Baptism (and ramblings)

Our lovely little daughter was baptized on December 6th, the Feast of Saint Nicholas.  Although she was born well before Christmas, it has felt like Christmas since the day she was born.  As our little one who reminds us God is With Us every single day, it was meaningful to celebrate on the feast day of a saint who gave and gave and gave for love of God.

The day she was baptized was COLD!  We have been keeping her at home as much as possible, but on the days we have to go out for the doctor or Baptism, all those days have been bone-chillingly frigid.  Poor little northern newborns - they have to be so tough.

Fr. M. was able to be with us to celebrate Mass and the Baptism.  He had called "dibs", so it only seemed fair.  Baby E. slept through the entire Mass and Baptism.  She looked so beautiful and peaceful the entire time.  Fr. M. made sure to rub plenty of Sacred Chrism into her full head of hair, and we all spent the rest of the evening smelling her head - mmmmm.  It's funny - even in all my hoping to be able to adopt and one day welcome a little one into our family, I somehow set up this barrier in my heart that I would never hold a baby over a Baptismal font and watch the water run over her little head.  I have been surprised by joy every single day of her life in our family, and this day especially.  Welcome to God's family, beautiful baby, and may He bless you always with His grace!

 Ready for God's grace!

 The Boy answered all the questions along with Hubby and I: "What do you ask of God's Church?" - "Baptism" - in a half second echo behind our responses.  So sweet.

 St. Gianna - our heavenly friend.  We know she has been interceding for every one of us every step of the way.  And the candle from Baby E's adoption ceremony.

 Our little family!

 We are so grateful for Baby E's godparents!  They have been a huge part of praying and sacrificing for her, since way back even before we started seeking to adopt.

 The good fathers.

 Grateful - so grateful.

 St. Gianna, mother, godmother, and Baby E.

Roses to celebrate our little winter rose.

  What with doctors' warnings about flu season and social workers' advice on attachment, we had a small ceremony with just godparents and immediate family.  It has been hard to not be able to share her with everyone in our joy, but on the other hand, it has been a time to treasure, getting to know her and love her.  We will be able to finalize her adoption in late May, and hope to have an epic party then to celebrate!

She is eating, growing, and sleeping well.  It's been a long time since we had a baby in the house, but I am struck by the differences between her and The Boy.  She is so quiet.  She gives a few little cries if very hungry or put out about getting a diaper change, but nothing compared to her big brother who used to wail his way through baths, diaper changes, nighttime, getting dressed, getting undressed, etc.  I call her my little mouse because she is so small and squeaks.  Baby E loves to be held and snuggled, and we so very happily oblige.  I'm excited for Christmas, but I know I'm already expanding just for spending all my time sitting and holding the baby - have to watch out for those treats this year.

My heart does go out to couples who are becoming parents for the first time through adoption.  It's so hard to be new parents, much less be new parents with piles of paperwork and all the extra worries that go along with the process.  We feel so blessed to not have been burdened with worry and stress beyond some little things, but there is certainly a different dynamic.  I know bringing home a newborn is life-changing no matter the circumstance.  But we share a laugh over this time compared to last time: last time we stared at the baby in the carseat, wondering what on earth we had done, and realizing how final it was (and by the way, what on earth do you do with a baby?!?).  This time we brought the baby home and spent a couple hours signing papers with the social worker, who also informed us of the return policy (baby with a return policy - who would have thunk - and NO, we are not returning - we like this one), then set to work caring for her.  How funny - even though she was born from our hearts and not from my womb, it almost feels more natural this time.  I may be rambling - forgive me - I'm just now finally feeling like I can even start to process what has just taken place in the past couple months!  (True confession - I know I am always supposed to say "breast is best" and I certainly do believe that.  But having done both, bottle feeding is way easier than breastfeeding...).

We decorated for Christmas, as per our little tradition, this past Sunday ("pink candle Sunday", as The Boy calls it).  Baby E. loves having her tummy time by the tree so she can gaze at the sparkly lights.  We will be spending Christmas close to home and with immediate family again.  These days and months with her are precious and they slip by so quickly.  It's so fun to have a baby at Christmas time - what a blessing.  We wish every one of you a beautiful, blessed Christmas!  May the joy of Baby Jesus' birth be in your hearts on His birthday and always.

Adoption Ceremony

Though we had three weeks to prepare for E.'s birth, I feel no length of time would have been sufficient to grapple with the grace and mystery and charity wrapped up in this amazing thing of adoption.  It has been humbling - I feel so little when confronted by the huge love we have encountered at every step.  There have been no lofty heights - just little, tiny me staring up with amazement and awe as events unfold.  Though our family has grown, we seem like four tiny little drops awash in such a huge ocean of love and mercy.

There are times when I am sitting on the couch holding E. and begin to think of all the events leading up to her being here.  Her story has been five years in the making, although the last month certainly flew by compared to the preceding months and years.  Although I want to reflect and process, it still seems to big, too amazing, too ____________ to even contemplate.   Usually writing helps sort the thoughts and express
my heart, but all this defies words.

I think others around us sense the difference in this story.  At the NICU, doctor's office, talking to co-workers and people we meet - so many questions.  Did you want a girl?  How long did you have to wait?  Is your son adopted, too?  Did you choose her name?  Even in something so "normal" (although all of you know welcoming a new family member is anything but!) as a new baby, it is obvious to even the most oblivious that something bigger is at play.

