you all and only wish that we were all friends IRL. Because, after all, not everyone is so kind or so open to the blessing of children.

I cannot imagine reading most of your blogs without the stories and antics that involve and revolve around your children. Sorry to say it, but you probably wouldn't be nearly as entertaining to read without them. Don't you agree?

For now I think I'll wait this one out and I'll catch the next wave (hopefully) of pregnancies. In the meantime, I'll keep on praying for all you pregnant ladies, your babies, healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries.

Babies Abound!

It seems that I'm keeping some pretty good company lately. There's a new batch of blogger baby announcements that have been keeping up the Blogville population. Hooray!!

I enjoy reading how each of you share the news and I love being in the company of many wonderful women who are open to new life.

I wanted to give a shout out to all of you, so please pardon my pregnant brain if I've forgotten you. Be sure and let me know though in comments. I try to keep each of you and your baby on my prayer list. Congrats again, Mamas!

Allison at A Broken Fortress

Hope at Memoirs of a Hopeful Housewife

Aimee at The Mother Load

Holly at FALLING UPWARD

There's also Sarah at More Than Enough who is due VERY SOON.


And of course, there are a couple of my IRL friends who are expecting too!


If you are among the wonderful women who still wait with empty arms either through infertility, recent miscarriage or other reasons and I read from you or you read here, know that you're in our nightly St. Andrew Christmas novena prayers.

Baby Week

Though not intentional, it's looking like I'll be posting a few baby posts this week.

Just letting you know in case you'd rather not read mushy baby news, baby update or quips from home about baby.

But then, who doesn't want to read that stuff?

You were warned.

Happy Second Week of Advent!!

Raising Awareness: A Photo Post

Many of you followed along here last January as we all prayed for my great-niece, Hazel who was born with a Congenital Heart Defect, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). We all prayed for a miracle, along with her parents. Staying here with us on earth only 13 days, Hazel left a lasting imprint in so many lives. Since then, her mom couldn't help but find a way to be involved and help other families. Yesterday was the 1st Annual CHD Walk in our area.
I know there are many causes out there and many of them are worthwhile. When a disease touches a special loved one in your own family, you cannot help but want to support and love them by supporting their cause. We signed up for Hazel's walk months ago and despite being on bed rest, I did attend with our family. Rest assured, I did not walk and did a lot of sitting. I still desired to be there to support Ryan and Angie, even for the short time we were able to stay.
Sorry for all of the photos, but it showed more than I could ever write here. For more information on CHD's, check out It's My Heart online.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Godchild Edition

Great-niece #4 was born almost two weeks ago and she is as precious as all of the others (which makes me wonder if I ever mentioned great-nephew #1's arrival last month?? Yes, another baby blessing entered the family this summer too!). We were honored enough to be asked to be Baby E's Godparents and we gladly accepted. She was welcomed into the Church this past Sunday.



**Photo Credits: Lily (Hence, why they are taken from a lower perspective and I look like a giant towering over the rest. I'm really not THAT tall!)

How Sweet He Is

Yesterday marked 6 years since the miscarriage of our child, Natalie Noel. We remember this tiny member of our family regularly, but especially on May 14th. Once again, Reed remembered and brought me something home.

Each year the card simply reads:

With Love,
To: Mommy
From: Natalie

And each year I tear up just a bit. As time has gone on the sadness has turned into acceptance, but the memory of that day comes flooding back in an instant. How precious this little child was and is.

Over time I've realized that due to current circumstances and difficulty becoming pregnant, there may come a day that I may walk that road again. I may lose again, but that cannot keep me from hoping and trying to bring more little ones into this world. Trust me, it's taken me a long time to face this reality and I'm going to do whatever I can to prepare a safe and healthy place for more little ones. But ultimately, only God knows how many little angels I will help bring into heaven.

New Arrival!!

Mommy Monkey just added to her barrel of monkeys!

Go congratulate this sweet mama on her new little one over here!

There's even a photo up already of Sweet Baby Girl in all her beauty.


Congratulations, Mommy Monkey and hubby on your new, precious little monkey!

A New Minnesota Baby!

It's a Boy!!

Tracy's Pinewood Castle just welcomed their 'Little Prince' on Palm Sunday!

Go Congratulate Tracy and family on their new little addition here.

In The Arms Of The Angels

Our Great-niece, baby Hazel Marie, entered God's eternal kingdom at 11:44 this morning. She was held in her mother's loving embrace, as her father hummed her to sleep. Hazel fought hard for almost two weeks, but her little body could not take any more.

We weep with sadness as our hearts ache because we are not able to join her. She rejoices today as she enters her Heavenly reward. In her short time here on earth, she blessed so any lives. Hazel brought so many to their knees as we awaited a miracle. Her parents exhibited a deep faith and strength beyond belief as they shared their journey with us and became such witnesses to those of us who waited. Hazel's mission was simple: to bring a piece of Heaven here for a short time on earth. Today, she rests peacefully in Jesus' arms.

The family has felt your continued support through prayers you sent their way in abundance. Please keep them coming as we continue on from here without the littlest member of our extended family.



Eternal rest grant unto Hazel, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

Calling All Prayer Warriors!!

When you read this, please say a prayer. Or perhaps two.

Our dear great-niece, baby Hazel, whom we have been praying for has taken a turn into an unknown outcome. She has been gradually taken off of her ECMO machine for her heart, today. While we are remaining prayerful and hopeful, her parents are preparing for the worst since her body is not responding as it should. There are too many complications and too many signs of other problems and conditions that are not allowing her to heal normally and completely.

