MollyMadonna.com

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come to the table.

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I grew up in a big family, and we all lived in close proximity. We all genuinely enjoyed each other, too, so our holiday get togethers were naturally life-giving, high energy affairs. My Gramma Donna loved do life around a meal, and she and my mom and aunts would sit down after dinner at one family gathering to plan for the next…who would bring appetizers, fruit, dips, salads, breads, desserts. We were approximately twenty strong in total, with always enough food to feed at least twenty more.

Not one of us ever left a visit to Gramma’s empty, and our bellies were full, too.

Something I learned from watching our family over so many years was the value of showing up. For decades, everyone came to sit down together in one place, and multiple times a year. We didn’t just celebrate Christmas and Easter, but Thanksgiving and birthdays, anniversaries and summertime.

We gathered because we liked each other. Because family was important. Because Gramma glued us all together and it was a sweet, sweet space to enter again and again.

We didn’t have Pinterest growing up, and if we had, Gramma wouldn’t have needed it anyway. Her table was always simple and lovely, leaving room for an impromptu game of cards between meals, making it easy add a chair or swap a place at dinner time. Her heart was into the details, certainly, but she was practical, she used what she had, and she spent her energies focused on loving and feeding the people who sat with her–not on the table itself.

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As such, everything about her called us to come to the table, no matter the visit. Oh, to steal away some of those hours again now, in the place that was always home to me no matter where I’d been or where I was headed next!

Gramma’s table was extraordinary because it welcomed. It was perfectly set, not with china and silver or handmade centerpieces, but by a woman who loved well and who was deeply loved in return.

We would always come back, because we couldn’t stay away.

Now, in my own house, four years removed from the last time I ever sat at Gramma’s table, I want so much for mine to look like hers–for Henry and Eloise to grow up knowing that our table is at the center of our home and of who we are. I want friends, new and old, to gather here and feel the deep sense of belonging I felt growing up around Gramma’s table. I want our space to be one of invitation and welcome, and I want that to be the case no matter how simply or elaborately I set the dining room for a meal.

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Advent is a season of invitation for all people. Not just for those who believe that Christ came to earth as a baby, then suffered, died and rose again. For ALL people. If Christ could come down from heaven and take on flesh, then surely he can and wants to welcome strangers to His table.

I imagine, as we’re invited to partake in the celebration of Christmas as believers, that God is setting a table, preparing a feast for all of His children and then many more.

Isn’t this what grace is all about?

This season, as we turn our sights toward physical preparations for the celebration that is to come, let us also prepare our hearts as simply set tables–ones that welcome without condition, without presupposition, without inflexibility. In this graceful December, I pray that we would be able and willing to add one more chair, to adjust our mindsets as easily as our place settings, and to be people of invitation and welcome, not only at holiday meals, but in our souls as we seek to fully celebrate our Savior King.

saving a place for you here,

molly madonna

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in a (honey) nutshell. (13)

At this very moment, I am eating my second smallish bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios for the day. I rarely eat cereal anymore, except, apparently, in the last six weeks or so of pregnancy (when I eat a bowl nightly to attempt avoiding 3am hunger pangs). I tried rotating in all of the super healthy, crunchy granola type cereal I’d otherwise choose, but at this point, Honey Nut Cheerios are the thing. I don’t have very many pregnancy cravings. I guess this would be the big one.

Jason is out for a run as I type this, and when he gets back, there’s Captain Sundae waiting for us in the freezer. I’m going to eat that, too…and guilt free, because we’re in the home stretch here and it sounds delicious. I pushed the dairy-free, refined sugar-free thing pretty hard for most of this pregnancy. Turns out a little slipping up here and there does not seem to impact (or cause) any re-occurring headaches at this point, so I’m cutting myself some slack. That, and my body was aching for calcium, despite all of the whole foods sources and amazing vitamins and supplements I take. Baby needs what baby needs.

