striving to radiate Him always
May he grow daily in wisdom and in grace, * may he go through life having you always as his refuge and mother. * May all virtues shine in him * and may he never offend your maternal Heart. ~ ACT OF CONSECRATION OF A CHILD TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
April 2013
I spend my days gazing at this beautiful sight – BLESSED!
Bouncer at 8 weeks 12.5+lbs
I’m currently 8 weeks postpartum. The homebirth was wonderful. In fact it was my shortest labor yet, only 18 hours. The problems didn’t surface until after the delivery. According to a friend (mom of 7), I have officially joined the “sisterhood of mom’s of large babies.” Trust me, this is one sisterhood that you do not want to join.
I now suffer from pubic symphysis separation (PSS) due to the labor of BabyG3.
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is a condition that affects pregnant and/or postpartum women. The symphysis pubis is a joint in the ver
y front part of the pelvic bone structure. There is cartilage that fills the gap in the bones. During pregnancy, hormones such as relaxin soften this cartilage allowing the pelvic bones to be more flexible for delivery. Some women, however, have too much play in the pelvis causing a large gap between the bones. This makes the symphysis pubis area extr
emely sensitive to touch. The pain is a result of separation of the symphysis pubis.
SPD causes pain in the front of the pelvis when touched. You may also feel pain in the lower abdomen, hips, inner thigh and groin areas. Marked increased pain with activities such as walking, climbing stairs, lifting your legs, or any other large movements involving the pelvis are key symptoms. You may even experience a clicking type noise with movement as well.
SPD is most often a a temporary situation and one that will resolve itself once the cartilage softening hormones decrease. Although there is no “cure” and it cannot be prevented in subsequent pregnancies, it does not mean that you will automatically experience SPD each pregnancy or birth.
In addition, my back felt as though it was broken in several places for the two weeks after delivery. I was in P-A-I-N. The pain was far greater than I’ve experienced with the previous five pregnancies, labors, and postpartum. It was borderline disabling. I was in so much pain that I actually took heed to the medical advice that was offered – bed rest, no excessive stair climbing, and wait the full 4-6 months before returning to active exercise. NO excessive stair climbing, how is that even possible when I live in a two-story home and have little ones? Active exercise for me at this time includes anything more than a short walk at a pace that puts me in a sweat. The advice was given by a midwife who appreciates that I am open to life and will most likely have more babies. She informed me that the relaxin, a key player to my aliment, will continue to be produced in my body for up to 4-6 months. The ultimate goal is to allow my body to properly recover from a major life event, labor & delivery, so I do not have to live with long-term crippling pain and all it’s ramifications.
Taking things slow postpartum is not easy for me. I “bounce back” rather quickly from labors and almost always have returned to my pre-pregnancy routine within days of delivery. I believed that I was an exception and was eager and willing to forgo the necessary recovery that is recommended for new moms. I strongly believe that many of my current aliments (in addition to those listed in this post) stem from pushing myself too hard too soon postpartum. I wa
s warned but I’ve learned the lesson the hard way.
Praise God that I had improvements at around three weeks postpartum. I’m sure the bed rest and resisting a desire to return to my normal routine as I have done with previous babies helped the healing process.
I began to walk at four weeks postpartum for a min of 15min. once a week. This amount of exercise is not impressive unless you have experienced any related pubic symphysis issue. It has been humbling for me, to say the least. I logged one of my first postpartum “workouts” in my DailyMile and was reminded of where I left off a little over a year ago, a high-intensity workout. It’s been another opportunity for me to ditch my all or nothing tendency.
Recently I took a 1.78 mile walk. I strapped on the baby (all 12.5lbs. of him) in a front carrier and headed to the clubhouse f
or a swim team meeting. The walk may have set me back. I must admit that I made several mistakes during my walk. My first mistake was leaving 20min too late to make the start of the meeting. My second mistake was trying to speed-up to compensate for my late start. I was not ready for an increase in pace. It compromised my foot strike and caused blisters. The third mistake was to put on shoes, thinking it would ease the blistering and help me speed up. Instead, the shoes caused immediate back & IT pain. As if that weren’t enough, my pain returned from my PSS. I was somewhat of a wreck.