Members of the family are making the trek to the Mayo Clinic and could use prayers for safety. The rest of us wait by our computers, hanging on every update. We are trying not to give up, but our hearts are aching with sadness at the possibilities.

We are pleading for a miracle, if that be a part of God's plan. And if not, we are praying for strength and grace for Hazel's parents and grandparents as they are led down a path with an unknown future.

May Hazel's guardian angel watch over and protect her as Jesus leads her in His perfect plan.

*Update* On Baby Hazel

Your prayers are helping! Keep them coming!

Miss Hazel, my newest great-niece, made it through her surgery on Tuesday. Unfortunately, it was found that she has an issue with her lungs, pulmonary hypertension. She is still on a machine for this and also still on a bypass machine since her surgery. She has not been able to be taken off of these yet as the doctors are cautious and making sure that the heart and lungs are strong enough first. They are hoping to give it a try tomorrow, Friday.

Hazel did open her eyes to watch mommy and daddy today and look around her room. She also moved her toes and fingers a little bit too. Her parents have become an amazing testimony of strength as they have shared of their reliance on God during this time and witnessed to His greatness and plan in all of this. Wonderful testimony for young parents in their early twenties!

Keep those prayers flooding this way. There's a little girl who is relying on every single one of them.

Urgent Prayer Request!

Our family could use prayer warriors, especially today. So, naturally, I am turning to you.

I am confident that you will wrap my dear little great-niece, Hazel, in an abundance of prayers from wherever you are. Hazel was born New Year's day and was airlifted Saturday night to the Mayo Clinic. She has been diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrom and needs an initial surgery, with another at six months and a third, at two-five years old.

Little Hazel has been stable, but surgery is scheduled for 7:00 am TODAY and is expected to last eight hours.

Please keep Hazel, her physicians, nurses and parents in your prayers as much as possible. It is appreciated beyond measure.

Hi-Lo: December 18th

HI's:

1. Last weekend we spent plenty of time around home baking and outside sledding. It was a relief after the previous weekend. Wonderful family time.

2. On Monday, I had lunch with two friends. It was so nice to catch up again and visit, minus the little ones.

3. I'm feeling better this week, after having a rough time last week. Food wasn't enticing and my tummy was very upset (which would lead you to make an assumption here, but no, it wasn't that). I concluded that it had to do with my hormonal changes and my Metformin. It seems that it's working for me and making good changes, but my body doesn't always like that and respond well to it. SO GLAD this week was better!

4. Sweet baby girls were brought into the world this last week. Congratulations to Meredith and Jessica on their baby blessings!

5. I received Stacey's cookbook in the mail the other day. It is so darn cute! (Why don't you have one yet?!) I'm eager to try many of the recipes, but I had to whip up this yummy Cinnamon Coffee Cake first:


(Psst....I have an extra copy for a giveaway this winter...Stay Tuned!)


LO's:

1. My third Great-Niece still has not arrived. We're hoping she makes it in time for her pre-Christmas debut! Hang in there Angie!


What were your Highs and Lows this week?

Laughter!

Several things came upon my path yesterday and in the recent week that I couldn't help but notice.

Although these weren't any huge 'light bulb moments' or heavenly enlightenment followed by choirs of angels, they were enough for me to string together as little pearls of hope. Reminders that God is up to something very good and (hopefully) very soon it will be revealed.

Last week, Elizabeth shared of a friend who recently stated on facebook that she was "laughing as Sarah laughed today" and Elizabeth made the quick connection that this friend was expecting. She found out later that, Colleen was indeed pregnant.

This struck me and has stayed with me since then. The laughter of Sarah. And for a number of reasons I can relate. The name, the barren womb, you know, all of those things. So I have pondered the story of Sarah and Abraham and their prayers for a child and that when Sarah found out she was to bear a son, her response was to laugh. I then recalled a class I once went to while single, given by a priest and he happened to read the scripture verse about Sarah's finding out her pregnancy and I remember him repeating and emphasizing the response, "and Sarah laughed". That has always struck me and stayed with me. And now, I know why. Thinking on it, I think that is exactly the same way I too will respond, hopefully one day again soon. Laughter at God's greatness and goodness that He would see fit to answer my prayers.

Yesterday, I pulled a book off of the shelf. One I had even forgotten was there. It was a journal for Mom-to-Be that I had while pregnant with Lily. Each day had a scripture verse to pray and it encouraged praying for your child within your womb. I found it peculiar that it would suddenly stick out among the others and I'd be drawn to it. I flipped through it, remembering the days of pregnancy so long ago. And then I came to the scripture verses in the very back of the book and my eyes immediately fell upon this verse from Genesis 21:6:

And Sarah said, "God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me."

It seemed only fitting that I'd run across another verse on the following page, during this Advent when our family has specifically been praying to St. Zachariah and Elizabeth:

Do not be afraid, Zachariah, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. Luke 1:13

Fittingly enough, upon returning to my computer in the afternoon, I came upon a blog with a sidebar scripture of the day. Yesterday's was from Job 8:21:

God will let you laugh again; you'll raise the roof with shouts of joy.


I continue to wait in joyful hope this Advent and I know that when I laugh again, you will hear it and join me in the celebration.

Happy Third Week of Advent!

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