Crossing the line...

Happy winter! We are enjoying the Olympics and cheering on Team USA. My children had a red-white-blue dress down day today (my daughter was thrilled to have a day off from her uncomfortable plaid uniform jumper!).

As I watched the opening ceremonies for the Olympics, my favorite part was watching the parade of nations. I marvel at how big the world is (there are countries that I've never even heard of that have populations of millions of people) and how God made and knows each individual person intimately!

As it is a winter wonderful outside (see above!), I have not been able to walk and run outside. So, I have been going to the gym. This is actually great as I love my gym (a $10/month gym less than 2 miles from my house!).

Last Wednesday, I took advantage of the free personal trainers at the gym (why  not, right!?). Everything was going great until I tried a challenging ab machine. I knew immediately that it was going to hurt my back (even though the buff trainer was standing above me telling me to go for it). I went for it...and it hurt my back...duh! I did one set of exercises and said that I was all good with that machine (I'll stick to old-fashioned crunches, I thought!). No harm done.

Until Thursday morning, that is! I was at the store, and I bent down to pick up Lucy (around 25 pounds) out of the stroller. And, I never quite made it back up! I have thrown out my back before, so I knew immediately what had happened. I somehow got Lucy in her car seat and rushed home to take some ibuprofen!!!

On Saturday, I couldn't stand the pain any more (I was trying to rest when possible, but I was still trying to take of the kids, etc.). I called a few chiropractors in the area that I have been to before. One in particular was extremely helpful last time this happened. Of course, they were not open on Saturday. So, I started cold calling chiropractors in Harrisburg. There are quite a few! And, I was quite lucky to find one with a Saturday opening...

After chatting with a very kind receptionist and filling out a ton of paperwork in a comfortable waiting room, I met the doctor. He reviewed my forms and he asked me questions. Two of his questions really stood out:
The first was, "Are you done having kids?" and the second was, "So, do you really like kids?" Both were asked very seriously.

I answered both with a smile, but soon afterwards (while waiting in an exam room for 20 minutes...followed by sitting in an adjustment room for additional 20 minutes), I started to feel quite frustrated and almost angry. It didn't really help that he made a joke about nuns that I didn't really find funny (he must have guessed that I was Catholic?).

I thought about how those questions might be relevant to my possible treatment. And, I couldn't really come up with anything! I didn't realize that my future plans to have children or how much I like children (both asked before he ever examined me) were relevant to back pain! Silly me :).

This post is basically venting! I did pray for my back yesterday at Mass (the adjustment that I received did not help, unfortunately), and I am happy to report that it is quite a bit better today. I always feel guilty asking God to heal something so minor (when so many people are suffering so greatly, both physically and emotionally). But, I know that Jesus cares greatly that I bring ALL my needs to Him.

I am once again wondering about a line that is crossed frequently. Why do people feel so free to ask about future plans for our family? It really doesn't bother me when it is close friends who are genuinely interested. But, why do perfect strangers ask something so intimate? And, worse, why do I feel like I have to answer?!

As in all things, God's will be done (my back, my future family, liking my kids even when they are driving me crazy...ha!, etc.). I pray again today in thanksgiving for all my blessings, for physical healing, and for all those who are suffering...that the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding will strengthen us! Amen :).

Go Team USA...cross that (finish) line!

Confusion sets in...

My children above, Gianna (1st grade) and Joseph (Kindergarten) are at school today! There was a 2-hour delay, but the bus rolled up at 9:55 and brought them to Holy Name of Jesus. This is great because yesterday was a snow day (there is an enormous snowman in my yard much to the delight of my children!). And, most likely, tomorrow will be a snow day too (we're expecting snow followed by dangerous ice!).

Since they announced the delay last night, we were able to have a slow-paced morning. This usually means everyone up by 7 a.m. (except for the baby and toddler who snooze a little later!). Lots of playing (with very loud toys...which Mommy doesn't like...especially before coffee!), lots of half-eaten bowls of cereal, lots of complaining as Mom runs around trying to get everyone dressed, and then a second breakfast (since the first light breakfast at 7:30 has worn off!), etc.

