Friday Moment

His Nook

Early Days

What a welcome this Baby has had! Into the arms of family and friends, into the chaos of a house overflowing with kids (are there really only four?) into the bliss of newborn-worship, his first week of life has been so full: of love, milk (milk everywhere), eager anticipation from three little boys who are watching his first fluttering little open eyes, his yawns, smiles, hiccups, and facial expressions (variously interpreted). Yes, this boy is well loved.

I haven't quite emerged from the post-partum fog where there's no night or day and pumpkin pie is an excellent breakfast choice.

My beautiful mother is staying with us and indulging this kind of post-partum ennui by doing all my dishes and laundry and taking the boys to the zoo. (Matthias has transfered all his affection to her, and who could blame him?)

The birth itself was beautiful—a little slower than the others, more peaceful and prayerful having just finished reading Writings from the Philokalia and learning about "prayer of the heart." Most of labour was spent alone with Will, my labour superstar, either resting in his arms or walking around the hallway. I had a little vigil light burning in front of the San Damiano crucifix which was a wonderful focus in all that birthing.

Raphael was born in the bathtub—which, for all you people interested in home birth, is a quick, easy cleanup! He came fast and safely. My youngest sister was also present at the birth. She is an expert administrator of lemon water and I highly recommend her as a doula.

Maybe sometime I'll post the uncut, extended birth story.

Right now I'm too busy staring at Raphael, eating his toes and rubbing that amazingly silky little head.

—By the way, we're pronouncing it "RAY-fi-el", the British way, to go with our last name. This has caused a lot of confusion amongst good Catholics who wonder why we'd go with a heathen name like Rayfield? But there it is. At least it's not Romuald.

He's Here!

Raphael Joseph Romuald Augustine

born at home

Oct. 5

9 lb 6 oz

safe and healthy

Deo gratias!

Waiting

As baby's due date has come and gone, I've found myself having to let go of items on my "before-baby list." The house will not be painted. The plastering will not be done. The freezer and the oven are both on the fritz.


But I'm ever so grateful for the little pockets of peace and organization:
—a basket of baby clothes fresh from the line
—a peaceful little nook for the new baby (Thank you, dear Ulmer family, for the beautiful hammock!)
—some orange flannel to wrap the baby bunting in...


Now we are just waiting. Waiting, baby dear!

a quick gift

A friend of ours was turning five and needed a present on the very afternoon that Matthias decided to peel the semi-dry black oil paint off the stairs and smear it on himself and the walls. He did it swiftly and quietly, the clever boy, in about 15 seconds. When he was finally  scrubbed—within an inch of his life—and put to bed, he took off his diaper and pooped on everything.  Everything. I can't say I handled it very graciously. 

So instead of the grand crafting afternoon I'd planned, we made some quick dragon mittens for little Willie. 

They're my new favourite winter kid gift—four buttons and some scraps of wool felt, and a snakey looking nose embroidered on the front. Easy peasy. Credit to Martha Stewart blog.

Child Placket Sweater

Gracious heavens I nearly forgot to show off the knitting!


This is the child placket-neck sweater. It's a free pattern (of course!) and can be found on ravelry with additional (printable!) help from here. Joelle's directions are somewhat minimalist. I love the raglan shaping all the way up to the neck. The sweater looked very manly and proportionate on Matthias before he tore it off screaming, "No! Baby! 'Fias no Baby!" He knows what he likes.

I did not make the owl. I saw it in a store, and said disparagingly, "I could make that", determining to go home and make it. That evening I realized I could either stay up until 1 am and make an owl, or be a nice mother next day. I couldn't do both. 

Clay buttons from White Duck Pottery in Combermere. Quick! White Duck is going out of business! Angela, I told you I'd have the perfect project for those buttons! 

unblocked, still

Grateful

Today I am grateful for:

—the incredible outpouring of love from this community of women, who held a "welcome baby" celebration for me this weekend.

I am truly overwhelmed by the love and generosity for this fourth baby, by the sheer volume of gifts from such busy, hardworking women, and by the evident joy for yet another new life in our family.

While I privately feel the exhilaration of welcoming our new baby, and my own little family is excited and prepared, I'm fully aware of how crazy it all appears from the outside.

These are women are mostly older than I, mothers of large families themselves, who have been childbearing for a lot of years. They are so wise, funny, and practical. They have suffered deeply, and yet laugh so easily. I am truly humbled by the love they showed me and by the wisdom and humour I learn from them.

—this great little soul, growing into a little boy: my love Matthias. 

The bathroom is a place of  rest and meditation for many of us. 

—pink champagne. Well, actually grape and cherry juice fermented with water kefir grains  for bubbly goodness. I'm doing experimental batches to have a really good brew ready for celebrating new baby.

—And a new favourite sandwich: slices of pear and mozzarella on croissant, with a little cinnamon and crabapple preserve (a gift from another fantastic woman in our community.) Just look what it's done to my belly!

—magnatune. Baby and I and Matthias have been enjoying Boccherini and Vivaldi and beautiful Eastern vocal music.


In these tired, late days with their aches and pains and frantic busy-ness, there is so much beauty to keep us going!