Proud Hiker

Well Daddy is pleased that his son lieks to hike and climb. Along our travels on that day at Yosemite, John found a walking stick and wouldn't put it down. He made sure it got packed in the car for the drive home and is quite happy to have his walking stick. He frankly told me that he is a good hiker and good hikers need their walking sticks. I couldn't agree with him more. I look forward to many more hikes, walks, and clis with you dear Son. May your spirit continue to strengthen you along this journey and your stick guide your path keeping you from falling, or at least falling down too hard.

Babies being born

Well in the last week three babies have been born. It is such a miraculous event and one I think many people take for granted. I know I did the first time around. With the birth of our second son I think I gained a better appreciation of things. In the last week a baby was born prematurely at 28 weeks and has survived. Last I heard, little Nathan was doing fine but would be in the NICU for a few months. I can't imagine how the mom is coping. I am sure there is some relief on her part to not have the stress of constantly going into labor and wondering the what-ifs. At the same time I am sure her heart is heavy with concern over what may lie ahead. She is woman of strong faith, and my continued prayers are with her. From this experience I have a better appreciation for my three little ones being able to stay put until full term. This is something that most women dread, and say "will the baby please come early" or "can't I be done with this yet?" No more will I ever complain that my babies were on time.

Baby number 2 came a few days ago and has the same name as my second son, Michael. I was able to see him yesterday and he looks so precious and cute. Mom is recovering slowly as she had a major tear while he was being born dure to an elbow presenting itself. She had to undergo a blood tranfusion and is on some pain medication. She seemed in good spirits and is enjoying her little boy.

Baby number 3 came on the same day as baby number 2. She is the welcomed addition to an already wll established family. She is their lucky number 7 and was a healthy 8 lbs 7 ozs. Mom is glad to have finally had her and looks forward to bonding with her and the rest of the family. I look forward to reading more posts and seeing how she is doing and growing. I am sure she will be quite dynamic as is the rest of the group.

From all of this, I am filled with such a joy and appreciation as to the "Miracle of Birth". It reinforces for me how I love to hear, see, and be a part of each birth experience. I wish more woman would educae themselves on birthing and delivery techniques and would love to see birthing return to its natural element. At the same time having now the knowledge of baby 1 and baby 2's delivery I can better appreciate the reason for doctors and hospital births.

Giving Thanks

So we recently celebrated Thanksgiving and I am so thankful for the simple things in life. It was once thought that I would never be happy without the finer things in life. Now I can honestly say I place more importance on things that were taken for granted, like family. Family is one of those things that you think you will always have, and that will never change. Over this past year I have experienced changes, some small and some not so small. One of the biggest changes came from us moving. Though we are struggling to meet our financial demands we are still in it together. We are working as a team more days than not and are making the hard sacrifices necessary. I pray that God will continue to hold us in the palm of his hand and will continue to provide for us even if it is crumbs, we still need it!

I am thankful that Mark has the jobs he has for now. I know he longs for something "better" more fulfilling, less draining and more his speed. I would love to be able to provide such a job for him. However, for now we are where we are. I am thankful for the time I was able to spend with my mom and for the boys getting to see their Nana. We are already looking forward to seeing Papa and Grandma Cookie soon and hope to be able to spend some time with them for the day we have scheduled. I am not sure if we will go anywhere or have anything planned, but I can't see myself staying home for the entire day while they are here. Usually when Mark is off we like to do things as a family even if that means going for a drive in the area. But who knows what we will do??? I am a little gun shy in planning something seeing how the last time it didn't work and I was disappointed and let down.

As Christmas draws near, I am not sure what to expect and/or what we are planning on doing. I pray that we can come together for a direction and see what is reasonable for us to be able to provde for our children, friends, and family. Please continue to keep us in prayer and we hope to see you sooner than later!

In Sickness and in Health

So currently we are battling sickness in our household. Oh the fun of having a husband and children sick. I am trying to keep it at bay and I am afraid I may lose the fight (but I am not giving in anytime soon). Tonight Johnny woke up with his bad cough and the "itchies". I am not sure what rash it may be but I am hoping that he gets better soon. He had a lukewarm bath which helped the swelling of the skin and I put some Eucerin cream on him. It was a wonderful feeling to just hold him in my arms. He is too big for that to happen regularly. He has to be sick to want to cuddle up with me, but hey I will take it! Right now, Daddy is sleeping with him, trying to comfort him and make sure those itchies don't come back!

I know other families, especially large families, battle sickness but really I am not sure how you get through it. I guess you just survive and it becomes a blur after awhile. Hopefully I can start feeling more at my best to keep things going along here smoothly. Ah, that would suppose that they were smooth once before, right? NEVER!

Until the next time, please keep us in prayer that we will be healed from our sickness (physical and otherwise) and can spread the Good News to those around us without infecting them with the "itchies".

Welcome Francesca

So today Francesca was welcomed into the Catholic faith officially as she was baptized today. She looked darling in her beautiful christening gown and was quite good during the entire ceremony despite she was hungry and tired. My level headed husband was my rock and angel today. He helped to center me and guide me on the real focus for the day. I tend to get caught up in the externals at times like food prep, whether everyone is having a good time, and family politics that it can take away the true meaning of the day.

Now with everyone gone, the house has quieted down and everyone is asleep. I can reflect and be much more at peace in silence. Why is it that family gets the blood racing? Why is it that I tend to lose focus of the importance of the day and would rather focus in on family politics? Thank you Lord for my husband and our family. I did feel their support and genuine interest in wanting to be there today as they witnessed and celebrated the day with us. I do wish things could have been different but nonetheless we had the celebration and we were all there to welcome her into the faith.

The beginnings of Francesca's Fashion Corner

So now that I have a little girl.....I am learning how fun it is to play "Dress up". I have been blessed with so many wonderful friends and family (alright a Nana) who has spoiled my precious baby girl with all kinds of cute little girls clothes. Here is one example:

As you can see she is none to thrilled to have Mommy take a picture of her, but she will get used to it....and I pray that you can look forward to watching her grow and mature into a beautiful little girl.

Hooked on Blogging

So I have a few friends who have started blogs and I can honestly I am hooked. I enjoy catching up with them and seeing what is new going on in their life. So now, I am officially starting my own blog for the Hennager family. Hopefully I can keep it up to date and as humorous as some of my friends. But I can honestly say with three children under the age of 4, life is already a comedy (at least for those not directly related to it!).