The highlight of my day (and it's only 2:45, so this is an assumption!) was a rousing game of "School" created by my five older children for all the stuffed animals (and we have LOTS of stuffed animals!). Gianna and Joseph were the lead teachers. They read books to the animals, took them to the bathroom (age appropriate humor that I really don't get!), had "circle time" with songs/weather/calendar, called out bus numbers, etc.

I LOVED listening to them play from the other room (I didn't dare go near them as I always seem to ruin it somehow...ha!). My children are so creative, and I love how thoughtful and kind they are capable of being to each other (it is easy to forget this when they are torturing each other over breakfast!).

Of course, this magical time had to end. There was then a big struggle trying to get everything ready to leave (you'd think two extra hours would prevent this!).

At 9:45, I told Joseph that it was finally time to go. "Where!?!" he asked.

"SCHOOL!" I said. "Remember Kindergarten!?!

He'll be home soon. And, no worries...looks like there will be lots more time for playing again tomorrow!

Intensity

Happy times for Joseph's birthday. Say "Cheese," Lucy!

I was talking to a group of friends at a birthday party last weekend about family size.

It comes up so often...maybe because we are all in our mid to late thirties, and it's on our minds (consciously and subconsciously) that our fertile days are coming to an end. The conversation always includes questions like, "Are you done now?" (usually directed at me), or statements like, "We're really thinking about number three, but we're just not sure!" Etc.

And, then it moves on to who is feeling "done" today and who still has the "itch" (understanding that these feelings are subject to change hour-by-hour). Luckily, I handed around my precious baby so that everyone got a "baby fix!"

One friend in particular is the loving mother of two absolutely adorable children. She said that she has to be done because motherhood is just TOO intense. To quote her, "I go from 0 to 10 in one second." Note: I'm not judging anyone's reasons or motives when it comes to family size as I simply do not know the whole story and it's between the couple and God. But, this particular reason made me laugh. And, I could totally relate!!!

People often tell me that I always appear calm and "put together." I'm not saying that it's true, but I truly appreciate it if God gives me the graces to present this face to the world. Because, I must agree with my friend that motherhood is INTENSE!

I feel like my life is broken up into two very different animals: night and day. By night, I feel so grateful and peaceful. I go in to check my babies as they sleep and my heart overflows with love. By day, sure there are many loving feelings and moments, but there are also so many blood boiling or "0 to 10" moments!

I took my four younger kids to Target this morning. I will not go with all six children, but I can manage four...kind of! After we RAN inside (with the wind chill, it feels below zero out there), the problems started immediately. There was a special cart with only two special seats...and three children (luckily, Teresa is old enough to protest!). Then, I made a rookie mommy mistake. I told them that if they were good, I would let them pick something out of the dollar bins (I won't get into all the whining that took place from this *nice* gesture). There were multiple trips to the bathroom, meltdowns, tantrums, etc. Ridiculous...comical really!

I had as many if not more intense feelings as my children, but I did not yell or lose my smile. I was exhausted by the time we left.

Maybe being in public is actually a blessing...the same mother does not live in their home! I go from "0 to 10" at home and I don't try to hide it...my children know when I'm upset. But, I find I'm very quick to ask forgiveness and I do my best to try to avoid triggers of bad behavior (putting a tired preschooler down for a nap is more loving than blowing up at him because he's being obstinate, snacks at regular intervals does wonders, etc.). I want to be better and I'm always striving to be better, and I think that might count for something.

I always remember the quote, "God does not call the equipped...He equips the called." So, I do not deserve my 6 children, and I'm not always as good a mother as I want to be...especially at home! But, God intensely blesses me and equips me with the graces to go forward...

The best part...one "10" moment (like a big smile from my baby) tends to erase all the "0" moments from my mind (at least for the moment...).

To like or not to like...

 

Today is Joseph's 6th birthday! It is such a happy day at our house. The two-hour weather-related delay this morning meant we had extra time to celebrate before school. His siblings are almost as excited as he is! Daddy drove him to school as he couldn't carry the 25 Despicable Me cupcakes on the bus (or, he could have, but I don't think they'd be edible this afternoon!).

