Landon's Membership to the "Only Child Club" Finally Expired! Keegan is here!

Thank Heaven for Little Boys!

First the Wait!

Our daughter Sara and her husband Ryan just had their second baby -- and he is a beautiful, perfect baby boy!  But before Keegan Joseph arrived...we waited...and waited...and waited.  While Sara was only one day late from her due date, it seemed so much longer because her OB/GYN thought he was a probably going to be a June baby!

Sara asked if I would come down the last week in June to be there in the event she went into labor in the middle of the night -- or really anytime, to take care of Landon.  Well, twist my arm!  Like any good Nonna, I hopped at the chance to spend quality time with Sara and Landon.

But the final days of June went by...and no baby, but trust me, Sara was in early labor having Braxton Hicks contractions non-stop.

The baby's unofficial estimated weight by the doctor was at least 8 pounds.  Landon came a day before his due date, and was 8 pounds, 8 oz. and 20.5 inches long.  So Sara was feeling a little better knowing that all of the horrid comments people would say to her in public "How many do you have in there?"  or "Holy Cow, you're going to have a baby!" duh...but Sara has grace, and she would grit her teeth and try to let the comments roll off her back.

We thought perhaps he would be a little firecracker and come on July 4th!

Landon watching the Macy's Fireworks on TV!

But July 4th came and went!

Making the most of the days left with only Landon!

Sara is such a great mommy.  She wanted to have activities to do with Landon everyday before the baby arrived.  So we went to playgrounds...  

TA-DAH!

Landon is pretending he is a Monkey!
I wish this was a video, because he sounds like a monkey too!

If we weren't at an outdoor playground, we were at an inside playscape!

Or hanging out at home!

Playing at the water table Landon informed me that
"Water is wet!"  Genius! 

Enjoying the last few days before Landon's "Only Child Club Membership" expired
and baby brother arrives.  

Nonna & Papa Joe gave Landon a brand new Percy that talks!

Watching Thomas & Friends...or Elmo's World!

Playing on the Island of Sodor with Landon,  and his buddies Thomas and friends!

Nonna and Landon building towers & bridges for Thomas to go through!

As a side note...Uncle AJ & Godfather to the new baby had just returned from a trip of a life time spending a few weeks in Manila.  He went with his best friend Clayton and his wife Tala, who is from Manila. At the end of his fabulous trip he decided to come to Dallas instead of going back to Boston--he really wanted to be in town for the birth of the baby!  

Adam arrived at Sara's house on Keegan's due date...but no baby!   The picture below was taken the night Sara went into labor...

Adam and Sara the night she went into labor!

It's the real thing...time to head to the hospital! 

Then in the middle of the night, Sara woke me and said it was time to head to the hospital!  It was just as we all had hoped--Landon was sound asleep, they slipped out during the night and by the time he was up in the morning he was a big brother!  

Before they left for the hospital, they went in to see Landon--sound asleep surrounded by his Thomas and friends sheets, a hippo, a well loved doggie, two lambs and a large plush 'Thomas'!  Watching Sara and Ryan rub his back and kiss his little head...well, it was one of the most touching moments, filled with sweet "tears of love" for their first born son!  

The closer the due date came, the more Sara began to worry about being able to love another baby as much as she loves Landon...I shared my story (one of my previous blogs around Christmas) of how I worried that I would not love our second baby (Adam) as much as I loved her...but I told her, when you have a new baby your capacity for loving increases...and I told her much like the Grinch...your heart will grow...

and it did--for all of us!

Sara gave birth on July 8th at 7:43a.m. to a healthy baby boy!  

Keegan Joseph
9lbs, 9oz
21.5 inches long
Perfect in every way!
God is so amazing!

My turn to hold Keegan!

Papa Joe get's a turn!

Sara, Ryan and Keegan arrive home!

Landon, Keegan and Ryan at the pediatrician office for the first visit
Landon was THRILLED he was not being messed with by the doctor!

 I Lasso the miracle of love and life!

I Lasso being a Nonna of two beautiful boys!

God is good all the time!

All the time God is good!

Never Pass Up a Lemonade Stand!

Never Pass Up a Lemonade Stand!

Springtime has arrived, even if the weather isn't quite cooperating!  Before you know it--at least in Texas we will be in the hot days of summer.

When my children were little they often had a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit and created a lemonade, popsicle stand at the corner of our cul-de-sac.  

Jenna's sign for the Popsicle & Lemonade Stand 

Hot Texas Summer, and no customers for delicious lukewarm fruit punch!

And like any good mother, I would call my neighbors and ask if they would stop by--not desiring my kids to collect their money, but to feel proud of the work they invested time in to make the stand.  

