Treasure Your Babies

Mommas, treasure and love ❤️ your babies. 

Each and every moment. 

They grow up so fast and they are all gifts from God!

Wordless Wednesday: Baby Snuggles

Things I Know To Be True...

So, I'm starting a new themed post, "Things I Know To Be True".  And I'm totally stealing the idea from a sweet kid I went to high school with and worked together with as a teen WAY back in the day.  Anyways, we are ALWAYS learning new things and some things just kind of stand out in life.  I love when my friend posts his "Things I Know To Be True" on Facebook because it makes you realize that most of the things are pretty minor but really huge if you stop and realize that small things can be significant.  Those small things, when you stop to notice them and count them as blessings or lessons learned, can really add up and bring so much value to your life.  And these moments happen more and more the more you DO slow down.  So, I hope to continue this theme in the many days and weeks and months ahead.  And I'd love to have YOU share some things YOU know to be true too.  I'll start us off...

#1 - Saying "no" is ok.

So this is going to sound strange and all, but bear with me...  Today is Mother Mary's birthday.  And, a day that I am reminded of her great "Fiat", her "Yes" to become the Mother of My Savior, her "Yes" to trusting fully in God's will.  I try my best to say "Yes" as often as I can, especially to my kids.  It doesn't happen all the time, but I try to as often as I can to let my own plans go and give to the good of another.  So why in the world would I say for this very first "Thing I Know To Be True" that it's ok to say "no"?  Because as a very good and wise friend told me years ago, "when you say 'yes' to something, you are almost always saying 'no' to something else".  Hmmm....  So this summer, as an example, I said "no" to helping out as a volunteer this summer even though I dropped off 7 of my kids.  My "no" became a "yes" to enjoy and love on my two littles and give them more one-on-one time.  If I would have said "yes" to volunteering, I would have missed that special time with my two littles.  It's so true to think of things this way, but we must.  We must understand that we can only do so much.  It's good to give of ourselves and weigh the outcomes of our "yes-es" and "no-s".  What are you saying "yes" to?  What are you saying "no" to this fall?

#2 - Letting go is hard, but necessary.

So this happened a couple weeks ago.  He's driving out on his own.  He even got a job.  Yesterday, he had his 16 year well visit and Lady had her 9 month well visit (one month late - lol!).  I doubled up the appointments because that's what us big family momma's do.  But it was so weird taking my oldest and youngest to the doctor at the same time.  Of course, I went back, because Lady still needs me to go back. And because the appointments were actually one, we all went back together.  And then I got to thinking.  Do all moms go back with their 16 year olds when they go to the doctor?  When do they stop?  When should I stop?  Wow!  And the driving to and from.  A whole new way of letting go and trusting God. It's part of life and part of parenting.  I know there are many more "letting go" opportunities in the future too and that this is only one of many.

#3 - It's ok to treat yourself to a Starbucks.

Those $4 drinks - yeah, you know what I'm talking about.  You feel so guilty and bad buying one.  But when you do, it feels so good.  It tastes so good.  It's such a treat to treat yourself.  And that's exactly what I did on September 1st when the new pumpkin spice lattes came out.  And not only myself but two of my cuties too...

#4 - Snuggling a baby is like therapy in and of itself.

It is.  You think you're doing them a favor by snuggling them and soothing them and putting them to sleep.  But as a mom of many, with babies to teens, it's funny to see how everyone just reaches out so naturally to smooch and steal and rock the baby.  It's not because the BABY needs it.  It's because WE need.  We need that lovin's.  It's just indescribable, but so very true.  It's brings a warmth, a comfort, a JOY like no other.

#5 - Norwex cloths ROCK!!

I've been putting off buying anything Norwex for years and never understood the hype, until a friend shared with me her new love for it.  This mom is just a little older than me and is wise in so many ways.  Definitely one of those older wiser mommas that I look up to and value her opinion so much.  So when she shared with me how awesome her new Norwex cloth was, I knew I HAD to try one.  She had a party last month and I bought 4 things - a Enviro Cloth, a window cloth and two cleaning products. I"ve only used the Enviro Cloth so far (stay tuned for more "Things I Know To Be True" about the other 3 if they "ooooh" and "ahhhh" me as much as the Enviro Cloth).  But seriously, my cloth hangs in the kids' bathroom and I"ll walk past the bathroom multiple times a day, wipe the nasty counters and mirror and it is shiny and beautiful in just a minute or two!  Ya rinse it out and hang it up to dry and can use it again - and the silver in it is supposed to kill bacteria!!  Crazy huh?


