I discovered Advent is a special time for pregnant women when two of my pregnancies were during this season. I really did identify with the pregnant Mary. For one thing I was relieved I did not go to the hospital, huge, uncomfortable and ready to deliver on the back of a donkey! I try to be grateful for big mercies. One Advent baby was born on Christmas Eve and the second, my youngest child, on Jan. 7, still in the Christmas season.
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We had just moved to our new farm with a larger house since I was expecting our ninth child. The oldest children attended a small Catholic school with 10 grades from junior kindergarten to grade 8.
One day in December, the priest led an Advent reflection in the gym and asked the children,
“Who is waiting for the birth of a new brother or sister this Advent?”
Five hands went up.
“Oh, my isn’t this wonderful”, the priest exclaimed, “So many of you are joining in with Mary, waiting for the birth of a baby!”
Then a voice yelled out, “No Father, those are all Juneau kids with their hands raised!”
Mary must have experience what all mothers experience the moment Jesus was born, but I imagine her joy was even more profound as all the angels rejoiced around them.
As for me, I forgot my exhaustion and pain the moment I held my newborn. A surge of motherly love rose up in my heart combined with a sense of awe at the miracle of creation as I examined tiny, perfectly formed fingers and toes.
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There was something about my baby’s open, trusting gaze that literally drew love from me. My newborn could see clearly for about 8″, just far enough to focus intently on my face. It was almost as if the initiative to bond came from my son first, especially when I consider his fierce hand grip as he clutched my clothing.To ensure that I fed him, he was born with a powerful rooting reflex and a cry that literally triggered the let-down reflex for my milk, soaking my clothes if I did not start nursing quickly enough.My baby did not even have a sense of himself apart from me for the first year, his whole identity was intricately entwined with mine.
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I am sure Mary and the Infant Jesus bonded in a similar way. No wonder she is the Mediatrix of all graces.
ADVENT PRAYER
God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy, so that we may share his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Published by melanie jean juneau
Melanie Jean Juneau serves as the Editor in Chief of Catholic Stand. She is a mother of nine children who has edited her kid's university term papers for over a decade. She blogs at joy of nine9 and mother of nine9. Her writing is humorous and heart warming; thoughtful and thought-provoking. Part of her call and her witness is to write the truth about children, family, marriage and the sacredness of life. Melanie is the administrator of ACWB, a columnist at CatholicLane, CatholicStand, Catholic365 , CAPC, author of Echoes of the Divine and Oopsy Daisy, and coauthor of Love Rebel: Reclaiming Motherhood.
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One day in December, the priest led an Advent reflection in the gym and asked the children,
joy of nine9 
Sweet and lovely as usual. Love the pictures. My friend Monique is due on Dec. 28th, so I’ll forward this to her!
Anna
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sweet and lovely comment as usual- a balm to my soul
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You’re so good at making me smile. The ultrasound photo
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Sorry…sent too early…I was saying the ultrasound photo is bittersweet for me, because it makes me think of my little Josephine, but at the same time the halo is a beautiful reminder that she is in Heaven with the Christ child this Christmas.
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I was thinking of you when I wrote this. It is so hard to let an infant go to God. Did I share my experience of holding on to grief over a miscarriage…
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A Miscarriage: A Soul Acknowledged then Released
https://melaniejeanjuneau.wordpress.com/2014/09/24/a-miscarriage-a-soul-acknowledged-then-released/
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I think so…I read your post about really having 10kids, and needing to really acknowledge that to let your little one, the 7th I think, go to Heaven. To embrace and at the same time to let go…it’s a funny mystery this life. It helps me to remember that great suffering is a call to greatness of some kind…a call to share in God’s work and comfort our fellow travellers on the way. Like you are with me…thanks for being so attentive!
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may you be wrapped in our Lady’s embrace and comforted
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Thank you, Melanie! God bless you!
Anna
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I am in my 4th month of pregnancy. My last child was born 10 years ago and I did not think I would be having any more! I am truly soaking up every moment of this pregnancy and immersing myself in every baby movement, every emotion, every craving, etc.
One of my dear friends, in her excitement over my news, talked about what a beautiful time Advent is to be carrying a new life and to reflect on Mary’s experience. Your post has touched my heart, Thank you!
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beautiful- thank-you for taking time to comment
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What is the name of and who painted the picture of pregnant Mary in this post? I can’t find the attribution anywhere on the page?
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sorry about that- the artist paints ProLife Art by Nellie Edwards
her website is http://www.paintedfaith.net/
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I enjoyed your article Melanie. Prayers for a grace-full Christmas to you and your ample family!
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love your art
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Melanie, having had one of my sons on Christmas Day, I can also relate to your post – and the idea of gratitude for not traveling to the delivery on a donkey! Is there any way to share the photos individually? I’d love to make the sonogram picture my Facebook cover photo for the next few days. It’s so touching!
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would it help if I emailed them to you- I will do that right now
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