A quick 15 months

August is practically here and mentally I feel the need to be prepared for baby number two's arrival. I am excited and have been thinking a lot about what life will soon look like. Actually, I feel like baby number two is already 'here' in a sense because my body is very heavy with him/her and my every action is affected.

Faustina and the new baby will be very close in age - only 15 months apart. We were at a couple's house for dinner last week and they also had their first two children very close in age. They made the comment that we won't even remember life with only Faustina around. It has been such a short time with only Faustina and as time goes on the two kids will just always be together and share so many memories and experiences. In one sense I can completely understand that line of thinking; Faustina was only 6 months old when I found out we were blessed with baby #2.

But then again, it has been so much fun and so special to be able to care for Faustina for the past 15 months that I think I will always remember this past year uniquely. It is SO fun to be a parent for the first time. Everything is new and exciting. We are young and admittedly naive in many regards. The more kids a couple has, obviously more responsibility and time is required; with the first child there is still an element of independence and freedom. There are 2 people to take care of 1 child.

As I reflect on this last year, a LOT has happened! My 'year' always revolves around a school year. My father was a teacher, I have been in school myself for most my life as either a student or a teacher myself, and of course Mike is a teacher. Well, the next school year is starting here pretty soon and this new school year includes a new baby!

Here are a few of the things that have happened in our life this past year with Faustina:

- Faustina was born and I was a stay at home mother (and I absolutely love love love it!)

- I cared for little Isaac and then 2 more little ones as the year went on, Ella and Aidrich

- Mike learned a great deal from his Catholic studies courses at St. Thomas. Many nights he would come home from class (especially in the fall)and reiterate his fascinating classes to me and I learned a lot too! Of course, working at Trinity always stimulates the mind and involves intriguing conversations about education as well.

- This was the first year neither Mike or myself have been involved in either coaching or playing soccer!

- During February we learned that Grandma Lee's cancer was back. This has launched my parents and, in turn, me into a new world of learning about food and health. The Lord is good and he is at work in my mother's life.

- Mike went to Peru for 2 weeks

- Mike moved on from Trinity and he has a new position at St. Agnes

- We took a terrific 10 day trip to Michigan to visit Mike's family and were able to camp with Faustina for the first time

- And then there are all the memories of seeing Faustina grow into the lovely little girl she is. These moments are captured in pictures, but perhaps more vivid in Mike and my minds!

Mike and I were asked to be on a 'panel' at an engagement retreat this past weekend. And it was fun to reflect on where we were three years ago as we prepared for marriage and then to think of where we are now. Marriage is so wonderful - I love it! And having kids is....well, it is hard to capture in words and is really just something one has to experience because it is such an incredible blessing from the Lord!

What I love

Especially on a clean table.

The homestretch

I now have about 5 weeks left before this baby's due date. That may sounds like a long time to some people, but it is beginning to feel like it could be next week to me! The anticipation is fun, I love it.

Over the past few months and even now, I receive comments expressing surprise that I am so far along and am not showing very much. A few days ago a friend asked how I was feeling and her sister standing next to her said, "What? You're pregnant?" And then Mike told me to stand sidewise and she said, "Oooooohhhhh, I see it." Yes, the profile is quite obvious. I must admit, it has been nice to stay a bit smaller since I was able to fit into my own cloths longer and avoid (from my perspective the dreaded) maternity clothes. Even if I'm not showing as much as a person would expect, this baby IS coming soon!

Although the little bugger in here may be a bit smaller, s/he is a powerful little one. The past week the baby has taken to become incredibly active right around 10pm. It feels like there is a rock concert going on in my stomach. I have been getting up about 6-7 times a night to go to the bathroom or from the baby kicking, feeling plenty of braxtin-hicks contractions, sleeping is a bit more challenging, my back is a bit sore (making me aware of my poor posture!), and in general I am slowing down a bit. Nesting mode is here; although I do not have motivation to clean up and organize, it is weighing heavy on my mind to get things in order soon here. :)

Faustina's birth is VERY clear in my mind only being 14 months ago. And believe it or not, I am really quite excited for this birth. I had such a wonderful experience bringing her into the world that I would be lucky to duplicate that story; I understand, however, that each birth is so different and that is why I wait eagerly to see what will happen with this baby. I am excited for the birth itself, excited to meet this little person, anxious to find out the gender, curious to see how Faustina interacts with her new sibling, and in general thankful to the Lord for our expanding family.

