What could be better than tea with Grandpa?

The Here and Now

So many things have happened since April 25th and I haven't even posted pics from DG's First Holy Communion.

The week after the sacraments was busy. Grandma and Grandpa left on Tuesday morning and my parents took the kids on Tuesday afternoon. Wednesday the kids had co-op in the morning. By the time Thursday rolled around, I was wondering where my week had gone. Friday, we went over to KJ's Godparents' house to watch their kids while they went to an OB appointment. The first week of May we spent mostly at their house (and we started back to school) as our new Godson was born on Tuesday, May 4th. Welcome Daniel! I can't wait to hold him more.

This week has been busy too. Monday -- just school, Tuesday Blake's birthday (cook-out at my parents'), Wednesday KJ's 2 month appointment (stats below) and lunch with my college roommate who I haven't seen in 15 years (I wish I had taken my camera but we will do it again), Thursday--school and Cub scouts, and today school and May Crowning (and who had the honor of Crowning Mary -- RA of course).

So KJ is 9 lbs. 15 oz (I predicted 10 lbs.) which puts her at 14%. She is 22.5 inches long so that would be the 35% and her head is a mere 15.25 inches at 32%. She is little for a Helgoth!

The homeschool group for the diocese hosted a May Crowning at a local parish (the one my parent's were married at, Blake was baptized at and my Grandparents live a block from). They drew names for who would crown Mary. RA got the honor. So after many nights of "How many days till Friday?" We drove down to Holy Trinity practicing Marian hymns all the way. Below are some pics.

KJ is a Christian!!!

What a beautiful weekend. KJ was baptized and DJ received his First Holy Communion (more to follow). The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the baptism were attended by: both sets of grandparents, Great Grandma Lawless, Great Uncle Billy Lawless, Great Aunt Margaret Lawless, Great Aunt Nancy and Great Uncle Eddy Cantino, Great Aunt Connie Helgoth, Cousins Darren and Cindy Lombardi and their kids, and our good friends the Talafuses. Mari and David Talafuse are KJ's Godparents. We met them through the homeschool co-op here in Colorado. They are a wonderful couple with 4 beautiful children and one due very soon. It was such a blessing to have so many family members celebrate with us on this special day.

A year and a half ago when we were here for Christmas, we met the Deacon at St. Peter's parish in Monument. He also was a field agent with the KofC. Blake spoke with him while we were here and found out that he was planning to retire soon. It was that conversation that made us start to think about moving to Colorado. Dcn. Mike has been such a great support to Blake and our family since we moved here, so we decided to ask him to baptize KJ. (Their you have the cast of characters. Now for the main event!)

The Godparents

The Godparents and Mommy and Daddy

KJ

Getting Dressed

The Kids

The Gospel

My favorite pic of DG from the day

Dry her off

BIC or Blessed in Christ (David went to light the candle from the Easter candle. Dcn Mike says, "It's not on." So we used the BIC.

Easter

Since it is still the octave I am not late posting for Easter. Right?

DG, RA, and Blake went to the Vigil Mass. PG, KJ and I stayed home. They said it was beautiful. They met up with Nana and Blue Truck, who said the kids did the best they have ever seen them at Mass. Maybe I should send them to a 3 hour Mass every Sunday. The deacon (who is baptizing KJ in a few weeks) sang the Exsultet. We had no idea he could sing! Apparently the cantor did a beautiful job as well. Everyone was very excited (and tired) when they came home.

After 7 hours of sleep, they "hopped" (no we don't do the Easter bunny - but I couldn't resist the pun) out of bed to find their baskets. we don't hid eggs - we hide baskets.

Then DG and RA went to Nana and Blue Truck's while PG, KJ, Blake and I went to Mass. Father gave a wonderful homily and actually Confirmed 5 people at mass. KJ and I went about an hour early to get a seat and PG and Blake were able to walk in 10 minutes before Mass, which for PG is 10 minutes too early. Although without having to deal with his brother he did much better.

After Mass we all headed to Nana and Blue Trucks to have dinner with my mom's whole family. 15 of us is a bigger Easter than I have ever experienced. It is so nice to live around family. Have I said that before? :)

My mom took our family Easter pics so I will post those later. (Mom if you are reading this -- I need those pics.)

I will post RA's b-day later as well!

The babies

I keep reading (in emails), "Oh she looks like..." So compare your memory to the pics. Now who does she look like?

From top to bottom lft to rt: DG, RA, PG, & KJ

Milestones

KJ is one week old today. She is a beautiful baby but I am biased. She does have her days and nights a bit backwards and she is a little yellow. But this first week has been wonderful. PG wakes up each morning, runs in our room and says, "It's morning." Then he wants to kiss his sister and reminds us he is a "big brother".

RA wants to hold her all day long. She will even change her diapers. She will get me anything as long as it is for KJ.

And sometimes I find DG just staring at her.

It is amazing what new babies do for families. They remind us (or at least me and my kids) what family is all about and how when you strip it all down, you would do anything for your family. Thank you God for our little blessing!

Some videos of KJ's first day and coming home

Big sister is a big help. Praise God. However, sometimes I think I might have to pry KJ out of her arms.