I’ll have to scale back a bit and get some quality recovery before heading out again. Also, I will most likely not be carrying Baby G in the front carrier for long walks.
I’ll continue to dial in my eating and nourish my body with real food.
pictured from left to right: short-ribs with quinoa berry salad and roasted asparagus. sweet grapefruit. eggs with salsa and avocado. mixed eggs, salsa, and avocado. bruschetta chicken. baked cheese tomatoes. apples and chicken. ground turkey with homemade taco seasoning with lime cilantro rice, homemade guacamole and salsa. steak salad with feta, avocado, and homemade dressing.
ALL FOR!
I’m in a new season and know all to well how fleeting it can be. I pray for the Good Lord to give me the graces to follow Him. He has led me to place blogging at an even lower priority than before but my mind is overflowing with memories that I want to record. Instagram has served that purpose for me without having to stray from my duties.
I will strive to continue to live in the present moment and I may or may not blog about it. May it be done ALL FOR HIM THROUGH MARY!
~~~
Here is my Instagram recap of my recent outing with my loves.
I decided to take the troops outdoors for some early morning sunshine. They have been cooped up due to my homebody tendencies that jump into full gear when I have a new baby to smother enjoy.
Papi led the brigade and was certain to get everyone dressed despite my uncertainty when we would actually be able to venture out the door.
We got an early start since BabyG3 (poor guy is 6w5d and he still does not have a blog name) opted for a morning cat nap instead of his usual siesta.
Dragonfly took Uma by the leash and was dragged by her walked her for the first leg of our walk.
Proud mama with all her six ducklings. Rose took the pic and BabyG3 was on my front in the carrier.
I’ve decided to include this picture in this post as an act of mortification, in hopes that I can truly accept {in my heart} the mantra that I play {in my head}…“Love yourself in all seasons and sizes. Give thanks for what the weight represents, a baby babies. Do NOT let anything rob you of JOY! Glorify Him always!!”
We walked in two worlds for much of the walk. The wild life drew us in on one side of the road while we sought to escape the busyness of the world that hummed on the other side of the road.
Many of the wildflowers and weeds were over six feet tall.
I love how my littles seek adventure with whatever is placed before them. Papi and Sweetie were bug watching. Sparkles convinced them that she was in need of lady bugs for her garden. Notice how Sparkles is no where in sight, she was afraid of the monstrous weeds.
We even stopped to let Uma swim. Here she is thanking Rose for pulling her out when she got stuck in the ravine.
It felt so good to carry my lil’ man while soaking up the sun. He loved the adventure and slept for the entire walk.
Our guide, Papi, led us to the levee. He really does play the role of a guide, in a Croc Hunter kind of way. Dad has taught him this fine skill. It’s actually rather cute and all the girls enjoy his narration.
This flower was a lovely sight – life unexpected.
This was the end of the levee trek and mid-point of our walk. All the kids enjoy running down this hill. Dragonfly would love to run but he usually ends up rolling.
Two hours, one park visit, and two miles later, we made it home. Dragonfly opted to ride his horsey for the last leg of the walk.
We were all tuckered out from the day’s outing. BabyG3 napped like a champ which meant that I was able to join him. He has even been asleep for the past four hours, allowing me to post this instead of sleeping or nursing. I feel out of my element.
Don’t be bothered by Lil’ Man’s (I think I found his blog name) pink blanket. That’s the life of a brother with older sisters.
We plan to repeat this walk with a gradual increase in distance, at least three times a week, for a month, so that we are prepared for our annual pilgrimage. Hopefully we can increase it to six miles and no horsey will be needed. ALL FOR!
~~~
~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~
Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
{pretty}
3.31.13 – Family picture taken on Easter Sunday before Mass.
Picture taken by the talented dad of the Aranas Clan.
{happy}
3.2.13 – Birth of a new baby via physical delivery.
3.16.13 – Birth of a new baby via Baptism.
{funny}
3.31.13 – Boys will be boys. Easter fun with Father B.
{real}
3.2.13 – This picture was taken about 20 min. prior to the delivery of Baby G3. I labored at home, with my husband, in union with Jesus & Mary.
~~~
~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~
Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
~~~
Let us all enter into the joy of the Lord! First and last alike receive your reward; rich and poor, rejoice together! Sober and slothful, celebrate the day!