This pregnancy has been so very different from my pregnancy with Faustina. I now understand why women love being pregnant! (I didn't understand that so much while carrying my little girl ;) This time around I haven't been sick at all, I have had cliche' cravings of eggs, hamburgers, ice cream - but they sure are real!, I love feeling the baby kick and move around now, and it has been great to do this a second time and have this something to compare this pregnancy to.

Although we're not planning on the baby coming early, we wouldn't be surprised since Faustina was about 2 weeks ahead of schedule. The 'when, where, how, gender, name' questions are all fun to think about since they are a mystery now. Soon, very soon, we'll have a second birth story to tell!

Another banana lover in the family

She takes after her father. Of course, she is in a stage of eating half of what goes in her mouth....and then spitting the other half out. Hopefully, this stage does not last too long. ;)

BIG NEWS: Another Done Deal

St. Agnes Parish and School, located in St. Paul.

Well, 'deal' may not be the most appropriate description, but Mike is signing contract papers today which will bring him into a new job this fall.

Yes, a chapter is closed for us at Trinity School. Mike taught there 7 years and I was there 4 years. While Mike was teaching there the following happened: Mike grew as a teacher, pursued a masters degree, we were married, Faustina was born, we formed many close friendships, Mike lived with the Brotherhood, we both coached soccer, and many other things. Trinity has been a great blessing.

Mike's new position is the Academic Dean/Counselor at St. Agnes School in St. Paul. We are absolutely thrilled and are excited to see what new work the Lord is doing at St. Agnes. As we reflect over the past few years, it is clear this new opportunity is a gift from the Lord.

Last year Mike was offered a nice position at another school to head their Latin department and help develop curriculum as the school develops into a full primary through secondary school. After much prayer, we turned this offer down. We had a new baby, Mike was teaching full time, finishing up his degree at St. Thomas as well as a working part time at St. Thomas, good insurance at Trinity and it simply did not seem like the right timing for Mike to switch jobs.

During events this last year, however, it seemed that it may be time for Mike to move on. We prayed that an opportunity would arise in which Mike's gifts and talents could be used.

This summer while we were on our trip in Michigan, Mike received an email about a job opportunity at St. Agnes. He set up an interview for the Monday we returned from vacation and Mike was soon offered a job. This all crystallized within 2 weeks.

The Lord is good and we are excited to see what he has in store in the year to come.

Sold

I am continually learning new things about my dear husband and the newest thing is that he should be a car salesman. In fact, he is an car salesman for fun. Last May as I was in labor with Faustina (literally, the deal was taking place in our house as I was having contractions in the next room) Mike sold our beloved Avalanche truck using Craig's List. (Today we still look fondly at any avalanches we see on the road. Afterall, he proposed to me in it! :)) Today, after a one year rendezvous with the 'funkykomadina' as it came to be called, he sold our Honda Element. He got his asking price in both cases and did it fairly quickly! Mike's father worked for Ford long ago, his father thoroughly enjoys cars, and Mike has adopted some strain of endearment for cars. Mike keeps our vehicles in immaculate condition on the inside and outside and thus he is able to sell them when the time is right - not to mention that he really is good at talking to people and selling the vehicle. As much as I have resisted, he has convinced me that it is time for a minivan, and thus the hunt is on for a the right price, model and year of a Honda Odyssey. Another chapter is beginning as our family grows and the minivan enters the driveway!

Churches around the midwest

During out roadtrip through Michigan, we took to stopping and checking out the churches in the small towns. It is fascinating to see all the different architecture and art. Whenever we were in a small town we had eagle eyes out for a cross or Catholic churches. I'm confident this hobby will continue as we go on more roadtrips. I told Mike he could write a book about churches throughout the U.S. (and he is a talented writer so he really could if he wanted to)! We also stopped at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadelupe in La Crosse WI. This Shrine was quite impressive and we would be excited to go there again. They have a mini little pilgrimage/walk up to the main church with smaller statues and dedications along the way. We also stopped in Indian River, MI where the world's largest crucifix is. And it WAS quite big; the cross for the wood came from a redwood trees in California. There is much history, culture, beauty to be discovered in these churches and shrines.

Michigan Trip

It is hard to believe our trip has already come and gone and the first week of July is gone! We had a terrific 8 day road trip out to Michigan - I wouldn't change anything about it. We came back a bit early since the weather was not cooperating 100%. I, however, must be in a 'nesting mode' since I was perfectly fine with coming home a few days earlier. Our first adventure with Faustina proved to be both relaxing and fun. Faustina was wonderful and she seems to already have a great love of the outdoors! ;) Here are a few of our highlights:


Seeing Grandma Mary. We stayed 3 nights at her home in Allen Park. She made her famous mostacolli and meatballs, had many stories to share, and Faustina met her great grandmother for the first time!


