Marriage Convalidation January 14, 2012

Last summer, Gregg and I started RCIA so we could get Confirmed in the Catholic Church. Both of us grew up in Catholic families, had completed Baptism and our First Communion, but neither of us had been Confirmed. As time passed, and Marek grew inside of me, I felt an even greater connection to the relationship I was building with God and the values we were setting for our home.

As our RCIA class began discussing Confirmation, we were told that we must have our marriage Convalidated before we could be Confirmed. Gregg and I were married with just our parents at a small bed and breakfast near Fort Rucker. Our minister, Cam, was a great man who officiated over our wedding. Well, as any good Catholic knows, you must also have your marriage recognized by the Church!

Father Butera let us know that the Convalidation could be as large, or intimate, as we wanted. We opted to have a very intimate setting. Our families had just flown to Alabama to meet Marek, we were still juggling doctor's appointments for Marek, and we knew we wanted to have the Convalidation about our personal relationship with God over all else.

Justin and Theresa were our witnesses for our small ceremony. Though it was quick, it was beautiful. Saying our vows again left us both near tears and having an almost private audience with our Priest as he blessed our marriage was extremely moving.

Now we have two wedding anniversaries to celebrate! Our first anniversary is June 25, 2010...the day we were married in the civil sense and  January 14, 2012...the date our marriage was officially Blessed.

First Day Back at Work

Well, the big day has arrived...the day I had to go back to work! For eleven weeks I was anxious to get back to my routine, my career, and the amazing friends I have made at Pathway. At the same time, I felt a lot of guilt about leaving Marek. After many prayers and confiding in Gregg, my family, and my friends, I decided that I would return to work for about 6 weeks (until Gregg graduates and we head to Savannah). I researched various childcare options, including daycare and an in-home option. Luckily, Gregg's brother, Justin, his wife, Theresa, and their children PCSed here. Not only are we excited to spend a  few months with family, Theresa sweetly offered to keep Marek for that little while!

I have always believed that God steps in when we need Him...and He helped me through a tough time once again when we were able to leave Marek with Justin and Theresa. Knowing that Marek is with family who love him has helped me feel more confident leaving him with someone else.

The first day was the hardest. Gregg was up at 4 am to get ready for work. I was up at 5am to get a shower in before Marek woke up. Gregg was out by 5:30 am and I sat down with a cup of coffee to enjoy my little time to myself for the day. When 6 am came around, Marek was up to get changed and to eat a small bottle. By 6:45 am I was out the door to bring Marek to Theresa...then off to work. I pulled in at 7:45am and knew it would be a long week!

Marek off to Theresa's for that first day...

Everyone was so supportive at work. I was able to spend most of the day getting situated and catching up with my co-workers. Anytime I seemed to have some down-time, my supervisor sweetly kept me occupied so I couldn't get too anxious about being away from home.

As the days have gone by (and I just completed my first full week of work), I am starting to hit my stride. I love being a mom and Marek is my world, but I am also proud to be a therapist who helps adolescents, a professional woman in our society, and an equal "bread winner" in the home. I have begun to really understand that I should not feel guilty because I love my family AND working. I remember admiring my mom because she went to work everyday and ensured we had food on our table. I always knew I wanted to have a career that I could be proud of. I have that career....I love counseling. Now, my life is even more complete because I am also a wife and a mother. I never imagined I could feel so blessed...but here I am...living the most amazing life. God truly is good!

Marek's First Christmas

Marek was originally due December 13th. Well, our Christmas baby made an early entrance so we excitedly celebrated Christmas with our two month old! He had a cute little outfit from Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Swanson and a ton of presents...but little Mr. Marek was a sleepy baby! He came in and out of naps all day and shared some sweet smiles. No complaints here...holidays are meant for relaxing with family!

This was the first Christmas I have not traveled home. It was sad to miss my mom during the holiday, but Gregg and I were excited to start some of our own traditions. Growing up is so bittersweet! 


My favorite Christmas elf!

Two months old - 12/24/11