It's also the sad 41st anniversary of Roe v. Wade which legalized abortion in the United States. I was born in 1975, and I used to wonder (when I was old enough to understand) how many of my classmates were missing in my school due to this decision. I'm not judging anyone who had an abortion (there were actually times in my life when I did not consider myself pro-life...but, this is mainly because I never really thought it through and I didn't truly grasp the miracle of life or the dignity of the human person). I'm simply praying for all unborn children, for their parents, and for an end to abortion.

When I lived in Washington D.C., I was fortunate to attend the yearly March for Life on January 22 every year. It was amazing to see people...especially young people...from all over the country coming together for this cause. I taught at a Catholic high school and students from other states would actually sleep on the floor of our gym! The signs that touched me the most were always the ones being held by women that read, "I regret my abortion."

Since I'm not able to attend the March for Life anymore (it's only a 2-hour ride, but it's not really practical to subject my young ones to this ridiculous wind chill!), I say extra prayers. I love that Joseph's birthday is today (he was born at 11 p.m. and he wasn't due until the 25th). My own personal response to Roe v. Wade was to have a baby on this day (well, with a little help from God and the doctors at the hospital...ha!).

I have been posting on Facebook a bit more the past 6 months or so. I've found that it's a great way to keep in touch with family members. I also have many local friends, and it's a fun way to celebrate life's ups and downs with them. As I was preparing to post some pictures for Joseph's birthday today (a baby picture and a current picture), I decided to also mention that it's the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and that we are praying for an end to abortion as we celebrate life today at our house. 

I almost did not do it. I was actually sitting there worrying about whether people would "like" it or not. I usually avoid politics at all costs and figure that my life is an example (people often assume I'm a pro-life Catholic when they see my family...ha!). I decided to wait until after lunch to decide. So, I fed the kids and got three of them down for naps. As I was helping Cecilia with an art project, I suddenly thought, "Lots of people didn't like Jesus either!" And, in my case, I really don't think people will shun me or dislike me, but instead, they just won't hit "like" on Facebook as to not condone my views. That's fine :). Maybe (or maybe not...it's up to the Holy Spirit) someone will be touched by it...or at least it'll enter their mind. 

Here's Joseph's baby picture below. I never realized how much I wanted a son until he was born!! Thank you God for the gift of my Joseph :). Praying for all unborn babies, their mothers, and for an end to abortion.

It's All About the Milk!

Me and Teresa

My baby turned 3-months-old yesterday! She's a love. Her smile takes up her whole face and I love that she's so small and snugly. Her siblings are loving that she lights up in response to them. We are so blessed and our lives are greatly enriched by her presence.

I am exclusively breastfeeding on demand. And, psychologically speaking, I love it! I wouldn't want it any other way. My body is giving my baby everything that she needs to grow and develop (except vitamin D, but there are drops for that since we aren't getting outside in the sunshine much these days in Pennsylvania!). I marvel at how well God designed the female body to care for babies...truly amazing!

There is something that I am not loving though. And, it's all about the milk (to quote the life-sized singing cows at Hershey's Chocolate World!). I have been blessed to breastfeed all of my babies for a year (well, my milk dried up when Cecilia was 9 months because I was very pregnant with Justin!). The first two times, the baby weight came off pretty quickly (especially after Joseph was born...I was able to wear a size 6 dress in my sister's wedding when he was only 6 months old!).

Even after Lucy (who is not yet 2), I was able to lose the weight pretty easily. I still had a little over 10 pounds to go when I was got pregnant with Teresa. But, I'm realizing that those pounds were not at all the big deal that I thought that they were!!!

This time around, the baby weight is just plain STUCK. I have a whole closet full of clothes that do not fit. I would understand it if I had quit exercising and was eating poorly. But, I love exercising and have recently been able to increase my exercise quite a bit. And, I'm eating the same that I have for years (honestly, even more healthy as I am so conscious). I am careful to eat the calories that I need to make breastmilk (300 to 500 extra calories), but they are healthy choices.

And, nothing! A few hours of cardio a week, a weight lifting class on Wednesday nights, healthy eating...and the same number on the scale week after week! I know my body made maternal fat stores (and my body will never be the same again!), but this is ridiculous to me :). I have been able to maintain a healthy body weight my entire adult life because of good choices. It's not vanity or wanting to look a certain way because my culture tells me too...but rather, I simply feel best when I am a healthy weight for my height.

