Mother's Day and May Crownings

We started May with muted celebration, as Tom's Knights of Columbus Council honored us as Family of the Year. We had a fancy dinner for a modest celebration of our journey with Caroline, and brought the kids, even if they didn't fully understand why we received the plaque that they'll ask about when they're older.

Shortly after, we had a chance to celebrate the month of mothers at two May Crowning events. The first was at Jane and Edward's school, Our Lady of Bethlehem, where the ceremony started with special mention of prayers for Caroline. How lucky we are to have the school community--they are such a supportive presence for our family during this time.  Then, on Mother's Day, we attended Mass and May Crowning at St. Timothy's, where Jane and Edward participate in Catechesis of the Good Shepard.  It was an amazing God-moment when we realized we would get to celebrate Mothers Day with the Fagans - Caroline's Godparents. Godmother Norah had a special chance to spend some time with Caroline on such a special day - along with her other children. And we enjoyed having our families together, reminding us how we're all here to share each other's burdens and journeys.

Mother's Day itself was extra special for Jessica as she knew that she could celebrate with all 4 of her children.  We had started the day with blueberry pancakes in bed for Jessica, and continued on from church to more food - a great lunch out with some cards and presents - before heading back home as our family of six. And our neighbor left us some flowers on our front porch, with a beautiful note reminding us that although this Mother's Day may not be filled with all the joy that it usually is, and might be a little different than we wanted to celebrate, there are people who are wishing that we enjoy it. It was so very sweet of them to think of us.

At this point, Dr. Murnane (Jessica's OB) started scheduling weekly visits, the first of which coincided with the same day of another ultrasound at the high-risk department at MFM. Once again, there's not much that changes, but we were able to see the incredible way she sucks her thumb, practices breathing, and see her heart beat away at a healthy rate.  All beautiful gifts!

We were shocked with sadness as one of the teachers at Edward and Jane's school unexpectedly lost their baby boy who was delivered stillborn at 37 weeks. We saw them at the school picnic, living something much harder than our own experience, as they have no understanding or medical diagnosis/explanation why, and had no time to prepare or plan ahead and fight back the usual expectations for a new child.  Together we lift each other up in prayer and support.