My kingdom for a Guinness...

Well, before you go off judging, remember that it's been known to increase milk production. Who wouldn't want that for little G-man? If it happens to help mommy get to sleep without the help of additional sleep aids, all the better, yes?

It's true. I have reached that post-partum stage of crappy hair, night sweats and insomnia. This is the part of hormones I detest the most. Last night my little prince slept from 9 PM until 3 AM but mommy? Less than half that, at best. I know it passes and, in the meantime, I'm getting in a lot of good prayer accomplished. I guess I'll just spend the time listening to dh snore and enjoying his slumber.

Speaking of...we just found out that G's baptism will be on May 13th at the 12:45 Mass. That is not only the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, but also Mother's Day and the 47th birthday of my beloved. I though C's baptism on our anniversary was awesome. This may just beat that.

Of course, I have two weeks to pull together some type of shindig. Thankfully the attendance will be quite low and those attending will be of the low-expectation-type (most of them, anyway). So, I'm thinking picnic on Saturday (perhaps featuring the spinning sun fruit plate),

baptism on Sunday and out to meet his public on Monday.

Yes, I'm channeling Rick Santorum (did you hear Kimmel at the Correspondent's Dinner?) and turning my clock back to the 1950's (or 60's at least). No idea why but it's just been so important to me to keep this little one at home until he is baptized. I guess I still have residual fear that something may go wrong out and about so I would feel better post-water and oil (no he won't be bathed for a week - I ADORE that smell). Anyway, he will receive the sacrament exactly one month post-birth, just like his mommy. Did I mention we're both #5? The bond is strengthened once again.

So, keep us in your prayers for that day and I will continue to pray for you during my late nights of no sleep. Thanks :)

This week...

Gianni had his breakfast while we quietly celebrated his 1 week birthday this morning. It's amazing to me that this little man has graced our family for that long. While I can't say we've gotten any type of routine established (although last night was acceptable) we are all so happy to have our #5 at home.

Some random thoughts about the week.

1. Mercy Hospital

We were forced to leave our favorite local hospital (where #1, #2 and #3 were born) to head to one of the "city" hospitals for #4 because my OB relocated there. I had hope, because it is a Catholic hospital, that somehow things would be better. My experience did not live up to my expectations. That, and my ever-present panic attack related to the spinal made it a terrible experience last time around.

Wow, what a difference this time around. Granted, I arranged to have a friend bring Communion this time (although someone did show up before we were discharged Sunday as well, which was wonderful). I also have a wonderful friend "in the business" who arranged to have someone she knew do the anesthesia. The nurse anesthetist and the anesthesiologist were amazing. I can't say I wasn't panicky but their caring and attention kept it short-lived. What a wonderful experience this time. So, if there were to be another (don't ask - you know it's not up to me!) I would feel better about returning at least.

Oh, and they have a new program at the hospital. The night before you leave, they wheel in a beautiful table with china, crystal and yummy food (including sparkling grape juice and complementary wine glasses to take home) to share with your husband before you leave with your baby. How cool is that? What a nice touch ;)

Sorry, I forgot to take the picture until we were almost done. Ooops, starving, sleep-deprived parents.

2. Down Syndrome

If you've been following along, you know that this baby was at a much higher risk of Down Syndrome (1 in 13 when the usual at my age is something like 1 in 100). We chose not to have amniocentesis so we went into delivery not knowing. I continued to pray that I would have the grace to accept God's will and I felt pretty at peace about the whole thing. So, where are we now?

I'm not entirely sure, actually. They had the NICU pediatrician attending the birth and he drew cord blood to run a genetic profile. After he looked at baby boy, he decided it wasn't necessary because "there are no indications that the baby has Down Syndrome" meaning there are no obvious traits that would be seen in a child with DS (hand crease, eye shape, etc.). Every other doctor that has seen G has said the same thing. I guess that means he doesn't have it but, I have to admit, I don't really feel like we received a definitive diagnosis. Or, perhaps, after all the build-up during the pregnancy, I suppose "oops, never mind" leaves me a bit wanting.

I'm happy that our little boy is healthy. I don't really feel one way or another about the DS, although I am probably relieved that I don't have to deal with the outside world regarding their opinion/advice/commentary about my special needs child. This, of course, is kind of a fib since I just got off the phone with the school secretary who was consoling #1 who forgot her book bag and was reduced to a pile of tears. We have unique challenges with each of our children, even if they "look" like everyone else.

Ultimately, I am annoyed at the medical community. Going through this pregnancy, it was a continual assault of reminders that "your child is at a very heightened risk" and every sonogram, blood test, etc., seemed to be a search for things to convince me that this was true (remember "sandal gap toe?). I look back and think about the anxiety I had. Then I consider a woman going through the same thing that I did but who doesn't have the insurance for an amnio and thus had to make her best guess. I'm thinking, since abortion rates are about 90% for identified babies with DS, she may have made a different decision about the outcome. How tragic would that be, considering the beautiful little man I'm holding in my arms.

Why is our society all about avoiding (at all costs, even death in this case) any type of anxiety or uncertainty or struggle? Why all the drama up front just to say "never mind" when it doesn't turn out to be as bad as they predicted? Why can't we struggle and grow from that? Who promised an easy life? (sorry, didn't really know that would turn into a rant. stopping now)



3. Our new addition

The last week has been stressful and long but, wow, how 'chock full of blessings as well! The kids are as much in love with Gianni as we and what a blessing that is right now. Pray for us so that we can continue to heal and grow and face the challenges we are presented. Here are some sibling pictures from this week.

Have a blessed weekend!