We had the best neighbors in the world who always encouraged our kids!
We still miss Karen, Allen and their boys!

In turn, my husband and I never pass up a lemonade stand!  We will buy a cup or two and give a tip -- which generally depends on the number of kids selling at the stand!

I remember once passing a kid's stand where they were selling drawings--and as I recall, they were pricy!  That time, I only purchased one drawing, and praised the kiddos for a job well done!  Leaving them with smiles and standing a little taller!

Lemonade stands are often a child's first business!

Now that my kids are grown, each of them striking out on their own--trying to make their way in the world.  And as unique as they all three are, so are their career paths.

Our daughter Sara, and her husband who are expecting their second baby, have made the decision and quite honestly the financial sacrifice for her to be a SAHM--stay at home mom.  I hear more and more young mothers expressing the desire to be SAHM.  And Sara has been blessed with a few of these moms who are mentoring her as she navigates not only parenthood, but having what you need, not always what you want in order to remain a SAHM.  

Which brings me back to the lemonade stand...and the support other mothers gave our kids when they were young.

Many of the new moms are developing their home-based businesses--in the effort to build and keep a nuclear family together, and being able to be there for the majority of the child rearing.  This isn't for everyone--being a SAHM, but there are families who are trying to make this work.  And now a days, in terms of home-based businesses there are more options than just Avon!  There are a variety of products being sold in these home-based businesses--from children's clothing, to bags and purses; from children's educational toys and books, to beautiful jewelry; from skin care lines and make-up to health supplements and protein drinks.

Just a sampling of the many great home-based companies!

Actually now that I think of it there are new moms, older moms and grand-moms who have home-based businesses. 

I guess I would like you to consider, if you are invited to one of these home-based parties, consider going as  a way of lending support or giving confidence to those who are trying to provide a quality product for a genuine need.  And much like the lemonade stands versus the drawings...some of the products you may stop and lend encouragement to, some you may make a significant purchase, and some you may only purchase one small item.  But you are doing so much more than that, you are giving them confidence.  You are rooting for their success.  You may think you are only buying mascara, but you are helping someone build a business.

I Lasso the Spirit Behind the Lemonade Stands! 

Ladies in Waiting Ministry

Ladies in Waiting Ministry

"I prayed for the child, and the Lord granted my request." 

 ~ 1 Samuel 1:27

I am at that point in my life--where I have been once before, about 30 years ago.  I was engaged and getting married, my friends were getting engaged, getting married--we attended   the circuit of all the bridal showers--all of the weddings.  

My mom and dad right before I got married to Joe!

Then many of these young wives were becoming mothers--once again we attended all the baby showers, and celebrated when the new little pink or blue bundle was born!  

The difference 30 years later is--that this cycle of engagement, weddings and babies involves the 'friends' of my kids!

When I was expecting my first baby I learned something about my dad I never knew before.  

Joe and me as newlyweds,
and expecting our first baby

My dad was in a prayer ministry since about the time I was born--actually he started this beautiful ministry, and he continues it today: 

The Ladies in Waiting Apostolate.

The ministry is devoted prayer for those who are hopeful and prayerful for a new life!  This is an apostolate of prayer for women who want children by conception or adoption.

For over 50 years my father and the powerful The Ladies in Waiting Apostolate (comprised of hundreds of faithful prayer warriors) has been praying for pregnancy, safe delivery and successful adoption. 

While he is a very devote Catholic, the Apostolate prays for all women--no matter what their religious affiliation.

I am blessed to be among the hundreds of prayer warriors in the Apostolate.  We have seen many prayers answered.  We have seen other prayers go unanswered--which is always heartbreaking.  But we continue to pray and while we don't know why, we have to trust in God's plan, and let me tell you, this can be a very difficult task!  Sometimes there are very dark times for these couples.  But having hope in God's plan during these times of sadness reminds me of something  Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, 
"When it is dark enough, you can see the stars."

I can tell you I have more compassion for women trying to conceive, because like many women, I too had my own dark days of wanting a baby, when Joe and I lost our second baby.  

I didn't understand why God would take a baby we planned for, had dreams for...

While I can now fast forward 25 years later--and have clearer perspective, I can honestly tell you that I see God's hand in my life then and now (that's one good thing about getting older, we not only gain wrinkles...we are blessed with a little wisdom too).  

When one is so close to the desire and the anxiousness, it is hard to understand or"Be still and know He is God" and-- you-are-not-He!  :)

The comfort of knowing others are praying for you--and for new life...I believe that's God's grace being poured out for us.

The Apostolate does not always hear about the outcome of our prayers.  But this week, we found out that one of the couples that The Ladies in Waiting Apostolate have been praying to conceive--for several years--is happily through her first trimester!  The joy of learning the news did our hearts good!
  

