Introducing our new son!

July 15, 2021

Posted 09/12

In the early morning hours July 12th, my new SON was placed in my arms. I had a feeling from the start, that this baby was going to be full of the unexpected! I’ve decided to keep this birth story in it’s sacred place between my family and I this time, but I did want to share a few glimpses at his first few days of life. These moments that feel like you can touch the thin veil between heaven and earth, and that bring you to your knees feeling undeserving of such a gift.

We chose to name him Augustine Jude (pronounced ‘Uh-gus-tin’), is a name that was placed on my heart from the early weeks of pregnancy. Two saints we admire. The meaning of Augustine is “magnificent” which seems fitting to what this little one has taught me already about what it means to trust God in the unforseen curves in your life. His brothers and sisters already call him “Gus.”

“When we see the face of God we shall know that we have always known it. He has been a party to, has made, sustained and moved moment by moment within, all our earthly experiences of innocent love.” – C.S. Lewis

Augustine’s birth was one of the most peace filled births we have gotten to experience. (Thank you epidural!) It was very different from my last birth experience. In a way I knew it was exactly as it should be for this time in our lives. I was able to receive him in a place of deep gratitude and awareness.

Seeing the kids greet and welcome him home was of course one of the best moments of life for me. Knowing that he is an irreplaceable part of their lives and they a part of his. Cannot get over the eagerness they each have had to hold and dote on him….

(The kids made Gus this welcome home sign.)

We are now in the adjustment days at home. Since we don’t have much family in town Gabe has been managing the crew while I try to rest and recover. He could use a week long nap and a cold brew! I admire him so much for the way he cares for us.

We are really grateful to the IHOD community for the love and support you have shown us throughout our family story. Thank you so much!

Joy Prouty is the talented photographer and videographer who captured these moments exactly how they felt for us.

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Denise
says:

July 15, 2021 at 10:49 pm

Beautiful baby, beautiful name! Congratulations! Little Chiara’s face as a big sister…. so special.

Reply
Emily
says:

July 15, 2021 at 10:55 pm

Congratulations! What a blessing! Thank you Jesus for a healthy baby❤️

Reply
Carrie
says:

July 16, 2021 at 1:16 am

That family photo is the best 💕

Glad you had a good delivery and Gabe to give you rest.

Enjoy the love and cuddles

Reply
Tiffany Rowan
says:

July 16, 2021 at 4:00 am

Joy, thank you for these family photos! And thank you Anna and Gabe for not opening the envelope so we can be surprised. Welcome, Gus! We love your namesake!

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Sarah
says:

July 16, 2021 at 4:04 am

Overjoyed for your family! I’m pregnant with baby number four and praying for a peaceful birth as well. Watching your gratitude for God’s greatest gifts (your children) is an encouragement to witness! Gus, you are one loved little boy!

Reply
Rachel
says:

July 16, 2021 at 12:35 pm

Your family is magnificent, Anna. Such holiness radiates from all of you and how you love each other. Sending many prayers your way! Welcome to the world sweet Augustine!

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Ana Hahn says:

July 16, 2021 at 1:52 pm

Anna he is absolutely beautiful and such a gorgeous pictures! We welcomed baby #7 on the 8th, also a boy! I’d been on the lookout to see your announcement since I knew we were due around the same time. We are so blessed! So many congratulations!!

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Christy
says:

July 16, 2021 at 5:01 pm

Congratulations! You and your family are a light to the world. Thank you for sharing!

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josee
says:

July 16, 2021 at 5:29 pm

Praise God for Augustine and for your family!

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Pat Schwab
says:

July 17, 2021 at 12:07 am

Welcome to the world Augustine Jude.

Reply
Ellen
says:

July 23, 2021 at 11:37 am

He’s so sweet! Congratulations and im glad the birth was more peaceful for you. We are expecting #4 in a few months and it is a delight to see our now older kids enjoy this baby on a whole new level.

Reply
AnneMarie says:

August 11, 2021 at 9:04 pm

Congratulations! What a precious baby and what a great name! I’m so glad it was a peaceful birth experience, too 🙂

Reply
Celeste Wertz
says:

August 15, 2021 at 9:49 pm

Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful son, Augustine. Thank you for sharing your life’s journey with us in a truly Catholic way. My God bless all of you.

Reply
Brandalynn Lindstrom
says:

April 2, 2023 at 5:57 pm

Hello Anna!

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Brandalynn Lindstrom
says:

April 2, 2023 at 6:17 pm

Hello Anna!
I came across your blog just yesterday on Pinterest when I was looking at some large family photo’s; I saw yours a few times, my heart was filled with joy at all the love I saw, I clicked and found my way here! I spent a decent hour of my weekend chill time in finding out your and your lovely families story, as many parts of it resonated with me- and it felt like reading a book haha! And a beautiful one at that <3 And before I move along, I thought I would comment, for I feel a kinship with you who I shall never meet, but who is indeed a sister in Christ <3 I too am a Lord-loving, undeserving Mom of many; I too have a Godly husband who has been and is all and more to me than I ever imagined or hoped for, I too lost and mourned a sweet baby, and then had a healing and miracle rainbow baby after (sunnyside and hardest birth as well!), I too am humbled and filled with tears at the honor and labour of motherhood, I too have (currently) four sons to raise up for the Lord, and right now I am in the midst of my 8th pregnancy, which if the Lord so wills will give us 7 precious children in our home. I see throughout and between the lines your love for the Lord, and that He has done so much for you, and tears fill my eyes for He has done such for me too; how beautiful that He is at work all over the world, in lives we shall never know, redeeming and healing and loving??? Blessings to you and your family; and blessed, oh blessed be the name of the One True Lord of us all <3 Maranatha!

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