And on the subject of baby, the tiniest of the bunch is currently hiccuping to get my attention. He or she has had my attention all along (and should hopefully know this by now), but this weekend has been full of attention getting behavior on the Button’s part, so it’s clear we’re gearing up for some big event in utero. I can’t imagine what that might be…

The eldest of the tiny bunch was vying for my attention tonight as well–he nearly hyperventilated upstairs from crying so hard that he “needed me.” This was not your normal cry (nor has it been for the past number of nights), but more like a full tilt panic/scream that would have any parent’s heart in a knot. We’re trying our best to strike a balance between coddling and supporting, and I think there’s a very fine line when your two year old is likely just feeling the growing pains of baby sibling’s impending arrival. H’s needs have been on this rise this past week, and as much as we adore him and want to make sure he feels loved, it’s been trying to say the least. The munchkin is now (finally) sound asleep upstairs after wearing himself out and four separate visits from mom and dad to calm things down. I’ve never learned patience to the degree that I’ve learned it in the past month. I suppose the heat had to turn up at some point as we ready ourselves for the babe on the way.

Aaaaand, lastly, as I wrap up my thoughts on the day, the nursery is 90% or more done after this weekend, and it feels amazing. I know baby wouldn’t know if it weren’t finished, but we would know, and it was getting to both of us. The only thing left is to hang the mobile above the crib and photos on the walls (and I need to go looking for a floor lamp this week if time permits). Beyond that, the projects still on the list are crafty ones that I’m committed to only if life and motherhood allow, and we’ll see what the next week or two hold. In the meantime, teensy clothes are washed, folded, and tucked into drawers, the crib is made up, bookshelves are hung and stocked full, new light fixture is in, all is in place. SO good!! Now if I would only pack a hospital bag for baby and myself, we’d be golden. Then he or she could come at any time without all of the rushing I’ve dreaded might take place. No more dreading. To do list, relatively conquered. Amen.

So that’s the report on this second to last Sunday before my due date. We’re making our way here–all of us. Each differently and dynamically, but we’re making our way.

thinking about baking a blueberry crisp, and it’s 11pm. nest much?

mm

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prep. (19)

Things have a tendency to evolve more slowly with a toddler in the house, it seems. And by “things,” I generally mean projects and cleaning and to do lists, and not so much messes or fun or shenanigans (those seem to develop quite easily, as it turns out). Such is the case with prep for baby number two, and it isn’t for lack of desire or effort. We’re just plain busier this time around. So baby’s room is taking shape little by little, and while we’re both feeling a bit impatient to get it all done, I think we’ve turned a corner on progress over the past few days.

Tonight we’re both knocking things off the list–J is outside with a dremel as I type this, filing the dresser/changing table knobs down to size. I’ve been ordering a light fixture and mobile, in between organizing baby items into the closet and clearing out clutter that’s been hiding in boxes and drawer spaces unnoticed. It feels good to be getting rid of things as we prep to take other things out of rubbermaids stowed in the attic. No doubt baby items, each with a gigantic footprint, will descend upon the house again over the next few months…pack ‘n play, bouncer, possibly a swing. It’s a beautiful reason for clutter, and yet, I’m tempted to fight it as much as possible. Streamlined kind of feels like the name of the game this time around. It’s refreshing, and working in our favor.

Soooo. I took a break from my projects to sign in here and document a little of the baby prep process for tonight. No time for a long post–just a little snapshot into this timeframe and what we’re up to with 19 days til baby’s estimated arrival date. I’ve been bargaining with this little one all week… “You stay put for another week or two and we’ll get along swimmingly…” 😉 Kidding. We’ll be thrilled to meet this sweet one whenever his or her timing allows (although the planner in me really would love the week or two I’ve been hinting at). There are lots of things you just want to be perfect in this season, you know? And since labor and delivery are such a mystery every time–always changing and throwing fun new twists into the mix, a little predictability where the nursery and house are concerned would go a long way for this mama (and the boys around here, too).