I only need to go online to read that the same thing is happening to thousands of other breastfeeding moms. It's nice to know I'm not alone! My body is slowing down my metabolism to keep my maternal fat stores to ensure that I am able to produce enough milk. My age and the number of babies that I've had is a factor too. Go body! Luckily, many women lose the weight once they wean (to be continued...)!

This is frustrating. But, I need to keep perspective. Would I ever trade my precious baby to be a smaller size? NEVER. At the end of my life, is the number on the scale what people will remember? No. (And I always read the obituaries in the Sunday paper...not sure why! I feel like I'm honoring the dead and I say a quick prayer for their souls. I never once saw a comment on body size!).

The advice that stood out from the rest when I read the comments from other frustrated breastfeeding moms was this: "Concentrate on your baby's face and not your body. There will be lots of time to take the weight off...but infancy is a short, precious time."

So, today I remember the Serenity Prayer. It's applicable in so many areas of our lives...

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it.

Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.

Amen.

 

 

Priceless

My 4-year-old daughter Cecilia has gorgeous blond hair. As I come to terms with the fact that my first gray/white hairs are really there (I had quite a case of denial when my husband first pointed them out to me!), I appreciate my children's (all of them are quite blond...except for baby Teresa who still has the very dark hair that she was born with) hair!

Last Saturday, we were on the ride at Hershey's Chocolate World (one of the kids' favorite things to do in winter!). Cecilia leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Mommy, when you were a kid, did you have yellow hair like me?" I told her that, believe it or not, I did (maybe not as blond as she is, but definitely blond). She thought for a moment before saying, "When I grow up, I hope I have brown hair just like yours!"

WHAT!?! Luckily, I didn't say it outloud. I didn't explain that women pay huge amounts of money to have blond hair like hers! I didn't tell her that I would love to have her blond hair myself, and that I only recently stopped spending money to have my hair highlighted to be "just a little bit blond". I'm not a blond (and I'm not a size 6 any more either)...reality just hurts lately!

Rather, I tried to capture the moment. My beautiful sweet girl telling me that she wants to be like me.

Priceless!

Home Sweet Home

Love these moments when my children play on their own...and everyone's included!

Chances are, if you are reading this from anywhere in the United States, you are also cold today. Here in central Pennsylvania, schools are closed for the coldest day in almost 20 years! It is a balmy 20 below (with wind chills, that is!).

I am actually having a great day, and this is shocking to even me :)! As someone posted on facebook today, "Having a snow day after 16 days of vacation is great...SAID NO MOTHER EVER!" Ha! I loved that...made me feel so connected to others!

But, by the grace of God, I woke up today in a good mood with the feeling of extreme GRATITUDE foremost on my heart. This is shaping the way that I am looking at my day. Instead of feeling frustrated that we are all stuck in the house together all day, I am feeling happy that all my babies are safe and warm under my roof.

And, by the grace of God, my children all woke up in a good mood today too! Even my oldest, who is by far my most restless/easily bored child, has been playing nicely with her sister for hours. I am happy that only three years separates Gianna and Cecilia...and, the fact that Gianna seems to be a "young 7" and Cecilia a "very mature 4" really helps :)!

Joseph and Justin (also almost 3 years apart) are also playing nicely together. Actually, it's more like Jopa (as Justin calls him) telling Justin what to do...but, Justin is thrilled to be included and happily obliging Jopa's orders. Hey, it works for me (and for them!).

Lucy (who also tends to get bored easily like Gianna) seems to be enjoying all her siblings being home for the day. She is busy at her age-appropriate tasks of pushing the baby stroller around and filling up any number of purses with "goodies!"

Teresa is my sweet baby (see pictures below). I appreciate her more as I reply to frequent texts from my sister. My 1-month-old nephew is very colicky at the moment. Plus, my sister is trying to occupy my 3-year-old nephew at the same time. Going from 1 to 2 children was definitely one of the toughest challenges of my motherhood journey...so I know what she's going through! Children 4, 5, and 6 have been much easier transitions!

 This day is definitely not the day that I thought I needed or wanted...but, I am happy to be home sweet home. By Friday it's supposed to be back up to 40. Until then, stay warm. Wishing you all peace and contentment with whatever comes your way today!