Unclear

Tom says I wasn't clear enough in my last post. I have started over at a new blog. Please visit my new place at Combat Boots and Ballet Shoes. Thanks!

Starting Over

Things have been feeling a little forced around here, so I've decided to make a new beginning. I'd love for you to join me!

Ruthless is...

...the 2 year old who takes her 3 month old sister's blanket since she didn't bring her own "blankie."

Thought for Today

There's nothing like having children to shove the Greatness of God right in your face.

Happy Birthday, USA!

*These pictures are actually from our Flag Day celebration.

Friday Funny

June has been busier than I ever expected. Hopefully, I'll get some more posts going soon, but until then, enjoy this picture of sweet Maire that makes me laugh.

Quick Takes - The Photo Edition

This week's Quick Takes is sort of a catch up on what's been going on that I haven't quite gotten around to blogging about, all in pictures. Enjoy!

~~~1~~~

Alexis turned 2! (I'm really late on posting this.)

~~~2~~~

My little "Cover Girl" found my makeup bag and the mascara in it. At least she knows mascara is for her eye, right?

~~~3~~~

I already posted the video here, but I just love this picture of my ballerina!

~~~4~~~

I have been waiting to do a post on Maire's baptism, but I still don't have the words to do it justice. I'm still so emotional about it.

Maire is Irish for Mary.

~~~5~~~

Maire is 2 months!

~~~6~~~

The girls helping daddy out in the yard.

~~~7~~~

This is my first year to be back in Colorado Springs for graduation day in over 5 years. I was really surprised how many memories and emotions came back to me. I also realized how much the graduation ceremony itself affected the local area. I knew to stay away from the stadium where the ceremony was held, but I didn't realize how things like, oh, the vice president being on the highway, could stop traffic off base. Of course, the most exciting part of graduation day was the Thunderbirds! It turned out to be a perfect day for them to fly. Here are a few of the pictures I took. It's a day like this that makes me hope a better camera is in our future!

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen.

Hitting Close to Home

This commercial cracks Tom up. I think he sees his future in it!





I'll let you know if I see him wearing a tutu.

On this Memorial Day

Please remember, and say a prayer for, those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for your freedom.

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war, is much worse. The man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.

-John Stuart Mill

7 Quick Takes - The Struggles Edition

Visit Jen's for more Quick Takes.

~~~1~~~

I don't mean to get too down in the dumps with the title here, but this has been a hard week, unexpectedly. I think, maybe the sleep deprivation has caught up with me plus 2 major events are over with, so I think my body is crashing from the adrenaline rushes.

~~~2~~~

Probably the biggest source of my struggling right now, is potty training. You know how some people don't "do" blood? Well, I don't "do" bodily functions that require a toilet. So, this is an extra difficult "trench of Motherhood" for me to navigate. Isabel has made progress, but I really feel like I'm at the end of my rope and out of ideas on how to get her to be fully successful.

~~~3~~~

My biggest struggle with Alexis right now, besides the fact that she is TWO and acting every part of it, is her sleeping. She gets out of her bed a gazillion times, both at bed time and nap time. It's frustrating because she has always been a good sleeper, we didn't have any issues when we transitioned her to her toddler bed. I also get really upset when the other two girls are down and I could be doing something productive or sleeping myself.

~~~4~~~

After I passed my 6 week check-up, I was so ready to start working out. I got off to a great start with the 3 mile MS Walk, and then a couple of good workouts with my friend, including an amazing stair workout (I'll have to post a picture later). But then events got in the way (Isabel's recital, Maire's baptism) and I dropped the working out off of my to do list. And last week was such a hard one, I turned to food. It didn't help that I had all of the leftovers from the baptism party. Nothing left to do but start over again this week.

~~~5~~~

I've decided to take the girls on a World Tour. I needed some direction to help me with activities for the girls (an area I desperately lack in) and came across this and was very excited. Of course, then I got really serious about getting it perfect and my stress level increased. So I've been struggling with the details and probably been a little too obsessive. I just need to remember that anything the girls take out of it is a plus and there is no formal requirements to be met.

~~~6~~~

If you haven't read this post by Kate yet, go read it! It hits so close to home!

~~~7~~~

Maire has been a wonderful baby. She sleeps well and so far has only really cried if she is hungry or needs to be changed. This is where I make up my own Mommy guilt and feel bad that I may be taking her laid backness for granted and taking advantage to get things done. I'm also reading some books that are making me second guess some of my parenting "techniques" and this isn't a good thing when you are already emotionally drained and having a "bad week."

