Welcome Home, Brien!

For the last 6 months, Brien has unfortunately been bouncing between the hospital and a rehab facility because of repeated UTIs, weakness, and digestive issues. And although we always hoped he'd be able to return to the independent living home he's lived in for at least the last 40 years, the determination was finally made that he will not regain the independence and mobility that he needs to go back. So we needed to find a new permanent home for him.

Although we were sad that he had to say goodbye to the friends and staff he loved as family for all these years, there was a silver lining: Brien could move closer to us! So we set about finding him a good nursing home in our area.

After a fairly comprehensive search, we landed on a place that fit our needs: a skilled nursing facility, recommended by a consultant, that accepts Medicaid, and had an immediate opening for him. Amazingly, it's so close to our house that we can walk there! That's not why we chose it -- it was the best of the options that checked our boxes -- but it was a very happy coincidence! 

We moved Brien as soon as we returned home from our cruise. Because he is confined to a wheelchair now, he required special transportation. He was sitting like a king the whole way!

Now he's set up well in his new home. We brought the kids over to help decorate Brien's half of the room with pictures on the walls, little trinkets, and a fun comforter on his bed. He had a roommate who was pretty loud (yelling during the night, unbeknownst to us), and Brien wasted no time asking for a different roommate. I was proud of him for advocating for himself! Now he has a new roommate who is very quiet.

One of the nice things about skilled nursing facilities that accept Medicaid is that the government requires them to provide activities for the residents. Multiple times a day, Brien has arts and crafts, music, games, and even visiting performers like magicians and choirs. There's a parlor where he can hang out with other residents to watch TV, and a dining room where he shares meals. A visiting doctor, dentist, podiatrist, and stylist take care of all his needs right there. And there are in-house physical therapists who already have a game plan for him to continue working on his strength and independence. First on our list of priorities: regain the ability to get in and out of a car, so we can take him on outings. 

"I think I'm gonna like this place," he tells me every time we see him. And fortunately, that's often -- MJ and I are able to visit multiple times a week. It's so close, we can easily swing by just to check in, or talk to his nurses or social worker in person, or have lunch with him. Grandpa and Grandma stop by often too. And we've submitted Amber's vet records so she can visit too, something Brien is very excited about!

I am so thankful for many things: that this move went smoothly, that Brien is close by for us to visit, that he is part of our lives, and that we can include him in so much more from now on. It is such a blessing. 

Fast Friends

Little Man's best friend from all the way in preschool, Brennan, had a rough end to his summer -- he ended up with a mysterious staph infection in his bone that put him in the hospital for 10 days, resulted in surgery, and stuck him in a wheelchair until he could bear weight on the leg again. It was a scary time, but thanks to God he's come through it really well, and has kept his trademark Brennan smile the whole time.

Having a strict "no physical activity" rule in place meant that he couldn't swim, run around, jump on the trampoline, or do any of the normal activities he and Little Man loved to do together. But they played chess, built Legos, goofed around with the wheelchair, and played more than their share of video games.

Thank God Brennan is okay, and that he and Little Man were able to spend so much time together this summer. I'm so thankful Brennan is thriving now, and that he and Little Man have such a sweet friendship!

Thanksgiving Shenanigans

So it turns out that I didn't take any pictures of our Thanksgiving festivities. Sorry! It's one of the drawbacks to hosting a big gathering, I suppose! But we had a great time. Grandma and Grandpa came over, as well as Memere and Pepere, Jon and Susan and the kids, and even Mr Brett (Brooke spent the holiday with her family).

We managed to fit all 14 of us around an L-shaped combination of tables. We stuffed ourselves silly, drank plenty of wine, and came back for pie. As always, we watched lots of football, but also threw in some soccer (looking at you, World Cup).

Friday, Patrick and Karen and the boys joined us as well, and we celebrated the fall birthdays. It's crazy to think Dane's 12, Bryson's 11, and Braxton -- the baby -- is 9! Memere made a super cool Dungeons & Dragons-themed cake, since all 3 of them have been playing D&D over Zoom together lately.

We played games all day (Dane beat MJ, Pepere, and Little Man in chess!); the birthday boys opened presents; we said farewell to our cousins; we took obligatory pictures; Pepere treated the kids to way too many donuts; and they ended the day watching Home Alone. Hey, Thanksgiving's over -- it's Christmas season now!

Meanwhile, my mom and I retreated from the chaos to enjoy a dinner out, just the two of us. It was my much-belated birthday gift to her, and it was lovely to have some one-on-one time. My only regret is that I forgot to have someone take a picture of us!