Last week we went to SGMH for E's Adoption Ceremony.  The wonderful people at SGMH hosted us for Mass, lunch, and then the ceremony.  We went early so J. (E.'s birth mother) could have time with E.  We had the opportunity to spend time in their beautiful chapel.  The chapel is always beautiful, but even more beautiful that day.  It was fiercely cold with the sun shining brightly (one of those frigid highs had blown in the day before), soaking the entire chapel in beautiful sunbeams.  There were vases of fresh pink roses everywhere, in honor of the new little Rose.

 The Boy, of his own accord, offered a prayer for E. and her birth family.

 Beautiful

Saint Gianna, our wonderful and faithful Heavenly friend.  St. Gianna, pray for us!

Fr. C. offered Mass for us, our parents and siblings, E.'s birth mother and her parents, E.'s godparents, and the director and staff of the Home.  He was able to put into words what we can't - the love and self-sacrifice of J., our waiting, and most of all, the life of E.  

This adoption will be semi-open, with likely very little contact following the adoption - in respect for J.'s wishes.  Up to this point it has been very open, and we took many, many pictures of J. and E., E. and her birth grandparents, and E. with her birth family and adoptive families.  Please pray for J. and her parents and all in their family.  They made an ultimate sacrifice of themselves - they are forever in our hearts.

Everyone at SGMH made such an enormous effort to make the day and the ceremony beautiful.  The meal was lovely, there were more pink roses on the tables, and beautiful white cakes.  Every table was covered with chocolates, labeled with E.'s picture and birthdate.  

The adoption ceremony itself was heartbreaking and heart-filling.  Fr. C. began with Scripture readings and prayers for J., E., and our family.  Then J. placed E. in my arms, and we promised to love her, care for her, and share in her joys and sorrows.  Many tears were wept.  J. and we held candles, carrying on the words of St. Gianna, who prayed that the light of love of Jesus in her heart would never be extinguished.  We again asked her intercession, and rejoiced in how J. was living out the love of God in her heart and life, through her own self-sacrifice for love of her child.  We were given a beautiful picture of St. Gianna, which now hangs over E.'s crib, along with the print of Jesus given to E. by her birth mother.   

Please continue to pray for all of us - E.'s birth mother and her family, E.'s birth father, E.'s health and continued growth.  Please pray for our family that we may honor our promises to love her and raise her, that we can hold her hand and support her as she grows up in this grace-filled, yet bittersweet, story.  Thank you for all of your prayers - we believe they are what have brought us to this amazing time.  

Saint Gianna, pray for us!

Gratuitous Cute Baby Photos

 Little Sister

 Stern faced.

 Happy and snuggled up!

 BabE's Godmother made this adorable owl hat for her.  It's really yummy.

 Not quite as hungry now.

She cries very little.  At first we were worried that she wasn't crying, but she seems to have other ways of expressing what she needs.  Like grunting.  And frowning.  This one is from when the bottle was not being delivered fast enough.  We are totally in love with her!

Fall Photos

In addition to adding to our family, here is what else we have been up to this fall!

 The Boy got an ant farm.  We got a tube of ants in the mail and it was really fun to watch them tunnel like crazy.  Unfortunately their life span was fairly short, but enjoyed observing the habits of ants.

 Lunch in the cave.  Eggs and toast taste better when eaten in a cave.

 Raspberry swirl cheesecake for Hubby's birthday!  The cheesecake was delicious, but the best part of the birthday was celebrating my wonderful husband.  He takes such good care of us and works so hard to be the best he can be.  We love you!

 I applied for promotion!  It was kind of a split-second decision, and I had less than two weeks to put together my entire promotion file.  It was satisfying to see the opportunities I've had in the past five years, and get some helpful feedback and where to go in the future.  So far so good - just a couple signatures away from being Professor.

 These HUGE tires were on their way out west when we were going to the conference.  There were 6 tires stacked on each flatbed - I think we saw 4 or 5 of the trucks.

 Pope Francis was at the conference!  Oh wait, it was his cut-out.  It was such an exciting conference - for reasons explained in the story we sent to most of you last week.  Can't remember most of what the speakers said, but we certainly took away a lot of wonderful gifts and memories.

 Darth Vader goes to school.

 Helping Mom sort out baby girl clothes!

 Howdy, pardner.

 Playing Monopoly and drinking hot chocolate with Mom.  He always has to get Park Place and Boardwalk.  And he usually does, little capitalist.

Getting ready for the baby - thank goodness we decided to get everything ready sooner rather than later, because we needed it sooner!

More Photos

I don't remember if I posted these yet or not.  She is so terribly cute!

She looks so much bigger in photos than in real life - but for being early is nicely filled out.

Home from NICU on Wednesday.  She has been doing really well at home.  Eating well and sleeping mostly during the day and just a little at night :-)  The Boy adores his little sister - she is showered with kisses constantly.

Went to the doctor this past Friday - gained an ounce!  Next weight check and bili check tomorrow.

The stomach flu The Boy had is making its rounds - I succumbed this weekend, we are hoping Hubby will stay well, at least until I recover.  We do things the interesting and exciting way around here!

Adoption Ceremony was Saturday at SGMH - I will post some pictures and more of the story as soon as possible.  Thanks so much to everyone for all the well wishes and prayers!

BabE!

Update to e-mail - MD says maybe even home tomorrow, if labwork stays good!  Praise God - and thank you to the whole army that is praying!

Had to meet BabE using Face Time.  "She's so cute!" was said about 1000 times :-)

More later!