I started writing this last week, but of course, it was put on hold, like so many other things. I'm glad I decided to finish it, though. It has helped me to wrap up the bad week and start fresh again today.

Singing a New Song

Alexis: "Yes, Jesus loves me...E-I-E-I-O!"

Small Successes

1. I ironed.

2. I took all 3 girls to the library.

3. I did not eat all of the brownies. Yet.

Signs I'm losing my mind

~I almost forgot to put make-up on one of my eyes

~I found the kids' thermometer in the pantry

~Upon arriving at my destination today, I realized I had only half buckled the baby in her car seat (don't worry, she's safe and it was only a 5 minute drive)

I think a little more sleep is in order.

Incredibly Proud Mama

Friday evening was Isabel's first dance recital.

Isabel is the second one from the left, with her hair in a bun.

Isabel is the furthest left dancer.

Can you feel the pride beaming through the computer?

Gone Again

Praying for another safe return.

Image source

Wordless Wednesday

A Mother's Day Realization

Hubby: "I had a realization this morning."

Me: "What?"

Hubby: "I have 3 daughters."

Me: "Um...yes."

Hubby: "So I should have bought 4 cards."

Me: smiling

Hubby: "But Maire is always with you, so technically she couldn't buy a card for you without you seeing it anyways. So she teamed up with Alexis."

"Life: Imagine the Potential"

H/T Catholic Mom

7 Quick Takes - The Catch Up Edition

~~~1~~~

Before I put it off any longer, I need to announce the winner to this contest. Congratulations Barbara! She wins the $20 gift card plus an extra $5 for being within half an inch of Maire's birth height.

~~~2~~~

I finally really hit the wall yesterday. I plan on writing more about it in a different post, but let's just say that my children had defeated me before I got out of bed yesterday morning. I'm trying to make today better.

~~~3~~~

We've made some real progress on our yard. I hope to post some pictures later, when things are a little more finalized, but I'm excited about the progress and being able to enjoy it all.

~~~4~~~

I'm trying to make all of the arrangements for Maire's baptism next week. The planning so far has been a bumpy road, so I'm hoping it is a little smoother this week.

~~~5~~~

Speaking of Maire, she is 6 weeks old! Can you believe it? I don't think I can. I'm also planning another post to catch you all up on her first 6 weeks. (I'm planning a lot of posts, huh?) For now, let me just say she is a beautiful blessing!

~~~6~~~

I'm struggling with cleaning out the girls closets. It's just not something I am enjoying. Alexis is between sizes, so I can't just clear all of the old and the weather has been all over the place, so I haven't been able to take all of the winter stuff out yet. (Did I mention we had two major snowstorms in April?) Progress is finally being made, though, and I hope to be done with it tomorrow.

~~~7~~~

And finally, tomorrow the whole family will be participating in the Walk MS fundraiser. This will be our first time and I am excited to get all five of out there to get some fresh air and exercise while supporting a good cause. Please pray for good weather and if you are interested in learning more or donating, you can go to this website.

Happy Mother's Day!

See more Quick Takes posts at Jen's.

You Know You Need a Little More Sleep...

...when you realize half way through the wash cycle, that you forgot to put the clothes in the washing machine!

Wordless Wednesday

Prayer of St. Gianna

God our Father we praise You and we bless you because in St. Gianna Beretta Molla you have given us one who witnessed to the Gospel as a young woman, as a wife, as a mother, and as a doctor. We thank you because through the gift of her life we can learn to welcome and honor every human person.

You, Lord Jesus, were for Gianna a splendid example. She learned to recognize you in the beauty of nature. As she was questioning her choice of vocation she went in search of you and the best way to serve you. Through her married love she became a sign of your love for the Church and for humanity. Like you, the Good Samaritan, she cared for everyone who was sick, small or weak. Following your example, out of love she gave herself entirely, generating new life.

Holy Spirit, Source of every perfection, give us wisdom, intelligence, and courage so that, following the example of St. Gianna and through her intercession, we may know how to place ourselves at the service of each person we meet in our personal, family and professional lives, and thus grow in love and holiness. Amen.

For more information on St. Gianna, visit SaintGianna.org.

Well Said

I really appreciated Kathy Ireland's comments about why she is pro-life.

Safe and Sound...

...she's here with us now!

Introducing Maire (My-ra) Clare

Born March 26th

Anyone Seen a Stubborn Child?

No, of course not. Because she's STILL IN MY TUMMY!

Down with G-O-D

39 Weeks

Not the greatest picture, but at least one was taken, right?

7 Quick Takes - The Emotional Roller Coaster Edition

