Catechist Training

... the witness never refers to himself but to something, or rather, to Someone greater than he, whom he has encountered and whose dependable goodness he has sampled. Thus, every educator and witness finds an unequaled model in Jesus Christ, the Father’s great witness, who said nothing about Himself but spoke as the Father had taught Him (see John 8:28). This is the reason why prayer, which is personal friendship with Christ and contemplation in Him of the face of the Father, is indispensably at the root of the formation of the Christian and of the transmission of the faith.

-Pope Benedict XVI

Touché. There is so much opportunity for self-reflection here!

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The Firstborn

He’s so big! I love watching him become motivated. He’s going to do well.

 

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Sneaking Into Church

 He heard the Tantum Ergo and was intrigued:

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Cleveland National Forest

Mr. Serious requested a trip to the forest where he could look for wild animals. Sweet Pea informed me that she was actually thinking of a rainforest with waterfalls. (Dream big, my child!)

This is stroller #5 if you don’t count the snap and gos. I found it on OfferUp for $80. (New ones are $800.) It is in excellent condition. We tried a used ($125) G2 from Baby Jogger, which fell apart in 6 months, for perspective. So, this was an excellent deal. We/I don’t want to spend more than $1K on strollers in our lifetime. This setup is better in some ways. It’s narrower and fits through doors more easily. But it’s also super long and rolls like a tractor trailer. At this point, however, we’re used to being in the way, stopping, waiting for people who walk in front of us and stop, unintentionally blocking doorways, etc. It’s good for character building. I’m not saying I like it, but I’m accustomed to it.

The twins having fun:

 

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San Pedro with Dad

The boys each enjoyed overnight trips with dad. The Engineer was the last, partly due to ABA scheduling and insurance. (It’s best not to skip sessions.) They hiked in San Pedro, explored Venice, ate at Sorrento’s, and explored the science museum.

 

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Date Night

DH surprised me with a wine night. We have a reliable, regular sitter at the moment. She is like gold.

He’s my treasure.

 

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How We Met

 By the Engineer ... this is one of his spring break projects. He called it an early Mother's Day card.

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Imaginology

A new friend told me about this event at OC Fairgrounds. 

We joined her and her kids, all of whom are boys except one, like us. 

The kids thoroughly enjoyed this event. I'm glad I have friends to tell me what to do. Though I've done a significant amount of exploring this area, there is still so much to learn...

Centennial Farm is part of the Fairgrounds.

The kids' favorite section was this hodge podge space where they could be creative. The Firstborn told me that he handed off this building project "to the most trustworthy person" (below) when we had to leave:

They quickly began sword-fighting here:

Miss Fearless earns admirers wherever she goes:

Our sweet fourth-born:

The Engineer couldn't get enough of this place:

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Nine Months of Sol!

His first tooth came through! He smiles, loves being held, and is extremely active. Thankfully, there are many people who want to hold him at all moments.

He responds to his name and has good eye contact.

He laughs and growls and completely enjoys his siblings.

Current Stats:

Weight: 16 lbs., 13 oz., 8th%

Height: 27.76", 26th%

Head: 18.5", 94th%

 Previous Stats:

Birth, Two Weeks, One Month, Two Months, Four Months, and Six Months.

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Mr. Serious

Perhaps the only serious photo he's ever taken. He looks like Sweet Pea here:

He's been helping with his baby all the time, without being asked. We keep telling him that he is a great big brother.

He asked me to take his picture here.

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The Fifth

There was a knock at the door. It was 9pm. A little voice asked, "Mommy, can you put me bed?" He doesn't use articles or prepositions. He had gotten out of bed to play. I was almost asleep. But like so many parenting moments, it was a test of virtue.

(Photo by Firstborn)

This child really loves his mom:

"Who wants to feed the baby?" I asked.  "MEEEE!" he shouted and ran to the rocking chair. He is a good big brother, so proud of his baby.

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Happy Easter!

How can I repay the LORD for all the great good done for me? I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. -Psalm 116:12-14

Last Easter, 5-months into a placenta accreta pregnancy:

I am so grateful to be on this side of pregnancy, without any regrets about having a 6th baby. I feel tremendously blessed that the Lord gave us Sol and that He let me know that Sol will be the last. (Extreme clarity for the scrupulous ones!) Both DH and I are much healthier and so grateful for how the Lord carried us through all that!

We had a brunch at everyone's favorite Italian place:

Christ Is Risen! Indeed He Is Risen!

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He Loved Them to the End

So let us confidently ap­proach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

-Hebrews 4:16

 

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Friendship

 This is one of her best friends. She sits at the advanced table with him. He is super high-energy like she is. Hopefully, they will always have each other's backs.

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The Neurologist

The neurologist is simply a part of our lives now. I enjoy all the facts I glean from him when our kids have appointments.

This time, it was Mr. Serious' turn. I had to bring everyone because no sitters were available. Thankfully it was first thing in the morning. They received compliments on their behavior; and the Firstborn absolutely rose to the occasion. I'm so proud of him. 

The Engineer kept walking into the exam room asking if Mr. Serious had autism. The doctor confirmed our suspicions: ADHD positive, autism negative. 

We are 4 for 4 for ADHD. It can be a super-power, providing amazing speed and productivity. For example, they got hair cuts afterward and helped me zip through Costco in record-time, mastering self-checkout and stacking. I thought, "Wow. They almost don't need me at all!" They are becoming more capable and motivated. It's edifying. ❤

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