When I Meet This Baby...

... if she's a girl, my life will change forever, in that very instant.  I imagine what that first night will be like, as it sinks in that I'm the mother of a daughter.  A whole new world.  I think about how overwhelming that might feel, and yet how exciting.  For every thought and emotion I can predict now, there are probably a thousand more that I couldn't even comprehend.  There's so much good in store for us, if this baby's a girl.

... if he's a boy, I just might die of happiness the moment I lay eyes on him, knowing already the awesomeness that is my sons.  In him I'll see the simple beauty of boyhood, the special bonds of brotherhood that are already waiting for him, as he takes his place in our stair-steps of life.  The comfort and security of being what I already am, and having the chance to begin again.  There's so much good in store for us, if this baby's a boy.

Suscipio - A Lenten Reflection

I wrote a little something that I'm honored to have shared on Suscipio today.  Have y'all been over to Suscipio?  Go, click around, it'll be worth your time.

Fulfillment

I climbed into my bed last night and cozied in next to my dear husband who was there already, reading a book.  It was a book that I recently finished and am enjoying watching him enjoy.  The blankets were warm and sweet-smelling, fresh from the drier, and my knitting was calling my name.  It had been a long and fruitful day.  The newly cleaned and organized room surrounding us was proof of the morning's work, but the real fruit came in the second half of the day, spent outside in the sunshine, basking in the newly come spring with boys who have waited patiently for it.  I picked up my needles, the quiet of the night settling in around me, and suddenly it occurred to me:

I have everything I've ever wanted on this earth.

Quiet

..."prayer was irreplaceable for her.  Besides Gianna was very attentive and did not do things by halves.  She committed herself to her duties completely.  She had also been formed by loving sacrifice and demonstrated that she knew how to sacrifice herself for love.  Gianna was a woman of few words who avoided gossip and silliness on principle.  This is a family virtue -- her brothers and sisters don't like to talk a lot.  However, when there was something to do, a service to perform, a hand to lend, then Gianna was always ready, available."
--From Saint Gianna Molla (emphasis in bold is mine)

How I long to be this sort of woman.  
For my family, for my soul.

Would it be an oversimplification for me to suggest that this one virtue would change the world?  

How lost we are, as daughters, mothers, friends, and sisters, when we can't recognize the value of disciplined, respectful quiet.