~~~1~~~

Obviously, my week started off with some bad news. I haven't received any further information, so I just keep praying. And while, yes, my fears for my own upcoming delivery have been raised a little, I really just can't stop thinking about what my friend must be going through, not being able to do anything for her newborn baby.

~~~2~~~

Minutes after receiving the details of my friend's baby in the NICU, I received an email from another friend with pictures of the first sonogram of her new baby. This friend miscarried her last baby, so I was so full of joy to see her healthy baby boy. The two vastly different emails made me think about just how much God is in control.

~~~3~~~

My doctor's appt. was a little disappointing this week. After hearing my "status" last week, I had higher hopes for this week's status. There was no change this week :( I know that really means nothing about when the baby is coming, but I was a little discouraged nonetheless.

~~~4~~~

After returning home from my appointment, my husband got the news that he has been selected for promotion! Woohoo! As he says, "I'm guaranteed a job for the next few years." As great as this news was for me, it was a little bittersweet. This will be the first promotion I won't be sharing with my husband, and many of our friends as well. So my pride took a little hit and I had to refocus on why it was I separated from the military in the first place. Luckily, I have 3 very obvious reminders with me at (almost) all times.

~~~5~~~

We finalized most of the baby details, like the room, choosing a name, and godparents. A HUGE weight has been lifted off of my shoulders by doing this. I even had a little Mommy fun and bought matching dresses for all 3 girls.

~~~6~~~

Alexis has an ear infection, again. This stresses me out because 1) I obviously want my children to be healthy 2) Isabel has never had an ear infection, so I have all of these questions about why Alexis would be getting sick and 3) it's not an ideal situation with a newborn on the way.

~~~7~~~

I am soooo ready to have this baby.

Small Successes - Vol 2

I wasn't going to post about this today, not feeling very successful and all, but then my husband said something that made me rethink it. So my one small success is...

Tonight at dinner, as we sat down and were beginning to say grace, Tom began by saying "Father" and then Alexis continued by saying, "Son, Holy." I was in total shock. She has been attempting to do the sign of the cross with us for a while now, but I had never heard her actually try to pray, except to say Amen. After finishing our praying, seeing the shock on my face, Tom said, "See, you must be doing something right." That's when a light bulb went off in my head. There are more important things in life that we teach our children than potty training, how to make their beds, and cleaning up their toys. If we can teach our children the greatness of God and His infinite love for us, then we can truly call ourselves successful.

Where I'm at Right Now

**Caution: There are a few choice words in the clip.**

Prayer Request Details

I received an email from my friend today about the status of her daughter and the news is heartbreaking. Without going into too many details, the baby is in a drug-induced coma so that the doctors can stabilize her. Once she is stable enough to do more testing, they fear they will find severe brain damage. Please, please pray for everyone involved. My friend says it is between baby and God now.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

I received a text message today from friend of mine. Although it wasn't full of details, what I got from it is that her newborn baby, born 2 days ago, is in the NICU "fighting for her life." Please, if you can, say a prayer for my friend and her new daughter and their family.

Thank you.

Step Right Up and Win!

So while I'm "patiently" waiting for the arrival of my newest child, I thought I would put a little contest out there into the Blogosphere. All you have to do is write a comment guessing the day I will actually deliver this baby, the time of day, the length and weight. That's it!

The winner will be the person who is the closest on the day, then the time, then the length and then the weight of the baby. The winner will get a $20 gift card to Kohls!

But wait, there's more. I will add an extra $5 for EACH of the following...

- being within an hour of the correct time
- being within a half inch of the correct length
- being within 3 oz of the correct weight

AND if you get all four categories correct, I'll add and extra $5. Did you do the math? That's a total of up to $40!!!

So what are you waiting for? Stop by, say hi, and leave your guess along with a way to contact you if you win. Please leave your guess by midnight on Friday, the 6th. (Remember, I could have this baby at any time!) Obviously we won't know who the winner is until after the baby is born. OH, and if you don't have a Kohls near you, we'll work something out, like maybe a Target substitution.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Oh really...

While watching The Tigger Movie today...