Happy Retirement, Dad!

Last week was a monumental event for my dad: he's retired now! Since he was a teenager, he's worked so hard: as a Marine in Vietnam, then an Army officer for 22 years, then a lead anesthetist at one of the busiest hospitals in the country. So after all that hard work, what does he plan to do with his retirement? Hike the Appalachian Trail. Like, the whole thing. I'm not kidding -- he started today.

But before all that, there was an awesome party. I knew a few of the people there, friends of the family from his Army days, but the majority of the people attending were new to me. It was impressive to hear everyone speaking so highly of my dad, hearing co-workers of his say how much he inspired them and taught them. It made me even more proud of him than I already was.

Everyone knew of his hiking plan, of course, and there were a fair number of jokes about the Trail and what he's about to experience. Even the cake was Appalachian Trail-inspired! No, my mom did not make it, but there were a lot of tiny details that are reminiscent of what my mom does on her cakes, too.

Most of all, it was wonderful that our entire family was there to honor my dad. How are we going to get through the next 5 months without him?

(For those of you interested in following his hike, he will be blogging at hankontheAT.com.)

Alice's Tradition

Alice started a Christmas tradition last year that I love: she comes with us to the bookstore, lets each child pick out their own book, and then we go to lunch together. It's such a nice outing!

Last Friday was the special day. The kids were beyond excited. CC picked out a very grown-up version of Snow White; Sweet Pea picked Pete the Cat Saves Christmas; and Little Man picked How to Train a Train. All good choices that have already been read over and over again. Thank you, Alice!

Veterans Day

God of peace,
we pray for those who have served our nation
and have laid down their lives
to protect and defend our freedom.

We pray for those who have fought,
whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war,
whose nights are haunted by memories
too painful for the light of day.

We pray for those who serve us now,
especially for those in harm’s way.
Shield them from danger
and bring them home.

Turn the hearts and minds
of our leaders and our enemies
to the work of justice and a harvest of peace.

- Excerpted from "A Prayer for our Veterans" by Concord Pastor

A special prayer of thanks for my father, my father-in-law, my grandfather, MJ's grandfathers, my brothers, and countless friends we made during our service.

Shocker

I have a secret.

I've wanted to put it on the blog for a really, really long time, but every time I consider putting it in writing, I think I'll jinx myself.

But I can't keep it in anymore.  It's just too incredible, too amazing, too unbelievable to keep to myself.  I must share it with the world!!

So (deep breath), here it goes:  Little Man has never peed on me.  

I know!!!  

How is this possible?!  When I became the mother of a baby boy, I thought for sure that getting peed on would become normal.  Routine.  Nothing to even roll my eyes about.  

I considered buying "Pee Pee Tee Pees" or draping washcloths over his boy bits during changes.  I wondered how many times I'd sponge off the walls surrounding the changing table.  I laughed thinking about ducking for cover.

Nope!  Not once!  And it's not just me -- MJ has never been christened, either.  I like to think that Little Man is a refined sort of gentleman who would never even consider something so uncouth.  But in reality, I think I'm just lucky.  Really, really lucky.

And now that I've mentioned it in public, I will surely get a full squirt in the face at his next diaper change.

Self Feeding

HALLELUJAH!!  Sweet Pea has finally, finally started feeding herself!  I've been doing a little jig of happiness at every meal, as she gets better and better at putting food into her mouth.  

Sweet Pea feeding herself some cantaloupe at breakfast this morning.

Whew!  I was starting to think she'd be the only kindergartener who would need her mommy to come to school and hand-feed her lunch every day.  But in less than a week, she's gone from not feeding herself at all, to almost eating an entire meal on her own.

She's definitely messy when food and drink are concerned.  ("Our most disgusting eater" says MJ.)  Milk pours down her chin; macaroni and cheese ends up in her hair, and crumbs somehow work their way inside her clothes.  But I don't mind -- she's feeding herself!

Maybe I should include music with this blog post?  Like Handel's Messiah?

Mothers' Day

Today was fabulous.  Not only because MJ cooked me breakfast and treated me to brunch and gave me a spa gift certificate.  Not only because the weather was gorgeous.  But because I reflected on the fact that I have these little souls

to cherish.

I'm not an eloquent writer, so I don't have the words to describe how I feel.  But I am so incredibly blessed to have the family that I always imagined.

I am also lucky to have an incredible mother myself, who has been a great role model and shown me unconditional love.  And my mother-in-law, who has always treated me as her own and given me so much support.

