Sunday, May 31, 2009

A room full of imagination!

I am not an artist but whatever I tackle I have fun doing. We had a big blank space in our nursery that needed something colorful. A little paint, time and imagination led to this project. We hope it gives our little one some creative inspiration.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Saint Gerard

If you are Catholic you may know of Saint Gerard. He is the Patron Saint of motherhood and child birth. Many prayers of intersession are spoken to him on behalf of mothers and unborn children around the world. Saint Gerard also has special meaning for me as I (Brandon) was confirmed with the name Gerard. The Feast of Saint Gerard Majella is celebrated annually on October 16th.

Prayer for a Safe Delivery
O great Saint Gerard, beloved servant of Jesus Christ, perfect imitator of your meek and humble Savior, and devoted child of Mother of God, en kindle within my heart one spark of that heavenly fire of charity which glowed in your heart and made you an angel of love.O glorious Saint Gerard, because when falsely accused of crime, you did bear, like your Divine Master, without murmur or complaint, the calumnies of wicked men, you have been raised up by God as the patron and protector of expectant mothers.Preserve me from danger and from the excessive pains accompanying childbirth, and shield the child which I now carry, that it may see the light of day and receive the purifying and life-giving waters of baptism through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint Gerard's Story
Saint Gerard Majella, the "Patron Saint of Motherhood," was born in 1726 in a small town in the south of Italy called Muro. Gerard was devoted to his widowed mother and he also devoted his life to God and helping others. His selfless help to others in various circumstances endeared him to all sorts of people. He entered the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer in 1749 and became a lay brother. He was a model of obedience and possessed extraordinary wisdom. He spent his life dedicated to helping the needy and the poor, being poor himself and having an understanding of the sorrows of the needy. He often gave away his earnings and his own food to the poor and those that came to him never left empty-handed. Sometimes how the food or money came to be there was known only to God and to Gerard. He was also known to have mystical abilities such as powers of prophecy, healing, the reading of consciences, and so forth. He even predicted the day and hour of his own death. During his short life he helped many and performed many miracles. It seems that God had given him, in particular, the special power to help mothers in need. In life and since his death, he has helped so many women who have prayed to him during labor that he earned the nickname the "Saint of Happy Deliveries." Many mothers from all over the world have even named their child Gerard after him in gratitude, and have adopted him as their patron in the joys and fears of childbirth.

Monday, May 25, 2009

We got a crib!

After months of works and many sewing projects our nursery is complete! Well... almost completed aside from the mural that will be added tomorrow. We purchased a crib and dressed it with our personalized bedding. We are ready for our little one.

Friday, May 15, 2009

And Tango Makes Three



And Tango Makes Three is a wonderful book. It has gotten attention by bloggers and received reviews by various leading US newspapers. It's about two male penguins that care for an egg and create a family through adoption. In some circles controversy surrounds the published work. For us it is a wonderful story that has relevance for our non-traditional family.

Last year this book was spot lighted at my (Brandon's) birthday party. And Tango Makes Three became a table favor and parting gift for all our guests. It was also a great segue to announce our official plan to become adoptive parents.