Tom: "I've decided I'm the Tigger of this family."

Me: "Then who am I?"

Tom: "Rabbit."

7 Quick Takes

~~~1~~~

Me: "She's naked."

Tom: "Who?"

Me: "Your eldest." (Although, technically, I guess his youngest is naked as well. :)

Tom: "Why are you naked?"

Isabel: "I'm a gorilla. Gorillas don't wear clothes."

Oh.

~~~2~~~

As you can see from Wednesday's post, we have a little construction going on. Tom is finishing the basement. When all is finished, we will have a storage area, guest room, Tom's office, and a play room which will include a spot for me to do scrapbooking and other crafts. I've been amazingly hands off, except for some consulting in the carpet and paint departments, and I'm kind of okay with that. I have missed my hubby though, as he has spent all of his free time down there. It has been a little humorous as well, watching my cool, calm, unstressable husband feel a little bit of urgency to get this all done before the baby comes.

~~~3~~~

Speaking of baby, my appointment went well yesterday. My weight and BP were good which was a relief after a little (self-induced) scare earlier in the week. And this appointment marked the beginning of the end, so to speak, with the signing of some forms, the scheduling of my LAST 3 appointments, and receiving my "Stork Parking" pass. The nurse-midwife even took a little peak with the in-office ultrasound to see if baby's head was down. It was! As I told Kristina last night, I guess that means that things are moving in the right direction. :)

~~~4~~~

I found Michelle's post very funny, considering I have been asking myself all week why Alexis' ever growing vocabulary sounds as if she has a French accent, especially when she says "weasel" (as in Pop Goes The...).

~~~5~~~

We've had some hints of spring here, with some beautiful weather, animal sightings, and a definite increase in chirping birds. I am fighting hard not to get my hopes up though, as I know March is known for lots of snow. I am definitely ready for spring, though!

~~~6~~~

I've been surprised lately, to find that some of my most inspiring moments for what to blog about have been in the shower. I guess, even though it is still noisy with the water running and fan on and everything, you can kind of chalk these up to background noise, which don't require any brain energy, versus the constant use of brain energy involved with the care of small children. I definitely hear what I'm thinking much better in the shower. Why don't I post more then, you ask? Well, I'm still working on that whole from the brain to the computer concept.

~~~7~~~

You know you are near the end of your pregnancy (and look it) when your husband sees you squatting down to speak eye-to-eye with your child and says, "Get up! I don't want you popping anything out yet!"

Check out Jen's blog for more Quick Takes.

Small Successes-Vol 1

I figured I'd give this a go this week, so you don't think I'm totally negative about everything right now!

1. On Monday I washed every piece of regular laundry in the house (not the special hand wash stuff). This was badly needed after two weeks of illness and being just too tired to get to it.

2. See this picture.


This pile of socks has been sitting on my dresser for months. I kept thinking that I will find the matches to all of them. After #1 above, I realized this was a lost cause and I finally threw them all away! Aaahhh...detachment!

3. I had a good check-up today for the baby. Normally, I wouldn't take credit for that. But my wonderful husband continuously tells me when I'm feeling like I didn't get enough done and too tired to do anything, that of course I am doing something, I'm building a baby!

Wordless Wednesday

It is Wednesday, isn't it?

Quick Takes - The "I'm tired" Edition

I'm tired...

~~~1~~~

...of being sick and not being able to function at full speed.

~~~2~~~

...of forcing myself to eat even when I don't want to, just so I don't throw up.

~~~3~~~

...of unsuccessful potty training efforts.

~~~4~~~

...of being disappointed by people, especially when it's my fault for having unrealistic expectations.

~~~5~~~

...of childrens' irregular sleep habits these days. I will be glad to have my bed back.

~~~6~~~

...of worrying about the arrival of the new baby (when, where, how, names, godparents, announcements, etc...).

~~~7~~~

...of being in such a crummy mood all of the time and feeling like a horrible mother.

Visit Jen for more Quick Takes.

On my Mind

Exhaustion, nerves, depression, and the sense of disillusionment are not peculiar to the present age. These things are probably more acutely felt at the present time than at other times because everything in our highly developed society conduces toward them. If living in the senses and for the senses has produced the civilization in which we exist, it seems peculiarly futile to turn for relief and escape to those very senses that have been at the bottom of all the trouble.