So what do YOU know to be true?  
Share away!  
I'd love to hear from you!!!

Wordless Wednesday: Chew, Chew, CHEWS life!!

**Chews Life products can be found HERE**  

8 GREAT months with our Lady

Yep, look who's eight months old!  Can you believe it?!?!  We cannot!  She's squishy and adorable and loved by all of us so very much.  She's a good little sitter, still a little tippy.  She rolls everywhere and can get to whatever she wants.  No crawling yet.  But that's ok- our babies are always a little bit later for the crawling and walking thing.  I think it's because we hold them TOO much, if there ever is a TOO much baby holding sort of thing.  (I'd say not!)

Wordless Wednesday: Oh where, oh where, does the time go?

Can You Feel The Love?

We've been doing a LOT of baby loving and snuggling and holding around here.  Sweet Lady has barely had a chance to lay in her crib or swing or bouncy seat because there is almost always empty loving arms waiting to hold her.  And, I'm happy to say, I've even been able to get my fair share too!

LOVE

DA

BABY!!!

{{Keeping Advent, Advent}} ~ Lessons Learned In The NICU

Okay, okay, I already know what you are thinking.... Advent is right around the corner, and I'm wanting to read up on some ideas and activities to make our 2016 Advent more meaningful.  So, why oh why, would a post about someone's nicu experience help me prepare my heart and soul for receiving the Newborn Babe?  I don't have a baby in the nicu, never have and I hope I never will.  Bear with me please....


I felt and thought the same thing until, BOOM!   It happened, my sweet little Lady came at 34 weeks 5 days and was still very much a preemie even weeks later.  She conquered the breathing hurdle in just a few days.  One set of tubes gone.  She ended up with jaundice and conquered that hurdle in two days - goodbye heel sticks and sun shades.  Beautiful heart rate.  Keeping temps wonderfully.   So what was her hold up?  Feedings.  Taking bottles and trying to learn the suck-swallow-breathe reflex.  This has been such a trying time.  I have learned SO much (and am still learning daily) why God has allowed this time in the nicu.

**No more comparisons**

Nicu experience:
Everyone and their cousin and best friend and neighbor had a baby younger than mine or around the same gestational age that went home right away.  Don't tell me.  I don't wanna know.  It makes me feel worse.  I wonder more and more, "what's wrong with my daughter then?"

Advent relation:
Start where you are comfortable.  If you are just beginning, you can definitely start with one thing - an Advent wreath, an Advent devotional, or maybe Jesse tree.  Here are some links to what we have done these last 16 years.  You will see MANY things.  Pick one.  It has taken us many years to build up to this and we don't do everything each year.  I still pick and choose myself.  Pick one thing and really focus on it.  Then next year, feel free to add one more.  If you have already been celebrating Advent, I still suggest the "pick one" rule.  No need to go nutso and add three new things that you'll only complete/finish half of all three anyways.  Pick one and do your best.  And most important of all - DO NOT compare.  Do not look at what Suzie or Janie or Christy are doing and feel guilty that you aren't doing the same things.  You will be blessed abundantly doing your own thing - your one thing that you will be fully devoted to and follow through from the first day of Advent until Christmas.  As my husband always says, "different people are different".  Don't be afraid to be different.  Pray on what you should do and trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit that comes you way.

**Do your best daily**

Nicu experience:
Fighting the feedings - we are still struggling with these as I write this.  My little Lady will not finish a 50 ml bottle.  We are lucky to get a 40 ml bottle!   She's doing what she wants to do and there's really nothing I can do about it, except realize that this is on her time.  Not mine.  And ultimately it's all about His perfect timing.  Not mine.

