Some pictures...

 

 

That's all, just a little baby photo sweetness for the day.

Joining the 21st century...

 

 

Big news here this week...we finally got a dishwasher!! I have been wanting one for 2 long years and we finally got one. Oh the little things in life. I will say this though, it makes me so much more grateful to have a dishwasher now then I would have been if I didn't have to wait so long.

 

 

Blaise is growing more every day. He now smiles all the time and even laughs from time to time. He is a little fussy at night still but sleeps for much longer stretches now, which is good for mom. :)

 

We have been busy with the day to day of life but nothing really exciting to report. School is going good for everyone. Both here at home and at Holy Angels for Jude. Spring break is almost here and it will be a welcome break for everyone. Hopefully we get some spring like weather to go with it. :)

An update...

 

It's been a crazy week here. I mean to be honest it's always crazy here. Blaise had to go to the hospital for brocolitis (I can't spell). He is doing really good now but it was scary. Sitting in that hospital room all by myself with my newborn all hooked up to wires and machines I cried. He looked so helpless. Even though I was pretty sure he was going to be o.k. I was reminded how fragile life can be and how blessed I am to have 5 healthy kids. It's so easy to get caught up in the day to day trials of life and focus on how hard it is and forget all the good things.

 

In much happier news Jude's class did the school Mass this week and Jude had a reading part. He read one of the responsorial Psalms. He did SO good, I even asked him after if he was nervous and he said no. I was so proud of him, he is getting so big (and so handsome). ;)

 

The weather here has been so, so cold. Well below zero most days. Today the sun was shining and I think the high was 25 so Dan took the boys out and gave them a ride on the sleds. Everyone had fun but we are all really ready for spring.

Baby and King Cake...

 

I was thinking that I would feel a little more settled by week three after baby.  To be honest, life around here is still pretty crazy. Maybe that is the new normal. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that it has been in the single digits for weeks now, and we are all going a little stir crazy. A few of the kids have colds, sleepless nights due to coughing don't help either. In any case; we are all eager for the first signs of spring, which are of course still months away.

 

 

 Blaise is still as sweet as can be and growing like a weed. He already seems like he's not a newborn. He is always looking around and seems very aware.

 

 

 

 

For Shrove Tuesday we celebrated with a real King Cake from my friend who just came back from New Orleans. You bury a tiny baby Jesus in the cake and whoever gets the piece with the baby is supposed to buy the cake the next year. Elijah got the piece with the baby in it but I doubt he will be buying a cake. :)

 

Now it's Lent. I am need of Lent. I need some focus, some direction for my faith life and something to look forward to; namely Easter.

 

 

Week 2...

 

Well we are well into week 2 of having a new baby and things are starting to get back into a routine (sort of). Blaise finally is sleeping at night so that makes life so much easier. He had his first bath last Saturday and seemed to enjoy it. No crying.

 

 

The weather here has been super cold so the kids have been stuck inside for the most part so we have tried to keep them busy with different activities. I made some play dough with kool aid and some with jello (I like the jello one better). The kids loved it and it smells really good.
We also did a few Valentine things, heart shaped cookies, heart sun catchers and some homemade Valentines. Today the weather was a little warmer and Dan took Elijah, Therese, and Patrick outside for awhile hiking and doing chores.

 

I also wanted to share some really sad news we received this week. Our dear friend and Patrick's godfather passed away in his sleep. He was 49 years old and in perfect health. Please keep his wife and children (the youngest is 8) in your prayers.

An update....

 

Here are a few more photos of baby Blaise hanging out with his siblings. Everything is going good, Blaise is a very sweet content baby. He has his days and nights mixed up so last night was a little rough but he seems to be doing better today. We'll see how tonight goes.

 

Dan, Elijah, and Patrick all have colds so that's a bummer. We have been laying low and trying to eat good food and just rest. So hopefully it won't last long.

 

Other then that, not much to report. We have been very blessed with some good friends here that have stepped up and been bringing meals, and helping with the kids, so we are not feeling too overwhelmed. I will try to continue to keep everyone updated.

Blaise is born...

 

Blaise (pronounced Blaze) Joseph is here! Born just 48 min after arriving at the hospital he was 7lbs and 15oz and 21inches long. He is so beautiful with a full head of hair and really long eyelashes. All the kids are in love with him. Well, Patrick could care less really. :)

 

I am doing well and very happy to have a healthy baby boy and not be pregnant anymore. :) I will post more photos later.

 

You can't see very good in this picture but Jude lost a front tooth a few days ago.