And, since Mother's Day was not always a happy day for me, I'll say a special prayer for women who long to be mothers, for those who have lost their mothers, and for mothers who have lost a child.

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was as nice as ours.  We went to my parents' house and joined my brothers and their families, several aunts and uncles and all the cousins on my mom's side.  It had been years since I'd seen some of my relatives, so it was great to have everyone there!  And everyone doted on CC, Sweet Pea and Little Man (naturally).

Pictures to come tomorrow, probably, after we get back home and I have a chance to go through and edit them all.  I've been snapping away like a madwoman!  Who knows when I will see some of these relatives again?

I have so much to be thankful for, most significantly my fledgling family.  Here's to the beginning of a wondrous holiday season, with many memories to be made and moments to be shared.  I'm looking forward to it all!

Happy Birthday, Memere!

Today is my mom's birthday, and instead of celebrating at home with my dad, relaxing and being treated like a queen, she is here with me and the babies.  Changing diapers, chasing a belligerent toddler, rocking babies, cooking, doing laundry, and taking care of me.  Seriously, she is a saint.

Happy birthday, Mom!  It's been wonderful having you here this last week.  I couldn't have done it without you!

Thank God for Grandparents!

MJ and I have both been blessed with incredibly supportive parents, and it couldn't have been more obvious since the twins arrived.

My parents were on hand to take care of CC and Rory while MJ and I were in the hospital.  It couldn't have been fun caring for a toddler and shuttling back and forth to the hospital multiple times a day, but seeing them bring CC through the door to our hospital room every time was one of the highlights of our days.

 

 

They cooked meals for us, did all the laundry, and had the house all decorated to welcome us home from the hospital.  My dad even weeded some of our badly overgrown flower beds!

Once MJ and I were back home with Little Man and Sweet Pea, my parents took CC back to their house with them for a few days, to give me and MJ time to get settled at home with the new babies.  We missed CC like crazy (so much so that we insisted on getting her back a day early!) but it was definitely a relief to only focus on two babies instead of three those first few crazy days.

Once we were all together as a family again, MJ's parents came to visit.  His mom helped me inventory all CC's newborn clothes, as well as all the boy clothes my dear friend Linda had given us (she "knew" we were having a boy!), so I knew what we were missing.  Then we went shopping, and now both Little Man and Sweet Pea have wardrobes that would be the envy of any modern, stylish baby.

That doesn't even include all the hours they spent holding babies, entertaining CC, and singing to all three grandchildren (MJ's dad has a magical, baby-calming baritone).  And Grandma and Grandpa watched the twins for us while MJ and I took CC out for some special one-on-one time. It was just running a few errands, but it was still precious to spend "normal" time alone with CC. 

When Grandma and Grandpa headed back home, unfortunately MJ had to leave as well.  In a stroke of horrible timing, his firm decided to send him on a business trip this week!  Fortunately my mom was willing and able to come spend the week with me.  And not only has she been invaluable at helping juggle three children, but we're actually getting projects done when they're sleeping!

Next week MJ will be home -- thank the Lord -- but the week afterwards, he's being sent away again.  But MJ's mom has just purchased her airplane ticket to come back to help that week.  I am so incredibly blessed to have such loving help and support!

Memorial Day

Just a quick message today, honoring those who have sacrificed for our country.  MJ counts several friends in this number and we are humbled by what they have given.

CC wore a patriotic outfit today, that curiously enough was a 6-month size, initially given to her to wear last summer.  It was way too big then, but sure enough this year it fit her just fine.  It's unbelievable how large some brands run!

But she looked cute, of course!  There was a matching headband, but ... well, that didn't last more than a few seconds at a time.

We also took a family picture on our front porch.  We've been flying our flag all weekend (you can see its reflection in the window behind me) and thought it would be appropriate for our military family to have a picture .

I hope you are all enjoying your long weekend, having a wonderful time with your families, and remembering what this holiday is all about!

MJ's Work Shower

Back in September, when we first started telling people we were expecting a baby, MJ's boss immediately said that he wanted to throw a shower for us.  And it wasn't idle talk -- as soon as the holidays were over, he started working on the guests list and planning the event.  He invited most of the partners MJ works with, as well as many of his fellow associates.

The big event was last Saturday evening, and it was wonderful.  To the relief of the single guys in the crowd, it was not a typical shower.  It was basically a dinner party that just had a baby-themed cake.  MJ and I didn't open gifts at the party, but brought them home to open on our own the next morning.  The food was fantastic, the cake was adorable and delicious, and we had a great time.

