home is where strangers don't ask you inappropriate questions

Most of the time we stay home. I am, after all, a "stay-at-home mom." A SAHM, if you will. There are lots of reasons why we are home most of the time. For instance, Ed drives the car to work (this is a big reason), we avoid colds, flu and nasty germs in general, 1 mommy + 2 babies = very inefficient, etc. However, I'm beginning to realize there is another reason to add to the list. The questions and comments. I know a lot of my friends out there will relate. I never thought 2 kids would garner these rather rude and personal comments...but they do when they're so close in age.

So, maybe I can just put the answers out there on the big old internet and hope that everyone in the Greater Seattle area reads my bloggy thoughts and stops asking the questions. I won't hold my breath...but a girl can dream.

Yes, they are close in age.

No, they are not twins. (yes, people actually ask that.)

They are 11 months, 2 weeks and 1 day apart.

They are 350 days apart.

They are 8,397.5 hours apart.

They are 503,850 minutes apart.

They are 30,231,000 seconds apart.

Yes, my hands are full.

Yes, I am very busy.

Yes, I do know how "this" happens. But I'd bet a big bag of money that you do not know how we were blessed with our children.

No, God willing, we are not "done."

Yes, God willing, we do want more.

I know there are more, but these are the ones that we get the most. Granted, the majority of people say very nice things...but there are always the "bad apples" that spoil the bunch.

So, good people of Seattle, please turn on the little censor in your head before you leave the house. Please realize that a lot of people do not see children as burdens to be grudgingly accepted or sterilely planned. A great many families understand that the capacity to love increases with each miraculous addition and that God wants to give parents everything they need to do their jobs with love and patience...you just have to be willing to ask and receive.

Saint Adele Marie, pray for us.

Sweet Adele Marie has gone to her eternal reward. This tiny life touched so many and spoke so powerfully of the love of God. Every life is worthwhile. Every baby is a blessing to be cherished. Please keep the Ritter family and their intentions in your prayers. Please also ask Adele to intercede on your behalf. As her Papa said, there's no way Jesus could say no to that sweet face.

(On the joyous day of Adele's confirmation)

Thank you, Ritter family, for being such a blessing to all of us who know you.

This family joyfully welcomed their newest member knowing that the world would view their perfect baby as "broken". They shared their joy and their suffering with us all. Their walk with Christ through His passion, death and, ultimately, His Resurrection. We are confident that sweet baby Adele, with the grace of her baptism and confirmation, is enjoying the glory of the Beatific Vision. She has taken her place in the Heavenly Kingdom and will be continually unpacking her 2 suitcases of intentions at the feet of Jesus. The Ritters are an extraordinary family and I thank God for them.

Adele's story can be read here.

can't ever have enough Peter

Grandma Carol love.

Flowers from Fulcrum!

Pictures from week 1:

Chillaxin with O, Ro, and Aunt Kerry:

The next few are from Peter's baptism.

Scrumptious cheeks!
Yum-O!

Peter's godmother, Sara:

and godfather, Brian:
Thanks Deacon Jack!

Just snoozing:

Tummy time:

How we spend most of our time...
Um, can you say tired momma?

Saturday smiles and such

kiddos

Cababy's site has a new post, here's a teaser picture. The link is on the left bar. :)

And a few of sweetie Pete who is 8 weeks old today!

team magdalene

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Please consider helping to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation offer help and hope to families like the Clausens.

Above all, please keep this sweet family in your prayers.

We love you Magdalene!

Congratulations!!

Joyous congratulations to our friends Todd and Katy who welcomed Edmund Michael into the world last night! Edmund joins his big brothers Aiden and Cael (who were featured here Thanksgiving 2008).

God bless your sweet family!

xoxo