Advent relation:
Throughout the days of Advent, you will have bumps and hurdles.  Sickness.  Crabby kids.  Crabby moms and dads.  Snowstorms.  Stress taking over.  And these things can and WILL knock down your perfectly planned "pick one" thing that you have committed to do throughout Advent.  So what do you do?  Throw up your arms and just quit?   I know you'll be tempted, as I have been before.  No way, friends.   Feel free to get caught up and read 2-3 pages in a day from your Advent devotional -or- hang up 2-3 ornaments on your Jesse tree and read the corresponding readings to go with it, whatever you chose to do.  Catch up. No big deal.  Or not.  Don't feel like you have to go back and finish those pages and readings.  You can totally skip ahead and offer that lost time as a prayer of trust that Our Lord allowed those bumps in the road for a reason.  You did your best and part of doing your best is accepting those not-so-good days when they roll around with love and joy.

**Waiting patiently**

Nicu experience:
This is the hardest right now for me.  Being so close - as she's taking over 50% of her 50 ml bottles and we are seeing improvement daily - but being SO far away - she has to be taking eight full 50 ml bottles for multiple days on her own.  Oy!!!  We are.  So.  Far.  Away.  Wait.  Be patient.  Wait.  It'll happen.  She'll catch on.  When SHE is ready.   Oy, again!!!  This is so true- all I can do is wait for this light bulb to turn on and it'll happen in her time.  In His time.  Until then, all I can do is wait.

Advent relation:
Wait.  And trust the Church and these four weeks of waiting before jumping right to Christmas.  As I'm typing this, there are 17 days til Thanksgiving.  One local channel is already playing 24 hr Christmas music.  It's not even Thanksgiving, let alone Christmas.  Stores are already selling Christmas decorations and supplies.  Christmas catalogs arriving in the mail. People are already sharing pics on FB of their beautifully decorated trees, and this will become more and more, as I think the "whole world" puts up their tree/decorations the day after Thanksgiving.  The "whole world" accept me.  It can be so easy to just jump and do whatever everyone else does, and jump to Christmas weeks before Christmas.  But the point of Advent is to wait.  To grow in patience.  To ready ourselves for the birth of Christ.  So I strongly encourage you to hold off and wait on doing some of these things until closer to Christmas.  Maybe put up your tree on the third week of Advent - the JOY candle week?    Maybe only listen to Christmas songs on the JOYful mysteries day (Mondays and Saturdays) and pray and meditate on the JOYful mystery of the Nativity?  You will be rewarded abundantly as you wait patiently for Christmas, as you celebrate Advent as Advent.

**Bringing home babe**

Nicu experience:
Maybe by the time I publish this post, my baby girl will be home?  God-willing!   I know one thing for sure - it will be the most joyous homecoming yet after all these long and trying days and weeks spent in the nicu.  I hope and pray I will remember these moments and lessons and blessings that came from the walls in this little nicu room.  Lessons of faith, patience, letting my little Lady be herself, doing my best daily and perseverance.  A baby will be brought home.  And there's no doubt, the hearts and hands waiting for her are MORE than ready to receive the gift that she is to us!!

Advent relation:
Having put off Christmas celebrations and decorations and preparing our hearts and souls for the Birth of The Babe brings me to tears every Christmas.  Even as each week gets closer and more candles are lit, my voice gets a little crackly and tears well up as I tell my littlest one to watch and see the new candle being lit at Mass.... "how many candles are there now", "only two more candles, two more weeks til Christmas, sweetie!", "we'll be celebrating Jesus' birth in less than a week now".   This countdown is so special.  It creates such joy and excitement!   And then when we walk into church on Christmas morning, the beauty just takes our breath away - the lights, the trees, the wreaths, the bells during the Gloria, the incense, the Christmas music, and let's not forget, the beautiful Nativity with baby Jesus lying in the manger.   The same Jesus who fed and nourished us at every Mass, never ever left us for a minute, loved us and walked with us as we prepared our hearts for Him.  The waiting and preparing for His Birth is that yearly renewal of how much Our God loves us and how much we love Him as Our Father, as the Holy Spirit guides us and inspires and walks with us daily, as the Newborn Babe who nourishes and feeds us through the gift of the Eucharist.  How readied our hearts have been made as we patiently waited for Him in so many ways.  How ready we now are to bring Him home and to share the JOY He brings to us with others.   May we never forget the Eucharistic Gift that came first as the Infant Christ, and how blessed we are every year to have the gift of Advent to reflect on and grow on these mysteries of Our Faith!!