You that have kept the fast, and you that have not, rejoice today for the Table is richly laden! Feast royally on it, the calf is a fatted one. Let no one go away hungry. Partake, all, of the cup of faith. Enjoy all the riches of His goodness!
Let no one grieve at his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed. Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again; for forgiveness has risen from the grave. Let no one fear death, for the Death of our Savior has set us free. He has destroyed it by enduring it. ~ Easter Sermon by St. John Chrysostom
Baby G-3 was baptized in the Traditional Roman Rite on March 16, 2013, at two weeks of age.
We opted to go with Papi’s simple baptismal outfit vs. Dragonfly’s borrowed gown.
~~~
The Rite of Baptism
(English Translation)
Part I:
Outside the Church
The priest (wearing a violet stole), sponsors, and the catechumen stand in the narthex of the church, symbolizing that at this point, the candidate is not a member of the Church.
The Questioning
The Exsufflation
The priest then breathes 3 times on the candidate in the form of a Cross, recalling the Spirit (breath, wind, “ruach”) of God.
The Sign of the Cross
The Imposition of Hands
The priest places his hands on the candidate’s head.
The Imposition of Salt
Now the priest puts a little blessed salt in the candidate’s mouth. Salt is the symbol of that wisdom which gives a relish for the sweetness of divine nourishment; preserves, by the teaching of the Gospel, from the corruption of sin, and prevents evil passions from growing in men’s souls. Adult catechumens might be signed on the brow, ears, eyes, nostrils, mouth, breast, and between the shoulders before the imposition of salt. If this procedure is followed, afterwards the candidate will kneel, recite the Our Father several times, and a Cross is made on his forehead, first by the sponsor and then by the priest.
Priest: N., Receive the salt of wisdom; let it be to thee a token of mercy unto everlasting life. May it make your way easy to eternal life.
—–
Part II:
Admission into the Church Building
The Exorcism
The priest makes the Sign of the Cross over the candidate three times and says:
The Sign of the Cross
The priest again makes the Sign of the Cross on the candidate’s forehead
The Imposition of Hands
For the final time, the priest lays his hand on the candidate’s head
Admission into the Church Building
The priest lays the end of his stole on the candidate as a symbol of his priestly authority, and admits him into the church building, which is the symbol of the Church of Christ. If the catechumen is an adult and was annointed in Part I above, he may be asked to lie prostrate before the Altar in adoration of Christ before this next step.
The Credo and Pater
Part III
In the Nave of the Church
The Solemn Exorcism
The Ephpheta
The priest takes a little spittle and touches the ears and nostrils of the candidate with it. For health reasons, the use of spittle may be omitted. This rite comes from Mark 7:33-35, when Jesus healed the deaf-mute: “And taking him from the multitude apart, he put his fingers into his ears: and spitting, he touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he groaned and said to him: Ephpheta, which is, Be thou opened. And immediately his ears were opened and the string of his tongue was loosed and he spoke right.”.
The Renunciation of Satan
The Annointing
The priest annoints the candidate with the oil of catechumens on the heart and between the shoulders in the form of a Cross, saying:
Part IV
At the Font
The priest removes his violet stole and puts on a white one.
The Profession of Faith
Baptism (Matter and Form of the Sacrament)
If the one to be baptized is a baby, the godparents take him to the font (the godmother holds him in her arms, the godfather touches the baby’s shoulder with his right hand); if he is an adult, the sponsor puts his right hand on the shoulder of the one to be baptized.
The priest pours water over the head of the candidate three times, once after each mention of the Divine Persons. The water he uses will have been consecrated during the Easter Vigil or on the Eve of the Pentecost. As he pours the water, the priest says these words (or the words of a conditional Baptism):
The Annointing with Chrism
The White Linen Cloth
This priest takes a white linen cloth — symbolizing the purity of a soul cleansed from all sin, and a relic of the days when the newly baptized wore white albs for 8 days — and places it on the head of the candidate.
The Lighted Candle
The priest gives the candidate or the sponsor a lighted candle.
Last Words of Good Will
Churching of Women:
Churching is the woman’s way of giving thanksgiving to God for the birth of her child, and predisposes her, through the priestly blessing that is a part of the ritual, to receive the graces necessary to raise her child in a manner pleasing to God.
