Big Brothers

Always ask, "Where's baby?" when they don't see him around.

Give lots of kisses.

Ask lots of questions (Does Jerzy want some fruit snacks, Mom?).

And enjoy holding, hugging and touching the hair of their new little brother.

Jerzy James Raiche

We welcomed Jerzy James into the Raiche clan at 4:16 PM on October 27th. Mom and Dad were both happy to have him (finally!) join the family.

Here is a link to a brief biography of the person who inspired the name: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerzy_Popieluszko

Dear Baby,

Hello!

We are all anxiously awaiting your arrival. Speaking of which, we thought we would inform you that today is your due date! While we realize that Mommy's womb does not come standard with a Palm Pilot or calendar, we just thought you might like to acknowledge that today is the date at which we were hoping we would meet you by.

Now, we realize that a womb is a comfortable place, however the outside world is not so bad either. Granted, you will not receive food and nutrients 24 hours-a-day through a large cord. Nor is the entire world climate controlled.

However, the world has much to offer a new baby and we would encourage you to consider the following: Three big brothers to look up to, a Mom and Dad that long to hold you in our arms, and extended family and friends to gush over you.

Once you open your brand new eyes to the world, you will see things that are immensely more beautiful than Mommy's womb. In addition, your baby-body is simply waiting for an opportunity to learn about and explore all that God has created in this world. You'll see and feel first hand your parent's love for you and, in time, come to know God's immense love for you as well.

Finally, we would ask that you consider the fact that Mommy has been pregnant for 40 weeks now. While she has enjoyed carrying you, it's time to face up to the fact that it's not quite so enjoyable right now. In fact, you're growing so well that Mommy is rather uncomfortable almost all the time. On your birth-day, Mommy's comfort level will begin to regain equilibrium. Just something to ponder...

The way we see it, it's a win-win situation.

We sincerely hope that you'll consider what we have presented here and we look forward to meeting you on your birthday (hopefully, sooner rather than later).

God bless you,

Mom and Dad

Pondering Babies

No baby here to report on as of yet. I mean, he's here, he's just cleverly hidden (still) inside Mom's belly. =)

However, he's always a topic of conversation around the house and this was the case Sunday at lunch.

Kolbe: Babies are like bananas. If you sit them up, they squish down like a banana! Their bones are mushy.

It's so neat to hear little people's ideas about the world.

Definitions

Kolbe: Mom, what does "suspicious" mean?

Mom: Just a minute, Kolbe...

Jozef: Kolbe, "suspicious" means "hello" in Spanish.

Not quite. But Nate and I shared a smile at that one. =)

Week 38 - Thoughts on Anticipation

All week Nate and I have been alternatively taking turns with anticipation. Even though my due date isn't for two weeks, we are both anxiously awaiting the arrival of our little boy.

Whenever one of us would bring the subject up, the other would dutifully remind said party that we can't anticipate away each day. We'd bring up the fact that we still had X number of days until he was due. And that we need to make the most of each day God gives us...whether we're having the baby today or not.

This morning, as I was scolding myself for anticipating the baby's arrival and reminding myself to enjoy another day with the boys and Nate, I asked myself, "Why not anticipate?"

After all, the baby's arrival is a huge moment for me and Nate (probably a bit more for me as I'll be the one laboring...=). And, for our family as a whole. We'll go from a strapping group of three young boys to four. A new soul with his own personality will be welcomed into our family to be loved and cherished for years (God willing).

So, as I go about my day today and pause from time to time in anticipation of baby's arrival, I will only gently scold myself for it. I'll take a moment to say a prayer regarding the labor and delivery process as well as for our son's health. Then, I'll gently remind myself to go enjoy the other three boys and cherish the day God's given me.

Basement Re-Construction

Below are some images of our basment as it's coming back together. In late June we had a drain back-up (gray water, thankfully). Thus, the carpet and drywall in the surrounding areas needed to be removed and replaced.

The Paint Job:

(we still need to paint our kitchen--it's crazy blue with white feather marks)

Nate worked for 3-days this weekend to install the laminate wood floor:

Of course, he had a lot of help, too!

I think it's coming together beautifully!

37 Weeks

What's a Mom to do when she's staring down 37 weeks of pregnancy with 3 (or less) left to go?

This weekend we're going out to dinner, Nate's putting flooring in the basement, and I am (hopefully) finalizing Halloween costumes. Being busy is my family's motto (Just ask anyone that finds out we have three children--"Oh, your house must be busy!") Mind you, I can guarantee I'll be uncomfortable during all of those things. As well as in between and at night as I try to find a sleeping position that supports my legs, belly and back (HA!).

Here's what I'm thinking about these days:

Where am I going to put the baby's clothes?

I hope I don't go into labor during the middle of the night.

I really need to finish these costumes.

Do I really only have two maternity shirts that cover my (entire!)belly?

What is this labor going to be like?

Why is Marcel crabby lately? Cold? Allergies? Just being clingy?

The variety of tasks on my mind lately confirm that I am definitely "nesting"--making sure everything is ready for the baby's arrival. Also, I've been laying down a lot lately. I rarely lay on the couch, but lately, I haven't been able to resist. ;-)