Monica's baptism

I had to swear up and down to my mother (hereafter to be referred to as "The Keeper of the Baptismal Gown") that I would not wash, bleach, treat, soak or dry it in any way, but Monica Elizabeth was baptized today in a 100-year-old baptismal gown passed down on my mother's side from her grandmother. This makes four generations that have worn it, and I am happy to report that it is still intact after today's baptism. It helped that Monica slept through the entire ceremony and then most of the reception.

And now, after a long but great day, all I've got left to do is stain-treat the gown, soak it in bleach for a while, wash on high heat, then tumble dry. Hi, Mom.

New baby, week 1!

You'd think that a new baby would get her own post on the blog sooner than a week after her birth... not so. If she'd sleep a little more, maybe. Actually, she is not a bad sleeper (I've had worse, VINCENT) and her disposition thus far is quiet and sweet.

So how are the kids adjusting? Well, I was most worried about Dominic, because prior to her birth one of his favorite phrases was "Hit baby!" Plus, he tends to tear around the house with his sword and guns and screwdrivers, none of which are very compatible with a newborn. But since meeting his little sister Dominic has morphed into her biggest fan and every morning asks me, "Where's baby? Give kisses!" When she cries he sings her "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Rain rain go away."

Catherine has appointed herself Monica's personal stylist. I think this had something to do with all the people complimenting us on our cute little BOY when I took Monica out in her green and yellow duds. Catherine was highly affronted, and as soon as we were home she plopped one of her pink headbands on Monica's head.

As for Vincent... well, he's interested in her... but she rates about the same as a really cool firetruck. He did insist on picking out her outfit for later today when she inevitably poops through her first one, but I think this had more to do with a four-year-old's fascination with poop rather than any interest in how she looks.

All in all, life is much easier than I expected with four. We've made it to the store and the park and on nice long walks just fine. And we are grateful to all the people who have brought by meals and gifts! Thank you all!

Roger pulls a tooth... and a prank

So I would like to confess that I am indeed a WIMP of the first degree when it comes to teeth. It has something to do with having EIGHT TEETH YANKED AT ONCE (Mom, are you reading this?). A year or so ago Dommie fell face first into our brick steps and I was certain he had knocked out his teeth, so I did what any mature, responsible mother would do: I called for my mom to come over and refused to look into my screaming baby's mouth until she got there.

Anyway, it has long been a Lorelle family axiom that Roger has to handle all teeth-related emergencies (I'll do childbirth, he can do teeth). So tonight, it happened -- Catherine's tooth became hanging-by-a-thread loose. She and Daddy decided the mature, responsible action would be for Daddy to pull it (ugh!). Obviously they are crazy. As they negotiated the Tooth Fairy's rates and readied themselves for the Great Tooth-Yanking, I took a nice long walk with the dog... and came home to what can only be referred to as the comeuppance for my dereliction of duty on the teeth front.

Video 1: Cruel, heartless Roger sets up his joke
Video 2: His poor wife becomes the butt of his joke