The Ritual
The woman will make arrangements with her priest (ideally, the priest should know the women of his parish and make the offer to her). At the appointed time, she will kneel in the Narthex, holding a lighted candle. The priest, wearing a white stole, will bless her with holy water, and say:
Psalm 23 1
The Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world, and all they that dwell therein. For He hath founded it upon the seas; and hath prepared it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: or who shall stand in His holy place? The innocent in hands and clean of heart, who hath not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbor. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Savior. This is the generation of them that seek Him, of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob. Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: and the King of glory shall enter in. Who is this King of glory? the Lord Who is strong and mighty: the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: and the King of glory shall enter in. Who is this King of glory? the Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Glory be to the Father.
ANT. She shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God her Savior: for this is the generation of them that seek the Lord.
The priest places the end of his stole in the woman’s hand and leads her into the church while saying:
Enter into the temple of God, adore the Son of the blessed Virgin Mary, who gave you fruitfullness of offspring.
Outside the sanctuary, the mother kneels before the Altar and prays, thanking God for her child.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. (Now the Our Father is said silently)
Almighty, everlasting God, through the delivery of the blessed Virgin Mary, Thou hast turned into joy the pains of the faithful in childbirth; look mercifully upon this Thy handmaid, coming in gladness to Thy temple to offer up her thanks: and grant that after this life, by the merits and intercession of the same blessed Mary, she may merit to arrive, together with her offspring, at the joys of everlasting happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
The priest sprinkles the mother with holy water in the shape of a Cross.
The peace and blessing of God almighty, the Father + and the Son and the Holy Spirit, descend upon you and remain forever.
R. Amen.
Consecration of a Child to the Immaculate Heart of Mary:
ACT OF CONSECRATION OF A CHILD TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
Blessed Virgin Mary, * Queen of Heaven and Earth, * to your Immaculate Heart,* the channel of all graces, * we consecrate this child * whom we have received from God’s goodness. We offer him [her] to you * that you may present him [her] to Your Divine Son, * that you may take him [her] under your loving, maternal protection,* that you may preserve him [her] from dangers, * that you may keep him [her] from all sin, * that you may make him [her] grow in piety * and in all virtue * so that he [she] may always be worthy * to call himself [herself] your child. May he [she] grow daily in wisdom and in grace, * may he [she] go through life having you always as his [her] refuge and mother. * May all virtues shine in him [her] * and may he [she] never offend your maternal Heart. May the Eternal Father always look upon him [her] with delight * and see in him [her] * a ray and reflection of your Immaculate Beauty. And as today he [she] gladdens our home, * so may he [she] one day gladden the Eternal Home * which we pray will be his [hers]. Amen.
Father S re-created this consecration booklet with colored pictures.
Reception:
We made a simple Italian menu, in keeping with our tradition for the previous two boys and in honor of his namesake. Dad, Rose, and I made the chicken parmesan, homemade focaccia, antipasto skewers, artichoke forno, pasta bar with three homemade sauces, stuffed mushrooms, and homemade lemonade. G-3’s God mother made a delicious salad with homemade dressing. My sis and her family made the baked herb chicken, roasted asparagus, and sweet tea. Papa was excused from cooking duty since he has been caring for my mom, post surgery.
The entire reception was managed by my sister and Dad. It is a great gift to have family that so generously serves one another. In charity, please pray for my family.
giving baby some much need love after having him go through his baptism without a full feed
DEO GRATIAS
Joseph, a member of the royal family of David, was leading the obscure life of a village carpenter when God chose him to be the spouse of the Blessed Virgin and the foster father of the Incarnate Word. Scripture tells us that Joseph was just, pure, gentle, prudent, and a lover of holy silence. Above all, this humble guardian of the Child Jesus was unfailingly obedient to the divine will.
Joseph is not mentioned after he and Mary lost the twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple and, following three days of agonized search, found their boy discoursing divinely with the learned doctors of the Law. The great task of the foster father of Christ must have been finished before the marriage feast at Cana and the beginning of the Savior’s public ministry. Untold millions have since then invoked St. Joseph as the patron of a happy death.
