Announcing…
This little darling!
John (“Jack”) Stephen Lawler, born to our son Will and his lovely wife Jaime, Monday the 18th. 7 lbs 12 oz of adorable cuteness! Mother and child are doing well! We are so grateful to God.
This is all I have to say this week (other than links!), but do poke around and see what you may have missed in the past. I have so much and am not great at categorizing it or refraining from burying my content in a lot of chitchat about irrelevant goings on!
Sometimes even I try to find something I've mentioned and find myself exasperated! So rummage around previous posts and see if you overlooked something!
bits & pieces
- People keep emailing me to ask me “about that book written by a doctor of how to keep your child healthy” — it's this one: How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor: One of America's Leading Pediatricians Puts Parents Back in Control of Their Children's Health by Dr. Robert Mendelsohn.(affiliate link)
I have noticed an alarming rise of people who seem to think one's children will never get sick and are totally at a loss when they do! People seem to expect “scientists” to come up for shots for everything so we never have to suffer again.
We will get sick — how can it be that we have just totally forgotten about how life really is? You just need to know how to take care of your children and yourself. It's going to be okay if we get colds and flus this year. Not wonderful, but okay. And completely unavoidable.
- If you are in the market for a restored vintage stove, I recommend checking out Savon appliances! Marsha is super helpful and will answer all your questions. I have all sorts of reasons for wanting one (I had my heart set on a vintage O'Keefe & Merritt like one of the ones in the pictures on that site); in the end, despite all Marsha's kind and patient efforts on my behalf, for reasons I will explain later when I show you what I did get, I decided against it. But it was purely logistical. I think a vintage stove makes so much sense! Proven worth and zero electronics to go expensively and fatally wrong! If you are sick of having your new shiny beepy range go on the blink within a couple of years, look around for a tried-and-true one that someone is getting rid of for practically nothing. Plus, they look amazing (this lady is the guru on the Facebook Vintage Stove page)! Read My [it's not MY but someone else's] Experience Living with a Vintage Stove.
- A strong piece from Msgr. Pope on marriage and defending it to martyrdom.
- We have been doing the 100 Days of Dante together, my husband and I. I admit I have been enjoying “T.S. Elephant” enacting Dorothy Sayers' translation! Randomly featuring an elephant sock puppet, but actually very well narrated, which I can't say for some of the others. So far the commentary on the 100 Days videos has been mostly edifying with a few silly moments of 21st-century smugness to be aware of and discuss, if you are watching it with young people. There is just no reason to think we automatically and without reflection ought to be confident we know better than Dante about spiritual matters!
- An online Gregorian Chant conference, starting tomorrow! The organizers are definitely spiritually minded, as there is not a ton of information on there about the technical particulars, but it will be worthwhile, with an “all-star line-up of experts” as Peter Kwaskiewski says, if you have an interest in this form of music, including wanting your own “garage schola” or supporting your parish's effort to renew sacred music, and so on. At the end of the conference, there is a concert by Floriani!
from the archives
- My guide to taking care of your sick child at home. Competence is confidence!
- The importance of the mother not being over-scheduled: If you can scroll down past all my mundane updates of yore, you will arrive at my “pep talk” about how to look at your time. “… in order to be available to take up the slack, meet an emergency, or even be mentally and physically present for an unforeseen opportunity (say, with a child who is discovering a feature of the world fairly common to every adult, but magical to him at the moment), the mother will by definition require time that is unscheduled. She has to live within this tension of being at rest in order to leap into action.”
- I too have written about being willing to suffer for marriage: Nevertheless, He Died for Christ — please consider subscribing to this blog!
liturgical living
St. Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest; Ember Saturday
follow us everywhere! share us with your friends!
My book, The Summa Domestica: Order and Wonder in Family Life is available from Sophia Press! Also in paperback now! All the thoughts from this blog collected into three volumes, beautifully presented with illustrations from Deirdre, an index in each volume, and ribbons!
My “random thoughts no pictures” blog, Happy Despite Them — receive it by email if you like, or bookmark, so you don’t miss a thing!
My podcast, The Home Truths Society, can be found on the Restoration of Christian Culture website (and you can find it where you listen to such things) — be sure to check out the other offerings there!
Stay abreast of the posts here at LMLD, when they happen:
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We share pretty pictures: Auntie Leila’s Instagram, Rosie’s Instagram, Deirdre’s Instagram. Bridget’s Instagram.
Auntie Leila’s Facebook (you can just follow)
The boards of the others: Rosie’s Pinterest. Sukie’s Pinterest. Deirdre’s Pinterest. Habou’s Pinterest (you can still get a lot of inspiration here! and say a prayer for her!). Bridget’s Pinterest.
Sarah says
Dear Auntie Leila,
Congratulations to Will and Jaime! Jack is just adorable. And congratulations to grandparents and the rest of the family! What a wonderful thing to see a family grow.
