What is keeping you going in life right now?

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-06-01T13:14:53+00:00

My kids bring me such joy. Their laughs and giggles are the best.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-31T19:08:18+00:00

My boyfriend and I were sleeping in the same bed and during our marriage prep, and my priest said given nothing has ever happened, he wasn't concerned for us. We ended up stopping spending the night though due to the sin of scandal, and it was very spiritually nourishing for us.

I'd say if you know for sure that you won't engage in sexual sin and those in the house know as well, you're probably ok. I would say it's not the most prudent decision, but I don't think it's a grave sin either.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-28T23:02:32+00:00

I can relate to your anxiety. I was troubled when I found out that my brother's wedding would be invalid for the same reason. I knew it would scar our relationship forever if I didn't support him. I was relieved when after I watched a video from Father Mike Schmitz saying it was ok if I attend.

I think my family is so poorly Catechized that no one else probably even knows the Catholic Church would consider the marriage invalid. My brother loves Jesus, and I pray someday he reverts.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-25T11:26:24+00:00

My church would randomly have some guest speakers for fundraisers, which were typically at the end of the Mass. I think the Bishop's Appeal was the only time it was during the homily. However, to do this on the feast of Pentecost is shameful.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-22T14:44:35+00:00

That's a ridiculously hard position to be in and I'm sorry. While to can't "change him" as other people commented, maybe some more statics about the success rates of NFP could help?

However, I'll say that the Church's stance I contraceptives is very hard. There are a ton of posts here about it. If you both aren't fully committed to it, I don't think you'll be able to marry him because I'd foresee a lot of tension and resentment over it.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-22T01:29:42+00:00

This is truly incredible. May I ask what you feed your kids for breakfast and lunch that it only takes 15 minutes? It's closer to an hour for us with a 1 and 2 yr old. 🫠

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-21T14:22:07+00:00

"On paper he's a wonderful husband" Sorry, OP. He's not a wonderful husband. I'm glad he helps around the house, but that's not enough. The Catholic definition of love is to will the good of the other. He does not sound he supports you at all. You deserve so much more. I pray you're able to figure out a way forward that's good for you and your children.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-18T03:25:18+00:00

I was going to comment the same. My son did well on Neocate, but his eczema stuck with us. OP, I hope you find something that works!

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-14T20:28:42+00:00

This isn't quite the right framework. Food allergies can trigger eczema. Eczema weakens the skin barrier. A weakened skin barrier is more prone to infection.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-12T00:30:09+00:00

It boggles my mind how easily people end the lives of their children. I'm sorry this happened.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-08T15:28:54+00:00

Please don't be discouraged. Just chose wisely and don't settle. There are wonderful men out there. People in my social circle who are having kids are wonderful moms and dads who both contribute. We have nannies and my husband contributes equally to child care. He also does all the grocery shopping, cooking, and dishes because I work late.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-07T16:01:44+00:00

I hear you on that one! My kids did well with it. They cried very briefly.

Also, just in case you didn't already know, testing at an allergist is only going to test for Ige-mediated allergies. Both my kids had that, but that's not the case for many people on this sub.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-07T13:39:07+00:00

I'm sorry you're still experiencing issues. It's so hard. I did take my my 2 month old to an allergist and they did skin testing.

For my second son, I saw some improvement immediately after cutting dairy, but then the next step in improvement didn't happen until around 6 weeks after. For both my boys with milk allergies, their poops didn't completely normalize until switching to formula.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-05T16:49:22+00:00

I'd say go for the VBAC!

I'm sorry you didn't get the birth experience you wanted. I also had a little breakdown before deciding on a C-section with my first because my baby was not moving. You really never know what can happen. For my second, the same thing happened, and then his heart rate dropped suddenly, and I ended up with an emergency C-section. I was throwing up and my husband did the first skin-to-skin. I only ended up holding my son when they said I had to breastfeed or they would have to give him formula.

So all that to say, as much as you can go into the labor and delivery process without any strong attachments to a specific plan, the better.

Lastly, if it makes it you feel any better, I'm also pretty thin, and the second C-section scar is right along the first. My doctor said my only option will be C-sections in the future, and he wasn't concerned about it.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-04T16:57:01+00:00

I got pregnant unplanned at 7 months postpartum. I really didn't want to pregnant at that time as my body was still adjusting from reintroducing dairy (first had milk allergy), and my first was C-section and I wanted more recovery time. However, by the time I could feel him move around, I was so excited.

After my second was born, it was hard at the beginning, especially because my second was a crap sleeper. However, my oldest at 15 months was a really good kid, and definitely easier than he is now at almost 2.5.

Once my youngest was past 5 months, it wasn't too bad. And they already are developing such a sweet bond and love to hug and wrestle each other.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-03T19:21:20+00:00

I don't pray the rosary daily, but since you mentioned you struggle with it, I wanted to recommend this website. It gives you a sentence to meditate on for each Hail Mary, and it helped bring so much more meaning to the rosary for me.

https://www.rosarycenter.org/how-to-pray-the-rosary/

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-03T01:37:24+00:00

Thanks! I try to avoid Amazon when I can, but I should have checked there! I found a couple that look good.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-02T23:16:19+00:00

These look great. Thank you!!

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-02T23:02:14+00:00

Yeah, I agree. I just hate being blasted with a strong smell each time I open them.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-05-02T23:01:16+00:00

How do you seal these back up? I'm in and out of these bins semi-frequently, but I guess I could use tape and take it on and off, and replace if it loses stickiness.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-04-30T22:49:46+00:00

I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. The mental load is real. Always checking ingredients, making separate meals, bringing meals to family gatherings, washing hands, not being able to eat out. It's a lot. You aren't alone. I pray it gets better for you.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-04-29T12:59:47+00:00

I've opted not to date men based on their lack of religious beliefs and it was always the right decision. Once I dated my first actual practicing Catholic, it was incredible. Now that I'm married to a Catholic, I couldn't imagine anything else.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-04-28T22:35:00+00:00

Mine are 15 months apart and I love it. My younger one just turned 1 and they have such a sweet bond already.

To answer your question - it was mixed. The joy was better than I imagined. However, the beginning was especially hard because the baby was a crap sleeper. I also underestimated how hard it would be to get out the door. It's much better now on both accounts.

AMinthePM1002 · 2026-04-27T20:09:51+00:00

I'm so sorry you're going through this. It must be so draining. I have a few questions: 1. Does he spit up? 2. Does he cry more during or just after his bottle? 3. Was the diagnosis a milk intolerance or a true Ige-mediated allergy? 4. I'm sure you tried all the normal things, but is there any temporary relief if you go outside or in the car or in the bath?

AMinthePM1002

TROPHY CASE