A more sensible course would be to look in precisely the opposite direction and try to bathe the over-materialized spirit and not in the things of matter. Weary bodies, frayed dispositions, broken hopes, dampened enthusiasms, and so on are not likely to get much good out of excitement. That is what they are suffering from - the hollowness of a departed thrill. They will find their fruition in God, not away from Him; not in distraction, but in closer union.

If we were to realize that God is our true rest, we would waste far less time running around looking for somewhere peaceful or pleasurable here we could throw off all our cares and enjoy ourselves.

"I set the Lord always in my sight, for He is at my right hand that I may not be moved."

-Holiness for Housewives And Other Working Women by Hubert van Zeller

(emphasis mine)

Mother Teresa's Words of Love

H/T Abigail's Alcove

Quick Takes

~~~1~~~

I think the girls and I are finally on the road to recovery from our illnesses. They definitely had a resurgence in energy yesterday afternoon. Mommy, not so much.

~~~2~~~

My baby appointment went well yesterday. I'm measuring well and the heartbeat sounded great. We even started talking a little bit about details for the birth. (This will be my first time delivering at this hospital.) The excitement is definitely building.

~~~3~~~

Of course, getting closer to the due date is adding a little stress because we have not settled on a name yet, or godparents. We are definitely praying for the good Lord's guidance in these areas.

~~~4~~~

Another prayer of ours was answered this week, however. We went to two different Catholic pre-school open houses and it was very obvious to both Tom and I which would be better for our family. I wrote a little bit about this here, and am still wondering about what our school choice will be for Kindergarten (Catholic/public/home), but for now, I think we have settled on sending Isabel to a Catholic pre-school next year to see how it goes.

~~~5~~~

Due to Isabel's cold, and a little bit because Alexis and I aren't well either, I kept Isabel home from dance class today. It was surprisingly difficult for me to do this. Isabel LOVES dance class and I love watching her learn. But I had to remind myself of the misery that comes with having a sick child and how I didn't want the other mothers to have to deal with that.

~~~6~~~

I came across the site, String of Pearls, thanks to The Bodman Family blog. This site will truly touch your heart. Please visit it and while you're at it, say a prayer for all of the families who have to deal with this difficulty.

~~~7~~~

I think all of this illness has been a big whack on the head to slow down a little bit. I have SOOO much to do, still, the house isn't completely moved into, the girls' room isn't completely decorated, the baby's room isn't completely finished, tons of things still need to be done before the baby gets here, not to mention projects I want to do that aren't urgent. But I've also realized that there were some hidden blessings. I've seen what a wonderful caretaker my husband is. I actually rocked Alexis to sleep in the glider a couple of times. I haven't done that in over a year. I've been able to just sit and cuddle with BOTH of my children. They usually don't stop long enough to complete a hug before they are off again. Not only have I been able to reminisce a little about their time as babies, but I think it has also prepared me a little bit for the coming of our newest blessing. I'm just grateful that I was able to recognize this as the gift it is, and stop stressing over all of the other things I "should" be doing.

Wordless Wednesday

And The Diagnosis Is...

...an ear AND sinus infection for my poor, sweet baby girl. Alexis has pretty much been sick since the new year. She and Isabel had colds right away, but Isabel seemed to burn right through it, and Alexis never quite got better. After waking up screaming last night with a fever, and being difficult to console, we said enough is enough and took her to the doctor's. The following things are going through my mind:

~relief that we know why she is sick and that we have some medicine.
~guilt that we may not have taken her in as soon as we should have.
~frustration at the boys next door because they have had multiple ear infections this winter.
~more guilt for taking pride in the fact that "my kids don't get ear infections."
~exhaustion and worry because I, too, am feeling under the weather and hoping it's just a little head cold.
~and a little bit more guilt that I am not keeping my kids healthy enough.

Here's praying for a healthier February!

Not So Much Celebrating...

...as freaking out. Jane posts today about celebrating Catholic Schools week. Sounds like fun, right? I, on the other hand, will be freaking out instead, as I go to my first pre-school open houses this week. Somehow, my little Isabel is now old enough to go to pre-school. How did this happen? And now Tom and I have to figure out what we are going to do about it. Truth be told, I did most of my freaking out over the weekend. After talking with two wonderful women, however, I'm feeling much better, at least calmer, about the task at hand. Maybe I'll go into further details of all the craziness in my head in another post, but for now I'm going to enjoy the little peace, however temporary it may be.

The Great Destroyer of Peace

"I feel the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a direct war, a direct killing - direct murder by the mother herself. And we read in the Scripture, for God says very clearly: 'Even if a mother could forget her child - I will not forget you - I have carved you in the palm of my hand.' We are carved in the palm of His hand, so close to Him that unborn child has been carved in the hand of God. And that is what strikes me most, the beginning of that sentence, that even if a mother could forget something impossible - but even if she could forget - I will not forget you. And today the greatest means - the greatest destroyer of peace is abortion. And we who are standing here - our parents wanted us. We would not be here if our parents would do that to."

~Mother Teresa of Calcutta

H/T Praying for Grace

Wordless Wednesday

30+ Weeks

Getting Me Through

Mary, Help Me

Holy Queen, Mother of mothers, consolation and protectress of all Christian motherhood, Mother Mary, help me.

In all the trials and sorrows that come into my day, dear Mary, help me.

When I am tired with my labors and despondency is upon me, dear Mary, help me.

When all looks dark and I find none to speak a consoling or cheering word, dear Mary, help me.

When I am wearied by the weight of countless vexing little things and my patience is sorely tried, dear Mary, help me.

In the impatience and rudeness of others, by the example of your mildness, dear Mary, help me.

When others speak sharply to me and I would speak harshly in return, that I may show the gentleness of your own kindly speech, dear Mary, help me.

When my efforts seem to bear so little fruit and to be so little appreciated and I am discouraged, dear Mary, help me.

When a thousand worrisome distractions and annoyances come into my day and it seems so hard to keep my peace of heart, dear Mary, help me.

When all others seem to fail, then especially with the sweet support of your gentle aid, dear Mary, help me.

In all things, Mother, assist me! That I may, like you, with patience turn all my trials into spiritual treasures; that I may grow ever more like you, the cherished queen of the most holy family, dear Mary, help me!

From the Mothers' Manual by A. Francis coomes, S.J.

7 Quick Takes

So I'm joining the Quick Takes bandwagon, thinking that if I post a few quick tidbits, it will help me get back into posting. I've been overwhelmed where to start back into it, so here goes...