Thanks for the links. I loved the article on orderliness. I listened to your podcast on the Chosen as I tackled a corner of the basement, long overdue. I think that orderliness is such a helpful gift for children. All children need the tools to keep a home, but I happen to have children who get a special peace from clear tables and floors. I’m sure I’m not the only one.
And thank you for the reminder on overscheduling. It’s a hard battle, and some of the worthy constraints come from outside myself, but it’s necessary. Particularly as a September cold descends on us! How is it that some children are just the family “canary in the coal mine”? Why is it always one particular kid that gets sick first? And, other than putting them in a bubble, what can I do? Did you ever find anything that helped with this? Such a puzzle – he’s my stoutest, strongest, best sleeper, best adjusted kid. But he turns into a drippy, red-eyed, ear-infected mess the first of any of the five.
I really have enjoyed your podcast on The Chosen. Thanks! You Leilas are such fun to listen to.
Leila says
Thank you!
Yes, there is often one child like that. As time goes on you will maybe be able to see some early distant warnings and be able to get him tucked in before the total meltdown. Kids do react to things in different ways — for instance, some get tired and cry, and others get tired and pick fights!
Sarah says
Thank you! I’m glad I’m not the only mother with a “canary.”
I hope you get lots of newborn snuggles, and that Jaime has a lovely, luxurious, and long postpartum!
Victoria Bako says
Yup, I have one that usually gets sick before the others. I have a theory of the “walking petri dish” in which the susceptible child is actually culturing the bug and then giving it to the other children. I try to catch this child and get him to wash his hands when returning from home and keep his hands away from his face and his mouth away from objects in public spaces.
AND also, of course, CONGRATULATIONS on the newest grandbaby! What a joy!
Sara says
Many congratulations Auntie Leila! He is so darling and Jack is a lovely name! 18 grandchildren – God is good indeed!
Ellen says
I love that the baby is such a chubby little bundle! He looks like the baby Jesus from my kids’ peg doll nativity set. Just the sweet face showing.
My mil introduced me to swaddling infants when my first was born and it truly is such a help and needed skill. The babies still feel so cozy and can be laid down while you shower, etc.
I listened to your podcast on th3 Chosen and appreciated how you had the words to describe my aversion to the show.
Emily says
What a handsome baby! Congrats
Laura Pearl says
Congratulations! What a beautiful little boy. And I love the name.
Abigail says
Congratulations on the birth of another grandson! What a sweet little guy.
I’m looking forward to listening to your latest podcast. I’ve listened to and enjoyed them all.
Also as far as feedback on those… I think the content on all the episodes has been just great. My only suggestion would be perhaps a better microphone? Or maybe a louder recording level? (I’m not much of a tech person, though). Otherwise, terrific podcast. I like the variety of topics; it reflects what you’re doing here on LMLD. I appreciate a good podcast for my long walks and car trips!
May our Lord Jesus Christ bless and keep your growing family!
Leila says
Thank you, Abigail! We really do need to up our equipment game… working on it!
Whitney says
Please feel free to share a wish list. You have helped our marriage and family so much, that we would be happy to contribute in some way to help you continue. I’m sure we’re not the only ones.
Leila says
Oh, thank you!
This is my wish: That you or someone will tell me exactly what to get!
I have a good lighting setup that my son Joseph gave me; I need to know which mic and and which ring light for my husband — maybe even which camera…
I don’t have the mental energy for this part of it — the information!
Sadie says
Congratulations on that sweet little blessing!
I’m a first time commenter but I’ve been reading your blog for several years. I love the practicality of it and learn something new even as a seasoned mom of 10. I wanted to mention some other books I love for building immune systems and treating things at home. I’m a natural mom and it amazes me that people don’t know how to treat things simply at home. I think people are too busy to slow down and rest and allow children to do the same. Anyhow, I love all the books by Rachel Weaver but particularly the books Be Your Own Doctor and Be Your Own Doctor II. She also offers practical advice for treating colds, the flu, ear infections, skin issues, etc. God has given us so many things in our backyard that heal. Even making a warm, soothing cup of tea can be helpful. Just throwing out my .02 🙂
Leila says
Hi Sadie!
Yes, I am learning more and more about this and have actually planted my own medicinal garden, or at least a good start of one!
I know that Deirdre relies on the book you mention (at least volume 1)!
Donna L. says
Oh, Auntie Leila! Blessed congratulations to your growing family!
I should say, that is quite a return on your investment of children! Hurray!
🙂
Leila says
Thank you, Donna!
Rosemary says
I really enjoyed the article on orderliness – thank you for sharing that! I think I will bookmark it so I can come back to the writer’s site and dig in more.
Leila says
You’re welcome!