Spending a day at the Serge household. We were able to spend time with Uncle Bob, Aunt Loretta and Molly. Molly showed us her college campus and we had a relaxing day hanging out with family.

Visiting cute small towns and walking around. We spent time in Charlevoix, Traverse City, Petoskey, Mackinaw City and other places. Seeing these cities was especially fun since Mike and I did the Michigander Bike trip in 2006 and saw these towns for the first time on our 350 mile tour. We kept remembering our previous trip and all the things we had done and seen.

Here in Frankenmuth we had an authentic German 8 course dinner. Num!


Charlevoix



Here in Mackinaw City we actually stayed in a nice hotel for the night since all our camping gear was soaked from the previous nights' downpour. We discovered fudge is a main attraction here and we did not hold back!





And of course all the camping fun of sleeping in tents, campfires, camp food and enjoying the outdoors.

Great Granny

A day of preparation

Not preparation for the baby yet! That will come soon enough.

Today Mike and I spent a day doing various tasks preparing for the next few weeks: Mike worked on cars and I worked on packing camping equipment for our trip starting on Thursday! It was work but also areas that we enjoy: Mike likes cars and I like camping.

Mike cleaned up the Honda and took it to a dealership to see what we could possibly get for it. The time has come to look for....a minivan. Sigh. Big sigh. I am just not a fan of minivans. At all. Mike has been 'working' on me for, well, probably a few years now since he planted the seed awhile ago! ;) But I guess it will make sense with 2 kids and a need for more space. We are not in a big hurry which is nice, so we can take our time and look for a good deal. The Lord blessed us last year when we were able to sell our truck (which we LOVED) and found a good deal on this Honda.

I set up tents, tested the whisper light stove, gathered sleeping bags, thermorests, pots, pans, etc. for camping. I absolutely love camping. I love the fires, stars, waking up in a tent, sleeping on the ground, cooking over a tiny little gas stove on the dirt, reading a good book with a headlamp on your head, seeing more animals, exploring places I've never been. Even the smell of the tents bring me back to all the different trips I've been on. Since my two oldest brothers, John and Travis, went to college in California and my Dad had summers off being a teacher, our family took MANY roadtrips out there and they all involved camping. I am sure that is where I first came to love camping. Call me crazy or corny, I can't help but love it. Definitely many of my favorite memories growing up and in my young adult life have been camping. So I am excited to see how it goes with having a little baby along! She will certainly add a new twist!

Post on Peru trip...

I haven't written anything about Peru yet, so here goes.

I went on the trip as part of my job at the Department of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas (same dept. where I am getting my master's degree). I assisted Fr. Keating this past year on administrative duties pertaining to the department's men's and women's houses as well as the Leadership Interns. Each year the interns go on a Spring Institute trip: 2007 France, 2008 Washington D.C., 2009 Peru. This year's theme was investigating Latino culture and history in the context of our Catholic faith; the idea is that these outstanding students will have leadership roles in the future in various fields and will need to encounter and have a working knowledge of the ever increasing Latino population in this country. I personally learned a lot on this trip about the history of the Americas (not just the USA), and the vast differences between the colonization of the North as opposed to the central and south. Despite popular history, the colonization of the central and south Americas (as well as Mexico, of course) was much better than the north. In fact, the cultures were able to co-mingle under the auspices of the Catholic faith. In the north, the native Americans were simply pushed aside with the only inculturation between the French (still somewhat Catholic despite the bloody secularist revolution). Mexico and Peru are unique to the story because they bear the only two very ancient cultures of the "new world": the Aztecs and Mayans in Mexico, and the Incas and their ancestors in Peru. So, what happened and happens in these two countries often greatly affected the rest of the continent. There is much more to say, and I would have to tell you in person...

We were hosted by a community called the Christian Life Movement. This is a Catholic group founded by the Sodalitium, a group of consecrated laymen. They have been around for about 25 or so years and they are doing amazing work. They have nuns, priests, consecrated men and women, and married families. Their work touches just about every part of society: hospitals, schools, news agencies, centers for disabled children, a rec center, and a host of other works. Their "charism" is authentically living out the teaching of the Second Vatican Council - in other words, fidelity to the faith and everyone, lay or religious, living out their faith actively as an apostle: one who is sent to work. This occurs in many ways, but they avoid the sectarian mentality where community life is about "us" and towing the thought of the group. There is a lot of freedom in this group as one looks at their work yet they are completely united under the Church. They do not see themselves as a group that serves to simply foster community life; the purpose is to join, be formed well in the faith, and discern what the Lord is doing in one's life to go out and serve: in one's parish, at work, in the family, in the neighborhood, etc. - it's not about getting comfortable in the group and being exclusive: it's all about going out and being a witness as a Catholic. Very impressive.

