Our St. Patrick Baby

Twelve years ago today, we brought our St. Patrick's Day baby into this world.  Though he gave us quite a scare, we thank God he's with us today.  Doesn't every Mom have a "delivery story" or two to share?  Well, this little guy, my second child, was my biggest delivery story!  He had shoulder dystocia, meaning his head came out but his shoulders got stuck.  We joked (much later) that he'd be our little football player.  Well, sure enough he has grown to love this game. {With zero prompting from us!}

I can still hear the loud bellowing order from the OB for me to "PUSH!"  The yanking of our little guy tore me to timbuktu but I'll spare you the gory details on that part.  Because his head was out for a longer period than his body, he entered this world limp, blue, and not breathing.  No sooner than the OB hollered for another Dr., a whole team of help arrived within seconds.  I lay paralyzed, staring at the ceiling as my husband left my side to tend to our lifeless son.  Though it seemed like hours, the team of Doctors, by the grace of God, worked their wonder.  My baby's cry broke the silence of my heart and tears of joy poured forth.  His middle name came to be Patrick, after the heroic missionary saint, whose feast we also celebrate today.  

God Bless you, son.  May you always be a warrior for Christ!

Laser Tag (dual) Birthday Party~Army Theme

We always "go green" for Army Dude's  birthday and St. Patrick's Feast Day.  Since my husband is adopted, we don't know his heritage,  but we have a hunch that there just might be some Irish roots!  Our tradition is green breakfast, that includes green chocolate chip pancakes...This year we cut out shamrock shapes in honor of St. Patrick's teaching of the trinity.

Our St. Patrick Birthday decor also included some shamrock/trinity shaped balloons!

Here's a close-up:

We have a few more plans to sprinkle green throughout our day, ending with an Irish dinner. Thankfully, Army Dude loves Corned Beef and Cabbage so that is his traditional birthday dinner.  We always look forward to reading about St. Patrick and watching the movie, a family favorite!

For dessert ... "Hills of Ireland" Sundaes!

I also posted these over at Catholic Cuisine.

Mint Chip Ice Cream

Whipped Cream

Sprinkles

Shamrock cookies

Birthday Blessings to our St. Patrick Baby!

This is a shortened version of the Breastplate of St. Patrick:
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.