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This was the first month of a new blog hop, 

Siena Sisters Blog Hop!  

Click on the image below to see what other Catholic Women are 

sharing on this month's theme {{Keeping Advent, Advent}}....

THE Most Perfect Gift To Give Your Children

++Thank you, God, for our nine 

beautiful young ones!!++

Trusting God With My 9th C-Section

**This story was first published here at Catholic Mommy.  Lis interviewed me about my upcoming 9th c-section.**

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I swallowed deeply as I reread her answer. This will be her 9th C-section. I know the risks and her faith is evident… but I couldn’t stop myself form asking more questions and then sharing the answers. Because the world has to hear this. The world has to hear the complete trust she has in God and believe that God is bigger than any other decision in our life.

This interview is with Katie Young, a homeschooling blogger of 8 kids. You can read more about Katie at her blog, Raising Young Ones, and be sure to pray for her upcoming C-section. (If you are pregnant, please add your due date in the comment section and we will also lift you up in prayer!) Hail Mary…

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We haven’t spoken in a while… what provoked this writing? Are you pregnant?

Katie: I am. Almost 22 weeks (update:  I'm now 29+ weeks!!!). Section already scheduled for 36 weeks. 9th c-section – Oy! ++Jesus, I trust in You++
People, and SO many Catholics, are just mis-informed and justified in their own contraception/sterilization mindset. It’s heartbreaking for me to know, see this, and get comments all the time, especially when I am pregnant in one of these high risk pregnancies.

That feels so soon

Katie: I know! The time is flying by SO fast!


You are courageous. Not everybody sees the beauty in what you are doing

 How are the rest of your kids doing? Do they understand it’s high risk?

Katie: I just remember you were one who said I need to share this more and it’s been on my heart ever since we saw those two pink lines to follow the Holy Spirit’s promptings.


Absolutely.

Katie: They do know. They are so wonderful about it and know all we can do is pray and have faith.


That’s wonderful

Katie: I’m already getting comments from Catholic friends who are clearly blinded by and justified in their own actions of contracepting and sterilization.


Why do you think people feel justified to tell you their beliefs when you obviously have made yours?

Katie: Goodness, I have my thoughts on why they do share this, but my pregnant hormonal self probably won’t say this very gracefully. 🙁

I’m sure we both know though….

Satan is good at planting lies and helping people feel justified in their sin.


That’s a sad truth. I think fear consumes so many people too

Fear to lose their loved ones and the fear of the unknown. The more strength you have in Christ, the more you look forward to Heaven, the less scared you are

Katie: Yes!!! 🙂


Is this your seventh or eighth child? Is the baby a girl or a boy? Has she been named?

Katie: This will actually be our tenth baby! Our first little one made it heaven before we could meet and hold her (miscarriage). God willing, little Edith will be our 9th baby here though! So, yeah, she has been named – after St. Edith Stein/St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.

Have all of your pregnancies been C-sections?

Katie: Yeppers!! I tried SO hard to have baby #1 naturally. After 21 hours of labor and fetal distress near the end, my doctor did an emergency c-section. When he was born, my doctor laughed and said “no wonder he couldn’t make it out on his own – he couldn’t fit!” He had a large head and was 9 pounds! LOL For the second baby, our plan was to have a vbac. But weeks before delivery, I had a lot of pain near my incision and my doctor thought it was better we have another c-section for fear of rupture.


What does your recovery time look like after having C-sections with so many children?

Katie: 4-6 weeks, which is actually normal recovery time for all c-section patients. Once baby is here and born, I’m just a normal c-section patient. Thankfully! 🙂


What makes your pregnancy high-risk? What are the possible consequences?

Katie: My multiple c-sections (this will be my 9th). Every c-section has its risks, but for me, I am also carrying the weight of an over-worked, stretched, weak uterus that has had surgery 8 times already. The most serious risk is death – for me and baby. 🙁


So many of us have difficulties trusting in God for small things. How do you put something this big in His hands? Do you have any special prayers or devotions that you do for your pregnancy or baby?