we’ll see who gets a laugh this time around. maybe i’ll be twiddling my thumbs in three weeks, wondering whether he or she will ever join us 😉 no matter. when baby is ready, baby is ready. i should probably at least pack a hospital bag at some point, hmmm? and until then, we prep on.

mm

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quotables. (21)

Today I’m incredibly thankful that it’s the weekend, and that we spent the entire day together as a family. We just needed a dose of normalcy in the midst of the crazy schedules we’ve collectively juggled over the past few weeks. It wasn’t a down day, necessarily, but we did enjoy coffee and the farmer’s market downtown this morning, burgers on the grill tonight, and a visit to the park with Henry before the day was out. We’re still checking things off of the baby prep list…and probably will be until baby arrives. I think that’s just the nature of getting ready for something big–you do as much as you can for as long as you can, and then eventually, the day is here and there’s nothing left to do but embrace its arrival. No doubt we will do so, regardless of how much or how little is done. I keep asking God to be generous with time right now, but not too generous 😉 Typical expectant mama, right?

Henry was in rare form today, and I think it was just that mom and dad were both home all day with him that did it. He was wound like a top, chatty as can be, and full of jumping, running, hopping, climbing, bouncing, shouting, testing, persuading,  and directing…all of the things you’d expect from a little boy…on overdrive. We are two exhausted parents at the end of it all, but to be fair, H kept us in stitches the entire day. He may have been acting like a handful in spurts, and yet he was delightfully entertaining. The most authentic way to represent the day, I think, is just to share some of Henry’s commentary. He never ceases to surprise me, and almost always in a good or entertaining way. From our babe’s mouth in the past sixteen-ish hours…

As we talked about the day: “​That’s a good plan!”
Heard randomly in the kitchen: “Come here, Kruger, and I’ll fix your head.”
While playing after nap time: “I like your belly, Mommy. I like that baby growing in there!”
At the dinner table tonight when offered corn: “I believe I’ll have some corn.”
Several times after Jason asked H to do something: “​You bet, buddy!”
When I asked Henry if he was done going to the bathroom: “No, I’m still pooping.”
When I asked him how much more he had to go: “Tons of poop!” (Oh, dear.)
When I told him that I was going to change his diaper: “That’s your job!”
On our way to Target tonight: “We are going to Target, and we will go see the Matchbox cars and Matchbox trucks! Here we go, here we go!”
Before bedtime, after I told him the baby would be so excited to meet him: “And I will hold the baby myself.” “Myself,” he added with emphasis. We’ll have no trouble getting him to show interest in the Button, I’m sure.
And my personal favorite from the day, in random reference to the new baby monitor (and its built in song feature) that we’re testing out before we add it to baby’s room: “I don’t like the ridiculous songs of that white camera. I don’t like that monitor.”
There are a few words lately that I can just hardly handle when Henry says them. I know his speech will change, but I wish a few words could stay the same. “Ridiculous” is one of them. I know I should never have taught him to say it, but it’s just too funny. Undoubtedly, it will backfire on me at some point. I’ll keep stifling laughter until then.
No matter what we’re up to, Henry is pretty much non-stop conversation and observation. Admittedly, there are times when I’m not sure I’ll have the energy for one more chat about cars and trucks, but inevitably, H finds a way to engage us and keep us on our toes. We are so blessed by his two year old insights, and better for the added smiles. H continues to be a deliverer of joy in our home. I can’t wait to see how God will use him in the life of his little brother or sister! This will be a sweet, sweet season for the two of them soon, as they get to know each other and to learn how to be siblings, playmates, and friends. I wonder who will be the ringleader… 😉
grateful for laughter and progress,
mm

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heat advisory. (38)

Today was Wonderful Wednesday again (they just keep coming!), so naturally, H and I had plans to go the farmer’s market, among other things. I made a long-ish list of items we needed to pick up, filled water bottles with LOTS of ice, packed H’s bag, and we were off. I was determined to be out of the house on the early side, and to return early enough that we would avoid the midday heat that’s settled around these parts for the past few days.