MJ is so lucky to work with and for such wonderful people.  He tells me often that although he may get frustrated or stressed about work, his colleagues are great, and that makes everything worth it.

It's always nice for me to spend some time with the people I hear MJ talk about so often.  And there were a few people in attendance on Saturday who I hadn't had the pleasure of meeting yet, so I was glad to have the opportunity to chat with them too.

On Sunday MJ and I opened all the gifts, and we were overwhelmed by everyone's generosity.  During this pregnancy, we have been humbled by the outpouring of love and support from everyone we know.  We are truly blessed!

Baby Shower

I'm back!  My mom and I had a great time in DC, although it was a bit of a whirlwind trip, just staying two nights and spending one full day in the city.  But more on that in a later post.  This one is about my baby shower last Saturday, which was absolutely lovely.

My mom (left) and my neighbor Alice (right), hosted the shower, with help from my sister-in-law, Susan.  They picked a beautiful location, an elegant and cozy historic house not far from here.  Fortunately, even the weather cooperated!

I hadn't known any of the details about this shower, other than who was attending, so everything was a surprise to me.  The biggest surprise met me when I walked in the door: my mom had made a beautiful quilt to hang on the wall in the nursery.  It's a family tree: baby pictures of me and MJ are on the trunk; the left three branches are baby pictures of my parents and grandparents; and the right three branches hold baby pictures of MJ's parents and grandparents.  It's not only beautiful, but also means a lot to both of us, so I can't wait to hang it up!  I think it will go above the crib in the nursery.

I was touched by how many of my friends and neighbors attended the shower.  My friend Carol even flew here from Pittsburgh!  It really meant a lot to me that they were there to help me celebrate this miracle that's about to join our family.  During the shower we were all asked to pick a quote about children from a selection on display, and talk about what the quote meant to us.  The quote I selected was:

A new baby is like the beginning of all things:

wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities

- Edna J. LeShan

When I opened my mouth to explain why I'd chosen this quote, I burst into tears in front of everyone and was unable to finish.  I was embarassed, but fortunately I was able to later delete the videotape my friend Carol made of my breakdown!

The shower ended with opening all the generous gifts that everyone brought.  We received a lot more books, which I can't wait to read to the baby.  MJ's mother even sent me his silver rattle from when he was a baby, complete with teeth marks!  MJ and I feel much more "ready" for this baby now that we have so many baby items, and I can't thank everyone enough for their generosity.

Christmas, Part II

This past weekend we traveled to visit my family and celebrate a late Christmas as well as my dad's birthday.  It was great to see everyone, especially my little 2.5-month-old nephew Dane, and my younger brother who is still in the Army and often deployed.

Once again, Otto proved to be the luckiest unborn baby around.  From my parents, he received a beautifully written and illustrated book called The Night You Were Born.  I wasn't familiar with it, but I loved it right away and can't wait to read it to him.  Or her!

To our amusement, my parents also gave him another cute Notre Dame onesie.  This kid is all set for football season next year, and he's not even born yet!  Girl or boy, Otto will definitely get good use out of all the ND gear!

He also received some great pyjamas by a company called Hanna Andersson from my older brother and his wife.  She swears by these PJs -- they are super soft, thick, and made from organic cotton.  My heart melted when I held them up; they were so small, and it really hit home that soon I'll have a baby that size.  Wow!

MJ received a juicer for Christmas, which is exactly what he wanted, considering his uber-healthy lifestyle this last year.  I only mention it on this blog because I realized it might actually come in handy with Otto, too.  Once he is old enough to drink juice, I'll be able to make it for him myself.  Then I can ensure his juice is 100% natural, with no additives, chemicals, sweeteners, or other nasty stuff.

We tested it out during MJ's snow day on Monday, with fairly good results.  The first recipe we tried was called "Healthy Men" and consisted of yellow squash, asparagus, tomato, and celery.  It tasted a bit like mild V8 juice.  Not too bad.  But the other recipe we tried was pear, carrot, and banana.  That one was surprisingly good, with just enough sweetness!

One of the best Christmas gifts I received wasn't even a gift -- it was a giant bag of maternity clothes that my sister-in-law is letting me borrow.  Hallelujah!  Best of all, she had a pair of maternity jeans that fit me perfectly!  Thankfully they have an under-belly band, because I had just come to the realization that the full-belly panel pair of jeans I have are too uncomfortable to tolerate anymore (at least at this point in my pregnancy).  This borrowed pair will save me from having to buy another.