~~~1~~~

I am very grateful that the Christmas season has passed. This is an unusual feeling for me. I'm usually overly excited for any holiday, especially Christmas. But this year I definitely had a Scrooge streak in me. I was just overwhelmed with a lot of stuff, finishing the house, making everything "special" for the girls, our little bout with the stomach virus, and an overabundance of emotional breakdowns. I am definitely feeling a little more peaceful now that all of the decorations and presents are put away.

~~~2~~~

Speaking of emotional breakdowns, this has definitely been the most emotional pregnancy for me. And it's stressing me out. Basically, I'm stressing out about stressing out, amongst the other things I stress about. It hasn't been pretty. My poor husband. He's been a wonderful supporter though, thank God!

~~~3~~~

I've also entered a stage where I'm very nervous/anxious about things. Two nights ago, for example, I lost a lot of sleep worrying about my doctors appointment yesterday. There was no solid reason for worrying, I just had a major case of the nerves. The appointment went well. I will be 30 weeks tomorrow, am measuring right on, did my glucose test, and got a flu shot. I managed to feel quite accomplished as I left the hospital.

~~~4~~~

Back to Christmas...while it may not have been MY merriest, we did do a lot of fun things to celebrate. I hope to post a recap with pictures soon.

~~~5~~~

Another post I'd like to write soon is about passing a certain age milestone. I did this over Christmas as well, which I fear had something to do with the added emotions, as hard as I tried to be realistic about it.

~~~6~~~

I am currently reading Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood by Sheila Kippley. Even though I have 22 months of nursing under my belt (I know, not a long time to some of you), I am still learning a lot from this book. It really has my brain spinning about a few things. I will definitely be giving it as gifts to friends when they become pregnant.

~~~7~~~

And finally, what is probably the biggest news in our house right now, Isabel has made tremendous progress potty training. I am so excited! We have had some major setbacks and I was starting to become very frustrated (I'm not much of a bodily functions kind of girl to begin with) and feel quite defeated. But now she is basically doing everything by herself, we just have to make sure she goes to the potty. She still doesn't tell us when she has to go and averages about 1 accident a day, but I will take it after this long journey we've been on. The other good news is that Alexis seems to be taking it all in, and my gut, which I don't listen to all that often, tells me that she will be much more agreeable when her time comes.


HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wordless Wednesday