a new year

January is drawing to a close...

I have been enjoying the semi down time I have had to bask in the cuteness of my little man.

Jude is such a happy, sweet little boy.

He has captured every heart in our home.

I look forward to seeing his precious face, full of smiles and joy, each morning.

Jude's conception and birth has brought about so many changes.

The way our home runs.

The breaks Mama takes to nourish his little body.

The craziness that has multiplied with a distracted Mama!

This year is new...fresh...and full of promise.

We are learning to juggle another child added to our fold.

With that, each member of the household has new responsibilities to conquer.

Mom and Dad included!

Schedules are changing, chore reassigned, school work changed a bit.

Constant tweaking has ensued.

We are ironing out the wrinkles.

A wave of Peace rolls over our home more and more often.

Even with the changes and new responsibilities, giggles and laughter abound.

Daily I am encouraged to see just how wonderful adding

to our family again has been.

My children are so thankful for another baby to enjoy.

While this new year is in no way quieter or slower...

it is better.

We will be better because of it and what all the change has meant.

Thank you Jesus for knowing we needed Jude Aaron in our family!

hApPy ThAnKsGiViNg

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have so much to be thankful for this year...healthy, happy children. Another year of homeschooling underway and going well. Family that we love. A warm and sturdy home. Another year of getting to be together.

But most of all...we welcomed our sixth child to our family November 5th.

Jude Aaron Cangelosi joined us at 6:52pm, weighing in at 8lbs. 10ozs., and 21 1/4 inches long. I had contractions on and off through out the day, but nothing ever constant or encouraging that Jude was coming that day.It turned out that he was our quickest labor, just 39 minutes from placing the call to the midwife. So from the time of intense contractions starting, it was around 45 minutes. It has also been my fastest recovery! Praise the Lord! Jesse and Emily were there, and were my labor support. The midwife arrived in time to catch his shoulders! Emily was such a great help to Jesse. And I continue to be amazed at the wonderful and capable husband the Lord gave me. He is amazing! Jude is such a wonderful baby. He is sweet and such a great sleeper. He is so mellow and laid back. Just what we needed!

Thank you for your love and prayers. We are so grateful. We pray that you all have a blessed and enjoyable Thanksgiving. Take joy and pleasure in you family today and remember, you have so much to give thanks for!

and...now it is november

Today is the 4th of November. I had really hoped to have this little sweetkins by now. I am only 38 weeks and a few days, but had so hoped for an October baby...He is healthy and strong though and that is such a wonderful blessing. We have all the baby things washed and ready. His closet is stocked, his blankets folded and waiting. My arms are aching to cuddle him.I long to nuzzle his downy little head. His brothers and sisters talk to him and encourage him to come and join them. I hesitate to rush him though...he is so easy to care for right now. He has no name yet...we know God has one picked and eagerly await to discover it. This littlest of our crew...so close...