Daily prayers continue for the hundreds of women who are pregnant--for a healthy baby, and safe delivery.  Daily prayers continue for those who are trying to conceive, and for those who desire to adopt.

If you are reading this, and you or anyone you know is seeking to conceive, adopt or is pregnant and would like The Ladies in Waiting Apostolate to pray for you, you can email:

prayer@theladiesinwaitingapostolate.faithweb.com

I Lasso the power of prayer!

I Lasso the beautiful ministry of 

The Ladies in Waiting Apostolate 

my dad started over 50 years ago!  

I Lasso the love I have for my dad!

Adventures of Being a Nonna!

Adventures of being a 

Nonna!

If you follow my blog, you know that I am crazy about my family!  I am also crazy about my twenty month old grandson!  I love that he made us "Papa and Nonna" -- although my name comes out "NoNo", but you know what, I will answer to whatever he wants to call me!

This little boy has charm, personality and has completely stolen my heart!

His animated personality is beginning to emerge.  

He loves music--what amazes me is he seems to hear music and 'beats' in the simplest sounds...for example when our dogs are drinking from the metal water bowl, and their tags hit against the bowl--he starts to move to the rhythm and beat!  When he hears the wind chimes at our house, he stands perfectly still, recognizes the chimes as music and begins to sway!  You can only image how he rocks out when he hears real music!

He loves cars and choo-choos!  We were tickled to see his excitement when we gave him a Thomas the Engine Table and trains for Christmas. 

He notices the face of Thomas and that it sticks out and he can touch!  He thought THAT was cool!

He started to realize there was more to this toy than a Thomas face!  He explored more!

Then everyone became a kid playing with Landon!
He calls bowls "buckets" or "bucky" -- that's a long story!

I think Papa Joe looks as cute as Landon here playing!

My turn to play with little boy!

Sara captured this darling expression when I showed him that the trains are magnets and can stick to one another!  Way cool!

And while Ryan and Sara were not home for Christmas, they did come home the weekend of the Feast of the Epiphany--so we still had Christmas decorations up throughout the house.

Sara and Ryan at their home

Just some of our Christmas decorations taken with my cell phone,  kind of blurry

One evening before going to bed--it was dark outside and all of the trees and bannister lights were on...he looked around and he looked up at the bannister lights and Christmas trees--and when he looked up at me he pointed and said, "Wow!  Cool!"  Okay, it may seem like two simple words to you...but to me, it was magic!  

Since they don't live close by, I really want his visits here to be special.  I want to create for him, what hopefully we created for our own kids growing up...a feeling that the holidays at Nonna and Papa's house are are very special.

He is so loved...he is blessed to have wonderful grandparents on both sides of the family--with Gigi, Gumpa, and Mimi.  He has truly captured the hearts of us all!

I remember as a young mom, when I was getting close to giving birth to our son, Adam--Joe and I had just gone through our ritual of bath time, story time, prayers and night time song--tucking Sara in for the night-- Sara was almost 2 years old at the time...well from fatigue of being pregnant, not to mention the added adventure and energy needed to chase around a toddler, coupled with the hormones raging, and the anticipation of having "children" I started to cry.  Not a weepy cry, but a sobbing cry.  

Joe asked me, "Kathie, what's wrong?" and I told him, "Joe it is just too awful to say out loud!"  He said, "Kath, you have to tell me why you are crying!"  I said, "I am so worried I won't love this baby that we are about to have as much as I love Sara!"  Well, Joe, not having hormones raging, fatigue from pregnancy hugged me and said, he couldn't imagine a sillier thing to worry about--especially from me.

But I remember this overwhelming concern and powerful feeling--for me at the time, the worry was real, and such a grave concern.  

What I didn't realize was when Adam (and then later Jenna) was born--my capacity for loving grew exponentially!  It reminded me of when the Grinch's heart grew three sizes larger.

It also gave me a glimpse of God's love for us!  "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..."  ~  Jeremiah 1:5



In July, Sara will have her second baby!  Yes, Sara and Ryan will have children!  

Which means Nonna and Papa, Gigi, Gumpa and Mimi will have another little grand baby to smother with love!

From where I sit, it is hard to imagine loving another grand baby more than I love Landon, but I know that I will be blessed with my heart growing larger!  What a miracle, what a blessing...the gift of life!

So for now, I Lasso loving one grand baby at a time!

Nonna and Landon saying Good Night Moon!  

Seeing the world through the eyes of a child, 

it was a complete thrill to introduce my grandson to the moon!  

Sara, thank you for snagging this precious picture!