Drumroll.....

And thus

ends

our

month

of

birthdays

here at Chez Ouiz!

[Yet ANOTHER reason why I haven't been able to blog all month long! SIX bithdays in 17 days!]

Well, we made it!

It's been a long two weeks, but we made it through!

First, Christopher's First Holy Communion. I think I would cheapen it to say too much about it, so I'll simply say it was so beautiful, and thankfully my parents were able to come (Thank you, Mom and Dad!!!). Christopher told me after Mass, "Mommy, when I got back into my seat I was so happy I almost started crying." Always stay close to Jesus, sweetheart! I love you!

Secondly, we finally finished up homeschooling for the year. Seriously, I think I was so much more excited about ending our semester than they were! (tough to do, since they were pretty thrilled, themselves!) Although I have to admit, I'm already jumping into "planning for next year" mode. I have to be... we'll be starting just about the time I give birth to this little guy, so I better have everything ready to go!

Third, today's my birthday! Whoo hoo! Happy birthday to me! My family gave me a TERRIFIC birthday -- a morning in the chapel, time alone at a bookstore, a homemade cake, lots of great books, a video I've wanted, some jewelry, great homemade presents, and a cook-free evening. Plus I've had many phone calls from friends wishing me a happy birthday. Does it get much better than that?

Birthdays in pictures

Sweet, sweet kids that they are (especially Kathryn, who just turned seven and therefore knew what she was missing), the birthday kids this week graciously accepted a VERY toned down birthday celebration, understanding that Mommy couldn't do much this year, and the big "present" for us all was the birth of Grace.

Still, I want to honor them and tell the world how much I love them!

Monday was Kathryn's birthday and, as I mentioned, she turned seven. Unbelievably understanding and generous, she did not complain ONCE about not having a party that she could invite her friends to. This is all the more amazing when I tell you that she and her big sister have been designing birthday invitations for MONTHS beforehand. (You better believe I'm going to try to do something special and wonderful for her when I am fully recovered!)

I love you, sweetheart, and I am so proud of you!




The next day (Tuesday) brought us Thomas' birthday! I can't believe he's FOUR already. Where did the time go? Just yesterday, it seems, I was bringing him home from the hospital and now here he is, all "grown up" and being a fantastic big brother to his two younger sisters. I'm just so thankful he's not "too big" for a late night snuggle -- that's when he curls up next to me, puts his hands on my cheeks, gives me a sweet little kiss, and whispers:

"I don't ever want to be wifout you, Mommy."

I don't ever want to be without you either, baby. You are one of the more "strong willed" children we have, but you make every day fun!




And finally, yesterday (Saturday) brought us Marie's second birthday. By the time her turn rolled around, she knew exactly what to do with those birthday candles! (yeah, I know it LOOKS like three candles, but it's actually two sparklers and then a bonus singing candle... it doesn't actually count)

This whole new baby thing has obviously hit Marie the hardest. She has been my baby for two years, and now having to give up that position is a bit unsettling... but I will say that she's handled it like a trouper. *I* miss holding her and rocking her, and I look forward to the day when I can swoop her up in my arms again and give her all the attention she deserves. Until then, I can only pray that the little things I am able to do still speak to her and let her know how deeply loved she is.

So here's to you, sweetheart. You are funny, full of life, stubborn (too true), amazingly perceptive of other people's feelings, a great cleaner (she's been taking her dishes to the dishwasher since she could walk!), and a total joy. You rock!

Belated birthday

Here's to my beloved first daughter, Reilly, who is now 8 going on teenager right before my eyes.

She is the a sweet, sensitive girl that goes out of her way to make sure that everyone is taken care of. She hates to see anyone hurt, or left out, or sad in any way. If it is within her power to do something about it, she will. She is truly the champion of the underdog.

She is an amazing artist who sits down to draw several times a day, trying out new techniques and styles of creating the pictures that float in her head constantly. She also has an incredible memory, and loves poetry (she loved to quote the poem "Mud" when she was 2 years old... anyone else know that one?)

I love you, sweetheart, and we are so proud of you! (just don't grow up too fast, OK?)