~~~
SAINT JOSEPH
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Confessor
Patron of the Universal Church
~~~
Our simple feast day celebration for the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and our earthly father, Dad.
The table is made up of three tiers, symbolizing the Most Holy Trinity. The top tier held a statue of St. Joseph. We included our Handprint Lilies and a topiary for the greenery. Each child added a dish to the table. The boys coordinated the arrangement of the plates.
The celebration began when Dad came home. We served up his favorite dish, parmesan chicken. Conveniently, our meal was made of left overs from the baptism. Rose made two sweet treats in honor of St. Joseph and Dad.
~~~
We had timely visitors for the feast of St. Joseph. A family of swallows have made our porch their home. Their nest was built with the previous owners and has remained since. The swallows return every year. We didn’t notice when they came in the previous year but we were on the lookout for them this year. We did not have a citing until the morning after St. Joseph’s feast day. It was a glorious morning surprise.
~~~
Resources:
Virtual St. Joseph Altar BLOG: 4th Annual St. Joseph Altar Blog Fest
We offer him to you * that you may present him to Your Divine Son, * that you may take him under your loving, maternal protection,* that you may preserve him from dangers, * that you may keep him from all sin, * that you may make him grow in piety * and in all virtue * so that he may always be worthy * to call himself your child.
Baby G made his way into my arms on March 2, 2013 at 11:46pm.
Thank you for your charity in offering prayers for my labor. The good Lord abundantly blessed me with a (relatively) speedy & safe delivery. Baby G and I are both thriving. DEO GRATIAS!
I hope to be back soon to share more pictures, his full name (if you haven’t already figured it out), and a birth story before my mind completely turns into mush.
Continued prayers for your intentions from this mama, post-delivery.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
Yes, my labor has begun – March 2, 2003 at 6am. Please keep me, Baby G, Dad, midwife, and all my other children in your prayers.
Dad or I will be certain to give an update as we’re able.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
UPDATES
3.2.13
6:45 – I’ve been using a free app on my phone to track my contractions. Currently, I have a break. I will get something to eat and rest.
11:15 – My contractions picked up again 8am. My mother visited me while the kids played Mancala. The kids are free to join me for the time being.
The contractions waned and I ate an early lunch, Saintly 
Sandwich. Dad also made a variation of this labor cocktail. The Nuun and labor cocktail are definitely hitting the spot and helping me with hydration.
I’ve returned to my exercise ball to work through contractions. They’re intense but nothing close to what is yet to come. I’m focusing on relaxing and offering up each contraction for a specific intention.
1:30 – I just woke up form a brief rest (15 min) that seemed much longer. Contractions continue to be intense but there are nice breaks in between each contraction.
I’m trying out different relaxation techniques and positions as the back pressure intensifies. So far I seem to like the exercise ball best.
Dad continues to manage the home front downstairs.
4:00 – I’ve been on and off the exercise ball for hours. I took a couple of breaks to walk around and try-out a pelvic floor muscle release exercise.
I took my first shower, while in labor. It was just as I remembered, heaven. My contractions picked up and the warm water eased my back pain. I’m refreshed with contractions returning every 5-7 min. I’m hoping to get a rest for dinner so I can refuel for the road ahead.
….
11:46 – Baby G ARRIVED!
~~~
The image is of my newest rosary, a creation by Lauren of Knit in My Womb.
Lauren contacted me to extend a thank you, offer prayers, and generously offer to make me a special gift that she makes all her friends prior to their births. All I knew was that the gift would be personalized.
I received the package the following week. Rose and I opened the gift together. We were both speechless with the beauty and thoughtfulness of the precious rosary. (A picture can not due this beautiful sacramental justice.)It was a lovely consolation for me as I prepared my heart to enter the Lenten season. I shared tears of joy for the charity extended to me from a blogger friend (whom I have never met) and the goodness of Our Heavenly Father for willing such a beautiful present be bestowed upon me during this emotional time. ALL FOR!
Hi! I'm Lena, mama of JOYfilledfamily.
We are a traditional Catholic family striving to live for Jesus Christ in everything we do. We pray to completely surrender our will to His and to become His servants. Our mission of this blog is to share our JOY.
This blog serves as a journal of us making good memories, living the liturgical year, and our spiritual journey.