We, unfortunately, did not go to Machu Picchu or Caracas which are the most famous sites in Peru. We only stayed in Lima and Arequipa. Some highlights: seeing Pachacamac (an ancient Incan ruin - huge!); St. Rose of Lima's shrine and relics; seeing the shanty towns of Lima and Arequipa; visiting the Siervas del Plan de Dios nuns; visiting a CLM hospital/school for disabled children; seeing the CLM's University of San Pablo; going to the Incan market; eating great Peruvian food; buying hand painted religious artwork (gorgeous stuff); playing soccer; visiting the U.S. Embassy and Lima's immigration office because a student lost his passport; talking with native Peruvians about their history and culture; learning a lot about the history of the Americas; learning a lot about colonization and the uniting of cultures possible only with the Catholic faith.

A fascinating and fun trip, despite having to take care of the "behind the scenes" work.

Below are some paintings I purchased at the Inca Market.

New baby cousin: Mary-Frances Pauline

Born today, Friday, June 19th, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
A great feast day indeed! Tomorrow, Saturday, is the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

In the news...

"She did it again....!"

Faustina has gotten into the habit of tearing off her diaper if it is not secured under a onesie... this time it had a lump in it and she was in bed. N-A-S-T-Y.
Fecal matter all over the place!






ALL CLEANED UP!

We have a dishwasher...

It finally works!

Trinity ties

On Tuesday I was privileged to have my former student and soccer player Mary Reinhardt come over and hang out with me and the kids for the morning. Although I keep fairly up to date on Trinity events through Mike teaching there, it is altogether another feat to keep tabs on how students and alumni are doing. I ran into Mary last weekend at Trinity and she said she'd like to stop by and say hello. Of course, I was thrilled!

Mary is now in the nursing program at the U of M, she lives in a household in dinkytown with around 30-40 (!) other young Christians, is involved in many different activities, and comes from a large family to keep up with. Ah, yes, college is such a unique time in life - certainly a busy and fun one.

One of the main aspects of teaching at Trinity I loved so much was forming good relationships with the girls. The Trinity lot of students is an intelligent, bright, and energetic group of kids and I was lucky to teach freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. As these highschool kids graduate and move on from Trinity, it is a blessing to form more of an 'adult' relationship with them as we become peers and often have a great deal in common.

Unfortunately, Isaac was having an unusually difficult day while Mary was here. She, however, is absolutely wonderful with kids and it didn't faze her.

Cheers to Trinity ties!

Isaac's Last Day Today!

Not 'too much' anymore

Right now we have a 5 foot crucifix against the wall in our basement. This absolutely beautiful crucifix has been in and out of our house over the years and will eventually go back to the Catholic Studies Department at St. Thomas. It is a large piece of art and can easily become a conversation piece when someone sees it in our small little house. People asked, "What are you going to do with it?", someone joked, "You should put it above your bed!", someone exclaimed, "That is huge!".

I am growing a special attachment to this crucifix. When Mike was gone and I was unable to go to our midnight hour of adoration, I made a mini little 'chapel' in our basement as I set up a kneeler in front of this crucifix. Years ago, maybe even one year ago, I would have said or thought, "Come on. This is too much. I don't need to kneel in front of a cross to pray. God is everywhere. This is overboard, too pious, too extreme. This is a bit silly for me to kneel in front of a 5 foot tall crucifix - it is almost bigger than me!"

Well, my thinking has changed. Images are important. Art is important. There is a grace present in these icons. Praying before this crucifix gives me the humble image of Jesus on the cross dying for my sins. He is real - here is his presence. When Mike and I were married, I was hesitant to let him decorate our house with icons, Catholic symbols, and other such religious art; now I love it. I realized that I was being a Christian...but I shyed away from a Christian culture. And this is a key realization for me: one ought not try to separate Christianity from culture. We are a Christian family, so naturally our house will reflect who we are and what we hold important. Of course we want visuals on our walls of the Lord, Mary, and the saints to be reminders for us to live good and holy lives as we strive for the kingdom of heaven.

I love going to the Cathedral because I sit in Church and marvel at the beautiful artwork and can say "Yes, this is who we are. This is a little taste of heaven.". I had the same feeling when I lived in Rome for a semester and visited the churches there. They truly have culture.