10 Things I learned this weekend...

My wonderful husband, decided that for my birthday, he would give me a whole weekend for just us two. Our little lovebug went to Marmie's house for the weekend and she obviously had a blast! Here are some things I learned or re-discovered about myself this weekend.

1) I LOVE quality time with my husband. (Not that I ever forgot that...but it was so nice just to be alone with him for awhile!)

2) Being away from my daughter, while relaxing, is incredibly difficult! I needed a few hours to let her go, even though I knew she was having fun at Marmie's.

3) I am actually a rather spontaneous, laid back, go with the flow kind of person. I forget that fact when I am concerned about snack times, naptimes, grumpy time, lunch and dinner times and bed time!

4) I LOVE listening to music too loudly, especially with the windows rolled down.

5) I think Boogie boarding in cold water is a total rush! And if I could, I would do it every weekend!

6) Despite all the time we spend together, my husband and I still have an endless supply of things to talk and laugh about. The really wonderful thing is, the longer we are together, the more things we have to laugh about.

7) When putting sunscreen on my husband's back, it is vital to remember that those places that I overlook, will most likely receive 3rd degree burns, not a tan. Yes, I was promptly fired from my position of "sunscreen applier" on our trip home from the beach. But luckily I found the aloe vera lotion, so I wasn't in too much trouble!

8) Sleeping in past 6:30 is the ultimate gift!

9) When Rose Marie is gone for the weekend, do NOT go in her room. It will only reduce you tears.

10) I think my husband is the funniest person I know. No one else can make me laugh as much as he does!

P.S. Five Guys Burgers and Fries...the GREATEST date food ever!!!! (Gotta love pregnancy cravings!)

How much?

Yesterday in Mass, my daughter taught me a few things, and I wanted to share them with you.

During the Consecration, Rose Marie was intently watching all that was going on at the altar. She looked up and pointed to the Crucifix and said, "Jesus!" Then as she continued to look, she said, "Jesus sad, ouch. Jesus, ouch!" She was getting upset by how hurt Jesus looked, so I asked her if she wanted to make Him feel better. "Yes!" she replied. So I told her to tell Him that she loves Him and then blow Him a kiss. She did both, a little louder than necessary and then proclaimed, "All better, Jesus!" I am sure His heart was lighted by her enthusiasm. So I leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Rose Marie, Jesus is so happy and He loves you so much." She was quiet for a moment then looked back at the Crucifix and asked, "Jesus, how much?"

Such a big question for such a little girl! I, of course, could only reassure her that He loved more than anyone else. One day, I hope, when she looks at the Crucifix, she will realize the answer to her question. For now, I am grateful that she asking. And I was acutely aware, as I watched this intimate exchange between Jesus and Rose Marie, that she does not belong to me, and that He does truly love her more than I ever could. And that He loves me more than I can imagine, and He shows it, by allowing me to be the mother to this beautiful, inquisitive, little girl!

Confessions:

1) I do not read to my daughter for educational purposes. I read to her because I LOVE smelling her hair as it rests on my shoulder. I love the way she curls into me and then lets herself just rest (something an active toddler does so rarely!) I love how she strokes my arm or my hand as I read, as a way of showing quiet and tender affection.



2) I find both my husband and my daughter irresistible when they are focused on something. I have to consciously resist the urge to distract them. I know that Maria Montessorri talks about "observing," but Rose Marie is the most snuggling when she is "working!" It is so difficult not to gather her into my arms and smother her with kisses (I am pretty sure Maria Montessorri would feel the same way if she was observing Rose Marie and she would forgive the many times that I give in!)

First warm day in the summer...

SIDS

I thought I would share this information with you. I find it pretty interesting and the research seems fairly thorough. I have now come across this theory on several different websites, including news reports and a brief article in Fit Pregnancy magazine.

What do you think?

http://www.healthychild.com/cribdeathcause.htm

Out of the Mouths of Babes...

Me: "Rose Marie, what do you see out the window?"

Rose Marie, without looking back at me: "See the bums."

Me: "Excuse me? I don't think you see bums out the window!"

Rose Marie, now pointing: "See the bums!"

As I come over to the window, I see what she means. There on the road outside our apartment are men repairing the potholes in the road, backsides towards the window and not being too terribly modest about the whole thing! Yep...I guess she was right, she did see bums out the window. I guess I will have to be more careful to listen to her the first time!

When Rose Marie takes care of sick Mama...

She made sure I had all the comforts necessary. (Complete of course with blanket and Bud Bud) I wasn't sure what to think when I woke up and found myself under the pile stuffed animals! :) Now I know what she would like when she is sick.

A Lesson From Rose Marie:

Always remember that by holding your hands over your eyes and saying the magic words, "Hide, hide, hide," you become completely invisible to everyone around you.

The greatest benefit: you can still see everyone else by peeking through your fingers, but they can NEVER see you.

So, the next time you see me, the mommy, standing in a crowded room, covering my eyes and talking to myself, you will know that I am heeding the words of a wiser being. And for whatever reason, I saw a need for invisibility and I remembered how to get there. :)

First Holy Communion

One of the great things about coming from a big Catholic family, is the constant celebrating of sacraments. Last summer we celebrated my brother's marriage, and very soon we will be celebrating their baby's (whomever he or she may be) Baptism. This past weekend, we were able to celebrate my youngest sister's First Holy Communion! She could not have asked for a more beautiful day! The Mass was of course, beautiful! Emma looked so radiant, happy and pure! It was a wonderful feeling to be sitting there in the pew with my whole family, my sister-in-law due with their baby any day, myself with a toddler (not at the Mass) and a new little one growing in my womb, all there to witness this incredible moment for my little sister! As St. Therese would say, she received her first kiss from Jesus, that morning, and the whole family was there to be a part of that beautiful romance. God bless you Emma! Always stay close to Jesus in the Eucharist!