My Sleeping Beauties

Madge and Pita,
My two sleeping beauties (I have another one, but I don't know if I should call him/her "pansome" or "a beauty" :) Every night I love to see you asleep, so snug and sweet in your bed. Madge, each night we come into your room to turn off your angel night light and kiss you one last kiss good night. That is one of my favorite moments, those kisses! Dad always teases me by telling me "No kisses," saying that I will wake you, but either way, I have to get that last one in. You still have those sweet lips that were overflowing from your sweet face the moment you arrived into this world. Peach, the other night you had such an adorable posture in bed-- what a little babes. Dad was telling me this morning that when you woke up in the middle of the night he went to get you from your bed and you were just calling, "Mo-mmie! Mo-mmie!" I love you so much, my sweet girls. Whether awake or asleep, you give me a big smile.

My Best Friend

A few weeks back when my Mom was out here visiting she was kind to stay with the girls one evening and put them to bed while Caleb and I went out on a date to a dinner theatre just down the road. We had a wonderful time together just talking, enjoying dinner and a really good show The Christmas Carol. The neat thing about this theatre is that the waiters are actors in the play. So, before going on stage they take intermission drink orders since they come back out to serve before returning to the performance. Caleb, remember how cold it was that night? That first cup of decaf coffee totally hit the spot... so nice! Most of all, thank you for taking me out on such a special date just minutes from home. It was so nice being with you and so nice having such a short drive in our return to our munchkins. That was our first date with this baby, just a threesome. I loved every moment.

Sweet Little Baby

Dear Little One,

What a delight you are and I give God thanks for your life growing within me. (You are now 15 weeks in life--16 weeks tomorrow, Sunday January 31, 2010) You have been moving so much, and there is nothing like the reassurance of your movements that tell me all is well in there. I know that your angel is there with you, just like the little baby in the Angel in the Waters book that your Aunt and Uncle gave biggest sister Maddy who loves to read it. You biggest sister Maddy and bigger sister Pita absolutely love kissing you and talking to you. Whenever Pita hears one of us say, "tummy" or "baby" she immediately begins smacking her lips together and coming to give you a kiss in my tummy. You have brought so much peace and joy to our lives this far. I have no idea what God has in store for you in the months and years to come. All I do know is that every day with you is a gift. We will take that gift and give thanks.

More Snow and Warm Times Inside

This morning snow began falling, and it is beautiful. There were three cardinals in the tree that hangs over our backyard, and then a blue jay arrived. The girls are enjoying the outdoors by sitting at the bay window in the kitchen and looking out to the flurries that keep coming down so beautifully. How thankful we are to be indoors, warm. We pray for those who have no home or who are fighting to keep warm in the home they do have.

Photos from the Visit of Caleb's Family

Caleb's family was in town over the weekend for the March for Life. Below are some photos from our time together. Some of our best memories include: evening games (Pictionary, Tripoli, 10 to 1), visiting the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the cousins enjoying their every minute together, the March for Life, visiting the National Zoo, catching dinner at 5 Guys. Twas lovely. Thanks, everyone for coming out! We loved our time together!

We are Pro-Life! January 22, 2010

We joined the estimated 300,000 people marching for the voiceless. It was a memorable miracle that, even with an 80% chance of rain, the day was dry and sunny. Thank you, God.

This is serious...so, don't laugh...

Skiddely... Italy--What's the Difference?

We were just down in the basement where our huge floor mat of the world is. Madge was jumping onto different countries asking, "Who lives here, Mom?" I would try and think if we knew someone living in such and such a country, etc. Then, she jumped to the next country, and said, "Skiddely lives here!" It was Italy. He-he! I love you, Madge. I bet in Skiddely they serve those little candies that you've had before and like.. Wait, what do you call them. Oh, yeah, "Skwiddles." I think Skiddely might have those Italian Skwiddles!

To Our Little Pookie in Utero

Dear Little One,

We love you! You turned 15 weeks old (sort of, since you were conceived) a couple days ago. Congrats. You've come a long way, baby.

This past week we were able to feel you moving about for the first time. You were like a hard lump on right hand side of Mom's abdomen. One evening before her bedtime, your big sister Madge was able to feel you move. She became so excited and said, "Mom, my little baby is smiling at me." I suppose you were...