Christmas Recap

As I mentioned previously, our Christmas was wonderful.  It started on Christmas Eve, when we all decided to go to Mass.  With a 4pm start time, we thought a 3:30 arrival would assure us seats.  Apparently not!  When we arrived, the parking lot was a madhouse, and there wasn't even any standing room left in the church! 

Fortunately, there was a second Mass starting at 4:30 at the parish hall just across the parking lot.  We headed over there, secured some seats, and settled down to wait for an hour.  Mass ended just after 5:30, and we headed out of the parish hall to battle parking lot traffic.  Much to our surprise, we discovered that the parking lot was not a honking mess of congestion.  It was full, but all the cars were still parked and empty.  How could this be??  A Christmas miracle?  No, the 4pm Mass that we had originally planned to attend had not gotten out yet.  Holy cow!  God works in mysterious ways, for sure -- by waiting an hour for the 4:30 Mass to begin, we actually saved time!

The next morning, MJ's parents joined us at the house for a nice Christmas breakfast, which kicked off a beautiful day.  MJ and I are often reminded about how truly blessed we are, coming from such loving and generous families and having such amazing friends.  The most recent proof:  incredibly thoughtful Christmas gifts for Otto, who isn't even born yet!

From MJ's parents, we received a priceless handmade Noah's Ark set that they purchased in 1974, before MJ was born.  It decorated his nursery when he was a baby, and now that we have our own baby on the way, it can decorate his or her nursery as well.  It is so beautiful, and I can't wait to display it in Otto's room!

We also received two more books for Otto's ever-increasing library.  First:  The New York Yankees 101, a board book for little ones.  How perfect, since MJ and I are both huge Yankees fans!  MJ had fun on Christmas morning, reading through the pages about former Yankee greats, various baseball equipment, pictures of the (new) stadium, and explanations of different field positions.

My good friend and neighbor, Alice, gave us The Runaway Bunny.  This book was a favorite of mine when I was a baby, since my mom loved it and read it to us often.  I was so thrilled to receive it for our own baby's library!  If you haven't read it yet, have some tissues ready -- it's about how a mother's love will always follow her child, no matter where or how far he goes. 

And last but not least, dear friends of ours, Carol and Tom, gave Otto his (or her) first Nativity set:  part of the Fisher Price "Little People" series.  I'm sure in future years we will find Mary riding inside a fire engine and one of the wise men stuck behind a dresser, but for the time being the set is intact and absolutely adorable!

More Thanks from Otto

Otto is one lucky kid ... he won't even be here for another 4 months, yet he has already received so many beautiful gifts!

Last week I received a box in the mail from my friend Kathy, who spoiled me (and Otto) rotten by sending a TON of goodies!  Burp clothes, onesies, receiving blankets, toys ... a little bit of everything!  Kathy was a good friend of mine when we lived in South Bend, and I'm touched by her generosity.

Neighbors of ours had a little boy last year, and received a Notre Dame gift set from friends of theirs who are rabid Irish fans.  Since our neighbors are die-hard State fans, this particular gift never made it onto their little son!  They were more than happy to pass it onto us, and I wasn't too proud to accept a "regift."  Granted, the onesie is a little boyish-looking, but even if Otto ends up being a girl, I suspect she will wear this at least once or twice!  (Look at those booties -- can you believe there will be feet tiny enough to fit into them?!)

And just yesterday I received a beautiful gift from Ann, a friend of my mother's.  She sent a white lace handkerchief that turns into a bonnet for the baby to wear at his/her baptism or any special occasion.  If the baby is a girl, she can use the handkerchief as her "something old" on her wedding day.  If the baby is a boy, he can present it to his bride on their wedding day.  How precious!

Thank you, Kris!

MJ and I received an unexpected package in the mail this week ... a box from one of my closest friends, Kris.  We've been friends since freshman year of college, and she's been a great source of support through all of our trials and tribulations trying to have a baby.  Now that we're finally expecting one, she will be a great resource for all baby- and child-related things, since she's an experienced mom of two!

Much to my surprise, the box contained two gifts for Otto:  an adorable Pooh blanket that would be perfect for either a boy or a girl, and the book Love You Forever.  This book was always a favorite of her kids, and I was first introduced to it during a visit with their family.  The ending always makes me tear up!

I am a huge proponent of books and reading out loud to children, just like my parents did with me.  This is Otto's first book, and I'm so excited to begin his/her own little library!  Between me and MJ, we own mountains of books and seem to always be in need of more bookshelves.  I'm sure any child of ours will cherish books as much as we do.

Tomorrow MJ and I are off to visit my family for Thanksgiving.  I can't wait to see my little nephew again!  Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, and enjoy the delicious food!