Truth be told, the “feels like 100 degrees” week we’re having hasn’t really phased me in my pregnant state. Sure, it’s hot, but I’m honestly not terribly bothered by the fact that it’s this warm in July. It is, after all, July. And I’m not sure I feel hotter these days than I would any other summer when we’re all doing our best to keep cool in the sun. For the most part, we can be choosey about when we’re out in the heat, we can limit our exposure if necessary, and we are fortunate enough to have air conditioning at home and in both cars, so I really can’t complain. The only place that’s tricky is work, and that’s because we sit in the front, south facing windows of a very large building that is not staying adequately cooled off this season. Not much to do about that (although a dear co-worker brought fans in to cool off the space with her pregnant friend in mind. A huge blessing!) At any rate, the temps merit mentioning, simply so I can accurately recall what the weather was doing in these last few weeks of baby carrying and such. It will be fun to look back on “that July of 2013” with fond memories of a heat wave and our braving it with joy, but I digress…

The market was deliciously beautiful as always. It was also a bit less crowded than normal (presumably the heat factor), which made pushing a stroller around much more pleasant. We gathered cherries and blueberries, peaches, potatoes, and tomatoes, carrots, maple syrup, cinnamon swirl bread (hello, french toast!), whole grain bread, peppers, an onion, a cucumber, and a quarter watermelon. Oh, and a handful of dahlias and zinnias for good measure. How could any other time of year be my favorite when we have this kind of agricultural joy at our fingertips in the summertime?! Henry was delightful company, hanging onto the flowers and making conversation with the vendors. It’s just become one of our very favorite pastimes together!

Afterwards, H declared we needed a carwash, so off to the carwash we went. I have genuinely come to revel in the quiet bliss of a three point five minute car wash. Seriously, it’s brilliant. Henry is fascinated by the brushes and sponges and water and blowers, and I’m just as happy as a clam in the front seat, peeking in the rear view mirror to watch his face and enjoying the very minimal interruption from my side of things. A car wash (and a clean car) certainly make Wonderful Wednesday more wonderful.

From there, it was off to the meat market to round out our shopping before heading home. H got a kick out of asking for every last type of meat in the case, and I stocked up on good finds for dinner and grilling over this next week. I do have some thoughts to share on the meat market and some changes taking place there, but perhaps it’s best saved for another day (and not used on a perfectly good, 100 days post;) I so love being able to drive only minutes down the road for high quality, locally farmed meat from a small business, but I think that’s all about to change. That does not make Wonderful Wednesday more wonderful, but I’m just saying…

When we got home, I did the most natural thing a pregnant mom would do after being out in the heat for a few hours. I gutted the refrigerator and cleaned it out from top to bottom. Standing in the open door of a cool fridge will help you to forget how hot you may have been slightly earlier. And besides, a clean and organized refrigerator makes a nesting mama a very happy one. The project was mildly laborious, but mostly it was just fun to tackle. H helped by taking things out of the fridge to examine them, and by keeping me company with his silliness all the while. We rounded out our W.W. morning with a Skype call to Auntie B and Miss E, which makes any day better. By nap time, we had exercised a lot of energy and were both ready for a rest. The day felt well rounded and sensible (in light of the heat advisory and the need for a little grocery run and all).

The closer we get to August 25, the more determined I am to make things count. I was reminded again tonight at worship team practice to treat every day like a miracle. Because they all are. Even when it’s hard or hot or riddled with emotion. Even then. So tonight I’m thankful for another miracle. Another day of baby kicking and Henry being two and the house needing attention. I am so blessed to have all of these things to be responsible for, truly. It may be hot outside, but I’m doing my best to keep my cool indoors. Take that, heat index!

here’s to another miraculous day tomorrow!

mm