We can't wait to meet you, Little One. We have so much love that we want to share with you. Your other big sister, Pita, goes off anytime we say the word "baby." She immediately runs to wherever Mom is, lifts up Mom's shirt to unveil the little bump you are and kisses Mom's tummy. "Baby" is now like Pavlov's bell for her. In a word, she can't wait to meet you, too!

Mom insists that you are a boy. I believe that you are a little girl. Although we could find out at an upcoming sonogram, we've decided to keep your sex a surprise for the time being. (Can't say we won't change our minds, but we're pretty much decided at this point.) Keep growing, Little One. We love you.

Love,
Dad

Dad, I just want you to hold me!

Dear Madge,

Thanks for bringing me back yesterday. You taught me an important lesson.

When I got home from work, I initiated an art project with you. I figured it would be a fun way for us to spend time together. I missed you all day at work and looked forward to being with you. After a few minutes on the project, you took a break and began to lean on my shoulder. I asked you if you wanted to do the project with me, since it would be a fun time together. You replied in tears, "Dad, I just want you to hold me." I promptly stopped the project. We went over to sit in the big maroon chair in the living room. I held you on my lap. That worked for me. It was so nice just to hold you, my arms wrapped tightly around you as laid your head on my chest. In the midst of busyness, projects, trying to get work done, productivity, fun activities, etc., there is always room--no, the need--to just hold one another.

I love you. Your mom and I fall in love with you more and more with each passing day. You are our joy and our delight.

Love,
Dad

A Technological Silving Lining

As we know, most tools are value-neutral. The ways in which the tools are used give the tools a certain value. In light of the cultural and moral onslaught that has accompanied the technological revolution of the past decade, it's nice to see the silver linings from time to time.

Apparently, there's basically a natural family planning (NFP) application for iPhones. A recent article details how a British couple was able to conceive thanks to the use of this app. Not that paper and pen won't do the trick, but for the modern and tech savvy generations, there's an app now for NFP. Let's see if the diocesan NFP classes begin using this as a teaching tool!

Miss Madeleine Ballerina

Today was Maddy's first ballet class, and she was so excited to start. Last night she got out of bed and started to come down the stairs. When I met her part-way, she asked, "Is it almost Tuesday?" (She was super ready for ballet.) This morning she was showing Pita how she should go up on her toes and hold her hands to do ballet. Madge, you looked so sweet and pretty today... with your leotard on, skirt, little pink ballet shoes and bun- so petite! I peeked in before your class started and you were looking in the mirror with Moi holding her hand and all the girls were holding hands in a circle. When we talked about your class last week you said, "Mom, I'll need you to help me on stage." I told you that you wouldn't be headed to your premiere yet. :0) (You love to put on your own plays.. and love theatrical performances in general... so the stage is on your mind!) The other day, Madge, you asked, "Who will be my teacher, Mom. Will it be you?" No, not this time. But, I can't wait to practice with you. I love you, Miss.

White House (West Wing) Tour

Towards the end of November, we went with our friends Tom, Rebekah and Moira for a tour of the West Wing of the White House. My friend, Neal, who works for the White House, gave us a personal tour. Mr. Obama was out in China at the time, so we had the Oval Office to ourselves...he, he, he.

Madge and Moi had a grand time, as did the rest of us. Below are some photos. One of the benefits of working in our nation's capital.

Big Sister, Little Sister

Big sister, little sister, a love that is so strong. Big sister, little sister, best friends all year long. (Taken from Big Sister, Little Sister).

Madge and Pita, I love you so much and it makes me so happy to see how much you love being together. Pita, you get so excited to see your big sister awake from her nap, and you go around trying to call Maddy, "Ma-aa!" Maddy, today Pita bumped her head and you squatted down and asked, "Did you bump your chin or your head, and then you kissed her boo-boo. I love you, two. You crack each other up, and you do the same for me and Daddy.

The Signs

Thank God for the signs of pregnancy... like today: a bowl of stew at 8:50am. It's noon somewhere!

The CosmOclan Expands!

We're excited to announce that the CosmOclan is growing! Our little one is due on July 19. Six more months to go. Madge and Pita are showering Mare's tummy with kisses throughout the day. (I will have to post some pics and videos of that one.) Here are some photos from our last ultrasound. We appreciate prayers for this pregnancy as there have already been some bumps along the road. We experience profound peace in knowing that the process and plan are in the hands of someone much more powerful and knowledgeable than us!

Pictures from our Big Snowfall (2 weeks ago now)