7 Nostalgic Quick Takes Friday - March 2, 2012

--- 1 ---

William turned 4 on February 25. I had intended to do a blog post, but I forgot (I did get one up on Facebook, at least). I still so clearly remember the day he was born, and it seems that 4 years have gone by in a heartbeat.

Then:

Now:

The gun - a "Boba Fett Blaster" - was a gift from his aunt and uncle. The first night he got it, he slept with it.

--- 2 ---

We had planned to go to the zoo last Sunday to celebrate his day, but Gabriel came down with a nasty cold so we rescheduled for this Sunday instead. That almost works better, as it coincides with Violet's 2nd birthday on Monday, so we'll celebrate them together.

William chose pizza for supper, and I had him pick out cake mix + frosting for birthday cupcakes. He went back and forth but eventually decided on pineapple cupcakes with coconut-pecan frosting. They ended up being pretty good, despite my misgivings. 

The Angry Birds were my idea (and he was thrilled!). I couldn't find any cupcake decorations I liked at Wal-Mart, so I bought a $1 package of stickers and made my own with toothpicks.

--- 3 ---

As previously mentioned, Violet turns 2 on Monday. Today was my due date with her; two years ago I was working from home and absolutely miserable, desperately praying that she'd choose to arrive sooner rather than later. She didn't accommodate me but came on her own time, and it was perfect.

Then:

Now:

Sadly, this is the most recent picture I have of her. I will have to remedy that this weekend!

--- 4 ---

Gabriel is growing in leaps and bounds as well. I took this picture a few nights ago:

to contrast with this one, taken the day we brought him home from the hospital:

Time is just flying by. He's gotten to that really fun stage of infancy where he smiles and coos and giggles, and I love it, but at the same time I miss my tiny newborn.

--- 5 ---

And Elanor - oh, Elanor - she's becoming a young lady right before my eyes. Collin took her to her school's "Daddy Daughter Dance" a few weeks ago, and she was so pleased and proud to go to a dance with Daddy.

A few nights ago, while nursing the baby, I heard them all out of their beds and rolled my eyes, sure they were up to some shenanigans. When I was able to detach Gabriel, I went out to see what was going on, and found all 3 in the bathroom. Elanor explained that Violet had messed her diaper, and she changed it for her because they knew I was busy. And she had! Last night, she wanted to change Gabriel's diaper, so I let her and she did a pretty good job. I'm so proud of her!

She also said last night, "Mom, when I grow up can I have a baby?" Before I could answer, she added, "But I need to get married to a nice boy first." That's my girl!

--- 6 ---

Gabriel and I are flying to North Dakota to visit my family on March 15. My step-grandmother is having an 80th birthday party, and all of my siblings and step-siblings and various other relatives (on my mom's side, at least) will be gathered in one place, so I figured it was a good time to go. I'll get to meet my niece and step-nephew for the first time, and they'll all get to meet Gabriel. I haven't seen most of them since March 2010, so I'm looking forward to it!

--- 7 ---

My friend Beth's son Leo is having cleft palate surgery on March 12, and she's e-mailed a novena prayer for that intention, to begin on March 4 and end the day of the surgery. I'm pleased to share it here. Pass it along if you are so inclined, that we may all be united in prayer for Leo and his family!

Novena Prayer for Leo's Surgery

Dear Heavenly Father,

We commend Baby Leo into your care during his cleft repair surgery.  His body is your creation, O Lord.  Please guide the surgeon's hand and be with all who care for him.  Pour your strength and grace into the hearts of his parents and all his family and grant them your peace.

In your loving mercy, minimize Leo's pain, shorten his recovery, and heal him quickly so that his life may continue to give glory to your Holy Name.

We consecrate Leo to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to St. Joseph.

Amen.

St. Madeleine, Blessed John Paul, and St. Leo the Great, please pray and intercede for him.

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