Baptism Day

Our sweet little Emma Catherine was baptized on Sunday, January 13th at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Bremerton, WA. My dad, "Poppy", is the godfather, and Jason's mom, "Grammy", is the godmother. We were so happy that so many friends and family could be with us to help celebrate our newest member of the Church. It was a beautiful day here in WA and we enjoyed every second of it with everyone. Thanks to all who celebrated with us, especially Meme and Pepe for coming from FL and Mom and Dad Hartsell for coming from VA. Also, thanks to everyone for the prayers on Emma's special day!! Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for her.

Sweetness

Pretty outfit from Sophie...

We miss you Grammy and Grandpa!!

Jason's parents were able to fly out here from Virginia to be with us for Emma's baptism. Grammy is Emma's godmother. It was so nice to have them here for the week. We mostly relaxed and enjoyed all of the cooking mom did when she was here!! Glad she left me the recipes and leftovers!! We enjoyed playing games, going out to eat, and having the girls get to know their grandparents...hope to see you again soon!! (will get pics of the Baptism up soon I hope!)

Two months old!

Hard to believe Emma is already two months old and getting so big!! We love you sweet girl!

Happy Birthday Lauren!!

Our niece, Lauren, turns 6 today!! Happy Birthday sweetie....we hope to see you soon!

Happy Birthday Mamasan!!

My grandmother, Mamasan, would have turned 86 today. She passed away in 2005. We miss you Mamasan so much...especially the special memories:

-those back rubs down our spines you would give

-the after dinner walks

-the special Irish names you gave us, mine the Irish Shamrock

-the smell of your English Muffin bread

-freshly squeezed orange juice

-helping you pick your fresh herbs

-watching you ballroom dance

-watching you put on your bright lipsticks

-your listening ear and encouraging words

-your very contagious laugh and smile

...so much more and missing the times I could go lay my head on your lap and close my eyes and feel so safe and loved. I am grateful and blessed to have had so much time to spend with you and so many wonderful memories to reflect on and share!! We miss and love you!

Motherhood....

While I was checking my favorite blogs today, I was reading the ongoing conversation and discussion that has been going on between Danielle Bean and Dr. Greg Popcak. Very interesting, to read click here. I totally agree with Danielle Bean and if you go to her site here, you can read more about the ongoing discussion. As a new mother, I have personally (along with my husband), wrestled with all the decisions about raising children brings. Do we vaccinate or not? Do we co-sleep or not? Do we let them cry? Do we breastfeed and for how long? etc. There is so much information and research and OPINIONS out there, it starts to get overwhelming. After doing much of our own, I agree with Danielle that in the end you take it all in, assimilate it the best you can and for your family and each individual child decide what works for you. I have gotten quite insecure sometimes in my decisions when pressure from others starts to contradict and explain why they disagree with your decision. It started to make me feel like I wasn't making the right choice or that I was putting my child in some sort of danger or "second best" environment. In the end though, I realize that we have to be comfortable with the decisions we make as parents for our children. As long as they are healthy and holy ones. As long as they are not neglected in any way, I believe children flourish in all different environments and families and none are "better" than the others because they have chosen one certain way of raising them. Danielle's responses came as a breath of fresh air to me and really gave me some good things to reflect upon. AP and strict ecological breastfeeding are not for everyone....not even ALL catholics and I don't think they should be made to feel that way, which is how Dr. Popcak comes across to me. After all, I wouldn't have my sweet little Emma if I had followed his advice!! I say, take what you want and create the family and child rearing system that works for you.....I don't think my girls have "suffered" or not received the best care by our decisions.....thus far!

Elegant Eggnog Dessert

I made this for Christmas dessert and it was yummy....click on picture for recipe. It is more of a pudding than a cheesecake when you serve it....but it even worked for Jesus' birthday cake....enjoy!

Emma pics...

This week, she will focus on us and SMILE!! Already getting so big!

Already dressing alike....

Baby acne....

Well, just like her big sister, Emma has started to get the dreaded baby acne. I feel I need to tell people that when they see her as to ease any thoughts of some weird disease she might have....poor baby. So to all your moms out there.....any tips and tricks to help fight this lovely little stage of babyhood??

Good but sad memories....

Today would have been the 55th wedding anniversary for my Mamasan and PopPop. They were blessed and fortunate to celebrate 52 years together before Mamasan passed away. PopPop is lonely without her but glad to with family members to help remember the good and special memories. I only hope I will be as fortunate to share such a long and happy marriage with my husband. I am so lucky to have two sets of grandparents who were able to celebrate 50+ years together. Here's to you Mamasan and PopPop!!

Happy New Year

If you had told me last year that we would have another little one ringing in this new year, I would have said you are crazy. Now that Emma is here I cannot imagine starting 2008 any other way!! We hope that all of you have a healthy and happy new year...with all the surprises and blessings it will bring!!