Gabriel's Baptism

Gabriel is now the newest, smallest Christian that I know. He was baptized on Sunday, August 19. I think that he was the best-smelling baby in the world for a couple of days with the lovely scent of holy chrism on his forehead.

The readings on the day of the baptism were particularly appropriate for the occasion, though I do not have the time to write a reflection on them now. I think that it suffices to state that J.R. and I have taken on an enormous responsibility (and privilege) in agreeing to raise our child in the faith, and that we also accepted, on Gabriel's behalf, that he would come to know, love, and serve God.

I wanted to post some photographs from the baptism here, and I hope to accomplish the task one day. Since J.R. insists on taking all digital photos in the raw now, however, and Blogger does not allow raw photographs to be uploaded (and I have neither the time, nor the know-how to convert the photos), uploading the aforementioned photos will have to wait.

Two Weeks of Motherhood

After having completed two weeks of motherhood, I feel that things are going relatively well. Sure, I have had my fair share of difficulties in the past two weeks. Although I have heard of many persons having difficulty breastfeeding, I naively thought that I would not face the same issues. I have never been apprehensive over visiting the doctor myself, but the doctor mentioning a potential concern, "to keep an eye on," related to Gabriel and I faced an anxiety that I have never known. Then, of course, my house stands in dissaray currently and my schedule has been shifted around substantially - but these were issues that I expected to face. Overall, I would have to say that the second week has gone much smoother than the first.

I am pretty happy with the sleep situation as it stands. Gabriel will sleep in about two three-hour (possibly longer) blocks during the night (allowing me to function better during the day), and take a couple of naps during the day. I know better than to plan on him sleeping like this always, but I am going to enjoy it for as long as it lasts.

Gabriel and I have not only survived, but done quite well with J.R. going to work the last two days. We even managed to break out the stroller and go for a walk today. Gabriel seemed to enjoy our little stroll, and I enjoyed spending the half-hour or so outside.

Gabriel is napping now, and as I would like more to show for his nap than my own shorter nap, lunch, and a blog post, I must bring this entry to a close.

Photograph of Gabriel

For now, here is a picture of our baby boy:



More to come, adjusting to motherhood is keeping me really, really busy!

Gabriel James

Gabriel James arrived at 4:40 am on Friday, August 3, 2007. He weighed in at seven pounds and eleven ounces, and measured twenty inches in length. Both Gabriel and I are doing well and have arrived home. I will update again with more details when I have time.

Thank you to everyone for their prayers and well wishes!

Still waiting...

It appears that our baby is rather happy with the current living situation in my uterus, as he or she has not made a debut yet. The baby that I thought we would be holding by the end of July will be an August baby now. I think that I have reached the "I am ready for the baby to be born now phase." My back began aching on Monday, the heat (which is at 90 degrees plus, currently) is getting to me when I spend time outside, and J.R. and I are making encouraging comments to my tummy in an effort to advocate that our baby arrive soon. Despite having slept eight hours the night before, I require a nap in the afternoon now. Additionally, though I am getting a good amount of sleep, I am waking up several times during the night. In short, I am not very comfortable right now and I am ready to begin the next phase of parenthood.

The current plan: try natural ways to induce labor. I walk through stores in town, squat, tailor sit, and do pelvic circles in an effort to engage the baby, among other ways of trying to induce naturally. We are hoping and praying still that our baby arrives, or that I am in labor at least, before it is time for the ultrasound and non-stress test on Friday morning. I fear, on some level, that something abnormal may be found if I make it to that appointment on Friday, and that an induction, or cesearean section may be suggested; procedures which in and of themselves have been known to cause complications. Ultimately, so long as our baby arrives safe and sound, we will be both happy and blessed. We just did not imagine that our baby may arrive two weeks after the estimated due date.