Katie: Oh boy!! That’s a hard one… this life is our temporary home to prepare us for our Eternal Home. It is my actions and words here that will prepare me for that life. I hope and pray I make it there!! And, yes, it is through all my actions, including my “yes” to being open to life with high-risk pregnancies, that will hopefully help pave the way.

We could definitely chose sterilization and/or contraception, because it has been suggested/encouraged after my 3rd c-section and all my c-sections after by doctors/friends/family (and even priests!!), but we know that is choosing against God and not trusting Him. However, we do use NFP. We are not perfect at it, obviously. We try our best and it has created some spacing between babies.

Devotions? Absolutely!!! We find out baby’s sex as soon as we can and give that beautiful precious gift a name (there are so many references in the Bible about the importance of names – even at the beginning when God gave Adam and Eve the privilege of naming the animals of creation).

What a powerful witness of being pro-life that we have in giving that baby a name as soon as we can find out the sex! It’s amazing to hear our other children (and even family/friends!) refer to the baby in womb by NAME. She is a person. She is loved and cared for so deeply. And we already know who she is – Edith! So through naming our babies we pray endlessly for their patron saint to intercede for them and the pregnancy.


Most doctors tell women with multiple C-sections to have smaller families due to risks. I know we’re not in the medical profession and can’t tell women what to do, but what made YOU choose to keep having children?

Katie: Kinda hinted earlier on why… it is our choices and actions and words here that will hopefully pave our way to Heaven. This is one of those HUGE choices – choosing to trust God or choosing my own will. It is where being pro-life takes on a whole new meaning. It goes to the root of where that life is formed to begin with – through the sexual act.

Should my husband and I be the ones to tell God “no”, that we will no longer be fruitful, that the gift of fertility He has given us is too much of a risk for me? Or should we trust God with this cross and burden of my high risk pregnancies, and remain open to life (only using NFP) and let Him be the one in charge?

Obviously we have chosen the latter. It’s tough, for sure. It would most definitely be easier if we did contracept/choose sterilization. But we are not called to live a comfortable, easy life. We are called to live in faith and trust in God’s perfect plan for our lives.

Can you talk about what it means to say “yes” to God’s plan and what that looks like in your life as a mother of a large family?

Katie: Yes, Lord, my husband and I will remain fruitful in our marriage, despite not knowing what the outcome is. You are the Author of Life. You chose when life should begin and when life should end.
Yes, Lord, I will wake up daily and put one foot in front of the other and love and raise the children you sent our way.
Yes, Lord, I will do my best to live a virtuous life to my husband, children, family, friends, and know that I will fall and fail often and run to You in reconciliation.
Yes, Lord, I will be Your hands, feet, and heart to those around me as best as I can.
Yes, Lord, I will change the messy diaper for the umpteenth time today.
Yes, Lord, I will continue doing the laundry and cleaning up after all these goofey kids.
Yes, Lord, I will love and accept my husband and children for who they are and be grateful for the mercy they (and You!) have on me when I flop.
Yes, Lord, Yes!!! Here I am! I come to do Your will!
(my “yes-es” are that daily/hourly/minutely choice to be His servant!!! I could go on and on with this one – lol!)



Obviously you and your husband are both pro-life. How does the rest of your family/ extended family react to your pregnancy?

Katie: Some think we are CrAzY. Some understand and respect what we are doing completely. Some just smile and don’t say a word. Some do share their concerns (of losing me and baby), but still love us anyways. I think they all learned a few babies ago, that it doesn’t matter what they say, it is God whom we look to for guidance in all choices in our life.

It has definitely been rough at times, and hurtful things were said in the past But through them loving us and us loving them, regardless of the differences in our choices/words/actions, we can experience the mercy of God and we are blessed to still remain very close to all our family.


What are some of the things people are saying? (If you want to copy and paste quotes form your FB but do it anonymously?)

Katie: Probably some of the worst/hurtful things that have been said….

• “God will forgive you for becoming pregnant again.”
• “It’s clear God doesn’t want you to have a big family.”
• “If you die during your pregnancy/delivery, that makes your husband a murderer.”
• “By continuing to have babies, you are not caring for and thinking about your other children.”

A lot of times and more often than not, we get the “we’re done” comment. It’s hard to know what this truly means… “we’re done” trusting God? “we’re done” having babies and prefer a more comfortable enjoyable life? “we’re done” with the fertile stage in my life and know no more life can be formed?

