"Exorcizo te, immunde spiritus, in nomine Patris + et Filii + et Spiritus + Sancti..."

Today we had baby Benedict baptized in the older form of the Latin rite liturgy. The Baptism begins in the narthex (entrance) of the church with an exorcism of unclean spirits. Next, the family processes down the nave of the church chanting the Creed followed by the Our Father. Throughout, the child is exorcized, blessed, anointed with oil, impressed with salt ("salt is the symbol of wisdom which gives a relish for the sweetness of divine nourishment") and finally baptized with water and words of the sign of the cross. Parents and godparents partake in "The Renunciation of Satan" (cf. the scene from Godfather Pt. II!) where they reject Satan and all of his evil works and promises. The baby's white garment (in olden days worn for 8 straight days by the newly baptized) symbolizing the purity of a soul cleansed from all sin. The godparents are given the baptismal candle as a sign to keep the new light of faith burning brightly for the child no matter what the circumstances.

A beautiful and symbolic liturgy administered by Fr. Ubel - our thanks to him. We had an open house with a few family and friends beforehand. Danish ebleskeevers (sp???) were feasted upon by all.

Good times. Deo gratias.

Coming out of the fog

For the last 2 months I have basically felt like this:


I wish I looked and felt as heavenly as this picture:

This is a normal morning at home as Faustina is eating cereal. She simply cannot get enough of her dresses. Auntie found this beautiful dress for a few dollars for Faustina.

Just now I am starting to come out of a 'having a newborn' fog and starting to feel that perhaps I remember what it is like to be a normal person again. People have been so helpful and generous - we are so very grateful. Life is busy here with day to day activities. I am in the stage that there is always much to do around the house, but my hands are full with - Benedict!

Jude and Faustina are good; just a few days ago I was thinking to myself how yes, they still are toddlers, but they seem more and more like young kids each day. There certainly is a difference. The few months before Benedict was born, Faustina and Jude were unusually difficult and would act up at the drop of the hat. They knew some change was quickly coming as Mom's tummy grew. Now, after Benedict was born, they have returned to themselves and actually are even easier than before - fascinating!

As I think about life moving forward and the fact the kids are so young and close, Benedict's face captures a fleeting thought:


But I take each day as it comes and it all turns out. I am getting plenty of sleep at night which is incredibly helpful.

January, what?

Here is what our Christmas picture would be if it was December 25th instead of the end of January! It is so hard to believe February is in a few days. Crazy. 2011 certainly gave our family a unique Christmas time with the birth of Benedict - it seemed like Christmas never happened and then I blink my eyes and it is practically Lent. Here Jude is showing his enthusiasm for all the change in the Adkins' household and Faustina is showing how lovingly she cares for her brother. Oh, how they compliment each other.... :)

Our new little guy

Little Benedict is 12 days old today! I love these first few days - his cry is still "llaaaalllaaallaa" the infant sound that isn't quite a cry yet. His little hands and fingers move in slow motions as they slowly open and close. His breath just smells fresh and he is still so so little!

I can't get enough of him to cuddle. And he really can't get enough of me - He will barely ever let me put him down! He is so sweet, I don't mind at all. Thankfully I am getting quite a bit of sleep at night as Baby Ben sleeps with me and we are both happy. Last week and this week we have been taking life very easy - in fact, today Faustina ask, "Mom, can we do something today? We never leave the house anymore.". Haha. I assured her that life would return to normal next week.

Faustina is absolutely loving her baby brother - as you can see from the very enthusiastic smile she has in the picture (!). She wants to hold him, comfort him, (she wants to feed him which she can't help with!), put him to sleep and lay by him. She is very proud of both her brothers and fits the bill of the 'eldest' child to a tee. :)

Since Mike and I were both fairly confident that Benedict was going to be a boy, I took a chance and made a cowboy quilt for him earlier in December. I am excited how it turned out and the back is oh so very soft! I copied the general pattern that my Mom had made for Faustina which actually turned out to be Jude's blanket. It was fun to make and put together as I cut out the cowboys and framed them in different colors.

2012!