Mrs. Bee says
Oh, he’s adorable… Nothing’s as marvelous as a newborn! Congratulations to parents and grandparents!
Who knew Dan Scheffler had his own website, thank you for that link! We know him from Memoria Press, he does some online classes for them (not just the adult ones with Memoria College, but for kids with Memoria Academy) and he writes interesting things in their lovely Classical Teacher “magalog”, for instance this reflection on why teachers/parents cannot teach virtue – https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/curing-disease-soul/
Leila says
Thank you! Yes, I like that Memoria Press catalog — have been getting it for decades now!
Mrs. T says
Congratulations! What a beautiful baby, a perfectly shaped head!
And thank you,. People get sick! You can’t avoid it! We are currently going through a cold. We follow our usual, simple protocol, but one thing Id like advice on (if anyone could chime in), are what drinks to give. Water tastes terrible with a sore throat, and the little ones refuse tea or broth. They only want juice, but it’s loaded with sugar. And too much gives the runs. Milk produces excess mucus. Suggestions?
Sorry for the terrible grammar, nursing a sick newborn.
Leila says
You can get plain juice (no added sugar, like apple juice) and dilute it a bit.
You can also make a nice tea of dried hibuscus flowers (available in bulk on amazon and in Middle Eastern and Hispanic markets, store in gallon jars) and rose hips. Add honey or sugar while it’s hot and serve with lemon, well chilled.
It will be sweet but not as sweet as juice with added sugar, and it’s okay. When you’re sick, you do need a little something!
Mrs Jackson says
Ginger ale diluted with seltzer (we use ginger beer and dilute by half) got us through this last thing. It was slightly warming, bubbly and slightly sweet (electrolytes). Worked like a charm. My grandmother used to always do ginger ale for us as kids and I’d forgot until this round. Sore throat, fever, GI upset in a couple. They didn’t want to drink anything but would drink that. I did it at room temp but when in the hospital the RN actually warmed ginger ale and added sugar… it was actually really good and just what I needed in the moment.
Mrs T says
Something else Id like to mention if it helps anyone…nothing more miserable than a little one who can’t blow their nose. I purchased a nasal aspirator that attaches to your vacuum. Under $20 and works like a CHAMP!! Without a doubt, I see improvement my children within 24 hrs of using. Not a cure-all, but invaluable.
Side note:I had to use an attachment from my shop vac to make it fit onto our household vacuum, I believe the aspirator is designed for European vacuums.
https://www.amazon.com/BABY-VAC-Storngest-suction-power-available/dp/B004JA1XB2/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=1WP43ATDC9KQ2&keywords=baby+vac&qid=1695734749&sprefix=baby+vac%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1
Mrs Jackson says
Congratulation on the grand baby! We welcomed our 6th, a little girl, the same day.
I’m listening to “How to Raise a Healthy Child” because it’s currently free on Audible. I bought it when we just had our first over 10 years ago, but never read it. We have since been through the ringer with health stuff (in the last couple years) and your note reminded me about it. I could write a book about the ghastly things going on in the pediatric oncology world but I have to admit I was shocked when we had our daughter and the pediatrician that discharged her wanted to discuss the HIV testing that’s “becoming standard protocol” for newborns because “if caught within the first 12-24 hours it’s got a much higher rate of success to heal.” I must have looked like a deer in headlights and asked the pediatrician a question and he said their seeing a real uptick and the practice started in cities but is becoming standard throughout the field. I asked if it was because of needle usage and his answer was “needles and Fentanyl.” I looked at him and said “I’m not high risk.” But it’s a blood draw. Another poke to baby on top of the PKU (which I had a nurse educate me on a long time ago) and a bunch of others tests they drew off our daughters cord blood and the pediatrician literally said “you’ll never hear about if there’s nothing wrong.” How are they doing tests on my child without my consent/knowledge?
Just as an aside, some may say or think we should have had a home birth if we didn’t want to deal with all of this. I agree. But baby was breech and we haven’t been able to find a home birth midwife for our area in the 10 years (4 other births) and we felt ill equipped to handle one that was breech at home. Being rural has benefits and drawbacks…
So back to the point… HIV testing is becoming a pediatric standard of practice. Take more blood in that first few days and wonder why baby gets jaundiced…🥴
Leila says
Oh my! Now I have to think about all that…
Ellen says
We had a homebirth for our 4th and the midwife spent alot of time explaining each test including how it was done and why. We refused all of them. In our state at least, it is legal to refuse all testing. Even the heel prick and vit k shot. There are of course good reasons to have those things, but we had the blessing of good advice and a respectful midwife and had a very uncomplicated birth and medical situation for baby. Just something to consider, whether you can say no and if that is worth standing up to the pressure.
MJ Anderson says
Oh!😇😇 happy blessed news! The meek shall inherit the earth.