On Sunday night, after the raucous party was over, we all reminisced about the day John Henry was born. It was actually DAYS, since my water had broken, and re-sealed, a week before, and I kept everyone up till 2 am the night before, sure I was about to give birth any minute!! HAHA! After some sleep, and a quiet day at home alone, then with John, the gang came back and he finally arrived a bit after 6 pm. Beautiful Big Strong baby boy!! One of the few babies that we just KNEW the gender of before birth--there was no mistaking his boy-ness from very early on in the pregnancy!

And so it continues--my first boy has been growning up surrounded by loving sisters and brothers. He's less a general member of the pack now, and more of a leader (when Thalia lets him, anyway!). At his best moments he is a loving, patient, sensitive, brave guide to his siblings.

And Quinn too! It was funny to watch Quinn helping John Henry (who is not quite a fluent reader yet) read his birthday cards. I resisted the urge to tell him to stop, because John Henry didn't mind, and Quinn was offering his own services very lovingly. It all goes by so fast, I am cherishing every moment of these childhood years, and working on not rushing through, smoothing over, and just plane missing the moment because the next one is coming too fast! I love John Henry! What a wonderful 9 year old!!

Thaddeus Paul

Six year ago Thaddeus was born. He has taught me SO MUCH. Thaddeus, my fourth child, is the one I describe as my "straw"--you know--the one that broke the camel's back. I'm the camel. After Thaddeus I had to really get organised, and dedicate myself to larger family rearing. My volunteer work had to wind down. (though it didn't for about a year--that's another story).

Thaddeus is Loud, expressive, creative, left-handed, loud, exuberant, muppet-faced, small for his age, determined, has the sweetest tender heart, and he's loud. He thrives in the lap of order. Lisa is a favorite of his because her home is so orderly. Maybe he will have a vocation to a very neat and tidy order of priests!

His first verbal demand was "Sissy!Candy!!"

He loves his Godparents Sondra and Chip. They give him candy too. Last month at a contra dance, I was encouraging him to ask a little girl his size to dance. He said "I know who to ask Mamma." He asked the librarian.

I love Thaddeus, and thank God for his precious, unique soul.

Thalia

It is the end of Thalia's birth month. We have been celebrating for almost 3 weeks!! A full 2 days before her birthday she was accepting gift from loving family in Pittsburgh. On the very day (July 13) we had cake with the Delorenzo's.

A week later we had more cake at the beach party.


Then we got her gift (chess set) in the mail and got to celebrate again. THEN we got the book that goes with the chess set! I think we are all done now!

Weggie turn 3!!

Breakfast birthday cake!

Sisterly love!

Siblingly love

Blowing out the candles.

Opening the much needed double ended traintrack.

Who Needs Photoshop?

I can cut and paste the old fasioned way. . .
We will be serving this cake to go with the theme. Guests will be dressed as their favorite barnyard animal. Pin the tail on the Piggy, and a dramatic rendition of "Click, Clack, Moo" on the agenda.

Blaise Charles Eddyblouin

Well--I had planned a completely different birth--meaning a nice SMALL baby that I could bring into the world with ease!

God's plan was different. But so much better. I did get the fast, and pretty easy delivery. But instead of being that tiny girl, I get the satisfaction of knowing that with the support of a prayerful doula, and a fabulous midwife I can not only birth a 9+ pound baby, but a posterior one, without trauma to any of us--physical or emotional.

And yet again, I learn that God's plans are better than mine!

Thank you for my beautiful Blaise!

Pork Pomotion

My friend Kurt is getting into the smoked pulled pork business, and needs an excuse to have people taste his food. That excuse is John's 43rd birthday. If you live in Maine and know (or can get) my phone # you are invited to our house Saturday Aug 8 for pulled pork sandwiches, 4pm. BYO drinks and a side to share. I'll have cake and paper products. Remember--plenty of space for happy children to play!

Happy Easter!

It is Easter Wednesday, and here I am finally! After 40 days of no blogging I have LOTS of photos to take off our camera. Unfortunately it is somewhere in the post road trip chaos. . .so that will have to wait.

Lent was fruitful and difficult. The newest and most challenging experience was getting pregnant, then miscarrying a few weeks later. That's a story in itself, but suffice to say that Our Lord is generous in His consolations, and always present in times of grief. The Children helped name our littlest soul Happy Marie Joseph. Happy really was on my short list for names, after St. Felix y'know?

But right now am 37! Happy Birthday to me!!! I love my birthday! John got me a wonderful cake that says " Happy 37th Bithday Allison" the 37 is crossed out in red frosting, and 29 next to it. HAHAHA!

It so timely to have the begining of a year right at the begining of Easter, in the Spring, with the sun shinning! Very hopeful!

Boy and Toy

John Henry assembled his lego plane in record time. And all by himself. I delight in my children's concentration, joy, and satisfaction in a job well done. How come he can't do his chores with the same fervour? But I have to admit he cleared and wiped the table eagerly when the logo work depended on it.
Happy 7th my sweet son!