• And, of course, the “don’t you know what causes that?”  To which we love to reply, “Yeppers, we are just really good at it.  And, you?”   😉

After having shared recently on FB my hormonal/pregnant thoughts on our story (being open to life even with my high risks pregnancies) I am overtaken by the love/care some friends/family show…

• “Beautiful words and sentiments. <3 Your life as an offering <3 I am also very familiar with this hormonal roller-coaster as I care for my 6 on earth and entrust 5 more to Our Lord…As we all strive to live out our vocational calling, may we be reminded that His yoke is sweet, His burdens, light and He knows our journey+++ May God continue to bless you and all your precious “fiats”<3Love, prayers and blessings to you, friend.”
• “Amen! Love you! You’re a beautiful example and living testament to being pro-life and entrusting yourself completely to God’s divine Providence! Praying for you and Edith daily!”

Also, here is another comment of love/acceptance/support from a non-Catholic friend who has very different views from me, yet it is still one of love and acceptance….  (This one brought tears to my eyes!)

• “While our lives and views are different… I love, admire and adore you.  I always wish nothing but the best for you and your family.”

Other comments that have me concerned though are those Catholics who also have health issues/high risk pregnancies that have already chosen sterilization/contraception and are proud to have done so and are justified in choosing to go against God’s plan for marriage/trusting Him.  I was thankful a sweet friend did bring up that NFP is ok, but most of the time, this is not what people turn to when health risks arise.

There is still that element of trust and a pregnancy could still happen.  It’s hard to know what to say when fear overtakes them and is the basis of that decision.  It is definitely harder to trust God, because there is still that element of the unknown and putting your life fully in His hands.


What is your favorite thing about the newborn stage for a baby? What are you most looking forward to once baby is born?

Katie: Their complete love and utter dependence and acceptance of us as parents.  The snuggles.  That instant bond between older siblings and new baby.

Once Edith is in my arms and I am all stitched up and get that “how lucky I am” from doctors/nurses/family/friends.  But, we all know, that lucky is a lot more than a lucky – it’s a BLESSING from God indeed!!

Thankful Thursday - ed #3

So much to be thankful for!!  

Today has just been a normal school day.  But here's three things that stand out from today that I am extremely thankful for...

The kids (who are done with school) are playing Lego's and Max and Pookey just came out to me with this cool creation.  I love how their little brains are not limited with time and most especially space when it comes to creating.  Isn't this Lego dude the coolest?

Little Yoda was ready for a nap, and thankfully his sweet sister (who is almost done with her school) scooped him and up, and rocked him to sleep.  She's a multi-tasker at heart, so she has to squeeze in some reading while keeping babe asleep.  She's reading the last of the Mysterious Benedict Society books on our kindle.  I read the first three aloud to the four big kids over the last couple of years, and told them they have to read the last one on their own.  So of course, Melody is wasting no time at all.

And progress!!!  Plaster guys are here today.  Painting (plain ole white is hubs preference) and flooring next week!!  Can we possibly be done in the next couple of weeks?  I think so!!!

++Thank you, Lord, for your presence living and breathing among us in the simplicity of our lives!++

Wordless Wednesday

Baby "Bandit" Bibs

Sometimes baby #8 just needs some new things of his own, right?  I splurged and went shopping on amazon for some new bibs for Yoda.  They just don't make bibs like they used to, and the bibs with the velcro attachment just doesn't hold up.  I've found out after purchasing many different styles that a good bib MUST have the snap buttons to keep it from coming off.  We made it through with our last couple drooley babies with cheap velcro bibs because the snap ones were impossible to find.  And our drooley little guy is wetting his sleepers so much, I thought I'd do a quick search for "snap closure baby bibs".  What a pleasant surprise it was to find these absolutely adorable and might I add - super unique - "bandit" looking bibs!!  I didn't know which brand to buy, so I bought two different brands, both in the "bandit" style.  And, I absolutely love them already!  Cute as can be and going to work perfectly for keeping lil Yoda's clothes dry, although I'm sure he'll still go through a few bibs each day!

Drooley baby, he is!  

Cute bibs, they are!