Out of Hand: July 2022

When You Have Plenty of Rings...

Sunday, July 31, 2022

But you still want your brother’s…

Little Brother was pretty good at playing defense. I was impressed.

But at some point, big brother's size and ability to walk won out.

(Too bad he's too young for virtue camp!)

Good thing he's a laid back baby:

And super cute!

Saturday, July 30, 2022

They returned even more sun-kissed. The Engineer was tired but earned a "bravery" certificate for climbing all the way up the bell tower. He came to me and said he was sad that camp was over after thinking about it for a couple of hours. The Firstborn had a hoarse voice and was speaking in a British accent with it. I wondered at how I got a kid who speaks in a British accent for fun. I mean, I did go to Christendom, but still... haha! Apparently, I will get one of everything I made fun of in my earlier life. To be fair, it actually sounded hilarious with a hoarse voice. These boys were surrounded by virtuous virility for a week and are better off for it. I love them so much!

They made these icons (well, they glued these hand-written icons which were made by the seminarians). I am so impressed with this camp. They also came back in brown scapulars and miraculous medals, which one of them may or may not have already broken…

Thursday, July 28, 2022

These two remind me of myself and my brother with Jesus. They “never fight” according to our nanny. They are soul mates. I love watching them. Also, I can’t believe we live against this backdrop!

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

The Big Four have been in summer camps for the last month. They have bleached eyebrows characteristic of an exceptional summer. Our ABA therapist took this photo and told me that Mr. Serious spent most of this camp sitting underneath a tree.

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

There were about one hundred more of these on my phone.

Monday, July 25, 2022

He’s pretty amazing. Everyone loves him.

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

“May my thoughts be pleasing to him. I find my joy in the Lord. Bless the Lord, my soul.”

-Psalm 104:34

Monday, July 18, 2022

“Prayer can truly change your life, for it turns your attention away from yourself and directs your mind and your heart towards the Lord. If we look only at ourselves, with our own limitations and sins, we quickly give way to sadness and discouragement. But if we keep our eyes fixed on the Lord, then our hearts are filled with hope, our minds are washed in the light of truth, and we come to know the fullness of the Gospel with all its promise and life.” – Pope St. John Paul II

Saturday, July 16, 2022

In case you were wondering, his awesomeness is rehearsed.

Friday, July 15, 2022

"Do you think he's a redhead?"

-Me to the pediatrician

"Yes. I think he's strawberry."

At this point, his hair is not likely to turn blond like the rest of our kids. It's appropriate that the last baby be different. We have redheads on both sides of the family.

His nanny bought him a couple of outfits for his birthday. This one is my favorite. It says, "littlest BROTHER."

The Engineer announced that it was our last baby's first birthday. When we first explained hysterectomy to the kids, they were sad. But now they have the peace that comes with doing exactly what God planned.

He’s incredibly physically active, a fact that has been observed by other parents too. We can’t wait to see where he goes! We are so grateful for this boy!

Current Stats:

Height: 29.72", 45th%

Weight: 19 lbs., 5 oz., 19th%

Head: 19.29", 99th%

(The doctor measured his head twice, which will be the subject of a visit with a neurosurgeon next. Macrocephaly. I explained that everyone in my family has an enormous head, and most of mine were unable to engage in my birth canal; but she still wanted him to see a specialist. #Winning)

Previous Stats:

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