Baptismal Gown

Leslie asked about the Christening gown that David Michael wore, so here you go!

The gown was a gift from a dear family friend named Marion Mulligan, who attends St. Rose. She is a very accomplished seamstress. This is something I plan to use on all my children and hope to pass on through the next generations!

It is made from Swiss batiste cotten and has a hand embroidered cross on the front panel with insertion lace into each side panel. Soft front and back pleats were inserted wuth an heirloom lace collar and three-quarter length sleeves. The back has a button opening.

In addition, you may have noticed another cloth that we wrapped around David Michael. This was a shawl we purchased while we were in Jerusalem. We placed the clothe on the rock of calvary, the rock on which Christ was annointed, and the tomb of Christ. In addition, I wore it in many of the churches throughout Israel. It was a very special item. We thought that it would bring special blessings for David Michael on his journey toward Christ! How better to find your way to the cross??? =)

Baby's first splash! (warning this post contains brief nudity!)

David Michael really likes his bath time, but last night he realized that he could make splashes. It took me long enough to find my camera, so he was already over his initial excitement. But, it's still pretty adorable.

Bradley Class Reunion!

Stuart and I took Bradley Birthing classes before David Michael was born. There were four couples including us. We honestly felt less hard-core than our classmates, two of which were doing a home birth. It turns out that we were the only couple able to do natural birth (but not without the valient efforts of our classmates.) Two of the births were breach and one had to be induced due to high blood pressure. But, all the children were born healthy and happy! We had our reunion on Saturday. We told David Michael that these were his very first classmates!

Hearing their birth stories made me even more glad that we were able to have a natural birth. I believe that this was due to the intercession of Mother Mary and Saint Gerard, as well as a devotion to the Divine Mercy. I prayed the Divine Mercy almost every day during the early part of my pregnancy. Our friend (and now neighbor) Mary Frances Musk let us borrow a relic she has of St. Gerard - the patron saint of pregnancy. Also, a few weeks before David Michael was born I was given a miraculous medal and told that I should pray nine Hail Mary's everyday for the nine months that Mary carried Jesus. I beleive that Mary heard my prayers and watched over us during the birth, asking Jesus to keep us safe.

Here is a picture of our classmates!

It's no pterodactyl!

I was trying to catch David Michael's pterodactyl (the flying dinosaur) noise that he sometimes makes in the morning. In this video you will hear me make pterodactly noise several times and him NEVER! =) But he does look cute and makes some noises, so I thought people may enjoy it anyway!

My new pillows!

A long time ago, before David Michael came, I bought some fabric to make curtains for my bedroom. I never got around to it, so Mom offered to do it for me. I was concerned that I had measured the fabric too small. Mom made it work and was able to throw in these adorable pillows! What to go Mom!

David Michael's Baptism!

We celebrated a wonderful sacrament this past Sunday - David Michael's Baptism! We are so excited to welcome him into the Christian family. Father Hayes said, "You choose his clothes? His friends? His school? Then choose His God." It was awesome.

Leslie and Erik were the Godparents. David Michael was a bit hungry through the whole thing. I thought to avoid feeding him so that he wouldn't throw up all over his baptismal gown! I suppose that somewhat backfired as he cried almost the entire time! =)

Afterwards we had friends and family over to our place. It was packed, but went over well.

Frances' 30th B-day!

We were so glad to have been invited to a (Surprise?) 30th B-day party at Irish Rover. We had a lot of fun getting out, and David Michael got to meet new friends! David Michael's response to Frances' Big 30??

Photo Session!

On march 28th, we helped Uncy B move into his new apartment. Then we headed over to Leslie and Erik's for a photo session. Here are some of the best ones! Sorry, there are too many to post them all!

Flying baby!

Stuart has been on spring break this week, which means that he has been taking care of David Michael, which is giving me more time to work. I am still barely able to get 8 hours in a day. Does anyone want to pay me to stay at home with him and do nothing else??!?!? Anyways, in an effort to find things to entertain him, Stuart came across a new favorite - flying baby time!

First Bath!

March 25th, David Michael had his first real bath the Wednesday after visiting at Granny's - where his umbilical cord came off. Here are some pics. He actually seemed to not mind his bath time - no crying. This week we started using the removable shower head to spray him down and he smiled and giggled. So, he REALLY liked that! Let's hope the trend continues!