eleven months

Only one month to go 'til our baby turns ONE. Unfathomable.

She's the most verbal of our three, at that age, trying to mimic the sounds she hears. She's been warbling precious things like "Wow," "bobble" (bottle) and "Moo moo" when she sees a cow or hears their name. It's nice that she can finally communicate some of her wants. Except for when it's at 12:30 am, and she sees her brother and Mom in the same bedroom and wants to play and say "Hi" for an hour and a half.

While at my parents' this past week, it was all we could do to keep her from shooting up the stairs. When she sensed someone in her hot pursuit, she made haste to get in a few more steps. Thank goodness for gates now that we're back home. She's working on her balance and has stood by herself (though I don't think it was to her knowledge) for three or so seconds. She's not far from making steps on her own, but I'm not encouraging it. I'm reveling in her still somewhat-immobility while it lasts.

Her little antics and effervescence just make us all happy. She really is just so sweet and smiley and pleasantly animated. And we're blessed to have such a sweetiedoll.

From 04/29/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/29/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/29/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/29/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/29/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/29/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/29/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

keep Generation Cedar in your prayers

I have read Kelly's blog regularly for years. Yesterday, her family's home, which they built themselves a couple of years ago, was ripped away from them right over their heads by a tornado. Their family business of wedding production was also run out of their home, and so a huge source of income has been halted. On top of it, their ninth child was born this month, and her father suffered a heart-attack the morning of the tornado, which turned out to be non-life-threatening. Fortunately, the family has an amazingly strong faith to carry them through this time of devastation, but they could definitely use your prayers. A support fund has been set up for them and other families who were affected by the tornado here.

killing time

The kids and I took advantage of the GORgeous weather this morning, tromping around in the garden, planting a ton of seeds, watching the birdies, talking to the neighbors' dogs... you know. It feels like a summer day out there. I'm only in here waiting for the stirrings of wee ones so we can head back out. They need to unleash some energy, as Mike is usually the one to encourage that when he gets home from work, and his plane took off at 7 this morning-- he'll be in Cali all week. Bummer. We're using it as an excuse to hang out at Mimi and PopPop's house, though, and the kids are totally psyched about that. Except that Uncle Tay and his cat won't be there. Another bummer.

I hear someone waking...

Happy Easter!

The goodies.

From 04/23/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/23/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/23/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/24/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/24/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/24/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

They were out of their church clothes (at least mostly) and jumping again as soon as we returned from Mass (we hurried to get ready for the 8 am so we'd be able to find a seat-- though Father Victor assured us we'd have our seats back again next week. He tells it like it is).

From 04/24/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

We celebrated with a yummy breakfast of fruit, french toast casserole and scrambled eggs,

From 04/24/2011 (by Eye-Fia

and then hosted a small egg hunt around the house.

From 04/24/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/24/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

Iris: "All I want is my fair share."

From 04/24/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/24/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

Sporting her Mama-made booties

From 04/24/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/24/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/24/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/24/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

He is Risen! ALLELUIA!!

preparing for Easter (baskets)

We dyed Easter eggs this afternoon before naps. This event always reminds me of spending Easter at my grandmother Honey's house in North Carolina. We'd go all out making "stained glass" and glitter eggs-- all of which required a lot more effort and mess than I think we're up for just yet. But the kids were thrilled to partake in the process and were eager to pick which colors they wanted for their eggs.

From 04/23/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

Enthralled by the fizzing

From 04/23/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

Aren't they spring-y?

From 04/23/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

Abigail did help. She just happened to be polishing off her lunch on the other side of the table.

***************

For the kids' Easter baskets, I made them each a Mass bag for which to carry their own church books and rosaries (also in their baskets). Every time we go to church, the oldest two (and sometimes now Iris) are always foraging through the diaper bag for church books, finding instead things like snacks and water and my wallet, which we don't encourage them to have during Mass and adoration. So now, we can do without the treasure-box of a diaper bag, and they can each be ecstatic to go to Mass because they have their own electrifying bags specifically for that purpose!! (we're working on it)

From 04/23/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/23/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

And I finally finished Iris' soft shoes that I'd been wanting to make for her-- especially now that walking seems imminent. My friend Julia kindly passed along this pattern from Tacky Living. I've actually made two pair-- the first I made inside-out (thank you, long-gone-mind). And the second turned out pretty sweet. I tried them on her, and they fit, but I think she'll probably grow out of them soon. They were easy enough to make, and I may attempt leather for the exteriors next time. I had the thick fleece for the lining and the exterior fabric on hand, and the soles are made from a big piece of scrap suede for which I blartered some extra fabric (blarter.blogspot.com: an awesome, gem of a site, if you're into homemade).

From 04/23/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

a shot of the cozy lining before turning them inside-out

From 04/23/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/23/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

WCN fundraising update

The ladies at the Women's Choice Network have conveniently set up a drop-down preference for my half-marathon fundraiser under "Purpose of Gift," so if you'd like to support the cause, you can do so easily through their webpage. Apparently I gave wrong information about writing checks, so if you would rather write a check than donate online, please contact me (kelliemryan(at)gmail(dot)com). Thanks again!

finished vest

From 04/21/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/21/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

I showed it to him this morning, and apparently it wasn't quite the build-up he was looking for. So he insisted that I have him close his eyes and count before yelling "surprise!" (At which he screamed in glee). He was excited to wear it to Maundy Thursday prayer service this morning. What a lovebug.

marathoning for The Womens Choice Network

I'm getting a late start this year in my marathon fundraising (I'm running in the Pittsburgh half this year on May 15th), but better late than never! I'm hoping to raise funds for an organization where I volunteered when I was pregnant with Jack: The Women's Choice Network of Pittsburgh, a pro-life faith-based ministry whose mission is to empower abortion-vulnerable women to choose life. They do free pregnancy tests and sonograms, as well as provide material assistance and educational programs. You can learn more about their ministry at http://www.mypregnancycenter.org/. Please consider giving any amount toward helping them do the work of saving lives. Checks can be made payable to The Women's Choice Network and mailed to me (contact below for address), or if you prefer to donate electronically, you can do so on the aforementioned site (If you donate through the site, let me know if you wouldn't mind so I can have in idea of how much has been raised through this effort- kelliemryan(at)gmail(dot)com).

Thank you for your support, and God bless!

Yarn Along- Tyrannosaurus-Vest

From 04/13/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

Jack's dinosaur sweater vest still needs armband ribbing and side seams, but it came together super fast. I made my own pattern chart for the T-rex, which I'd tweak a little if I were to do it again, but I'm sure it'll look a little better once I adjust the tension in some of the color-changes and block it. In the end, I suspect he'll still gush over it, as with all things T-Rex. I'm reading some photography books from the library, as my incredible, thoughtful, generous (...) husband spoiled me with a new DSLR camera (among other things) for my birthday yesterday, and I'm actually going to learn my way around its functions this time. Confusing, they are.

And I finished Iris' shrug a few days ago. It fits and suits her well. I think hers will remain buttonless, as I like it that way (and who has time for buttons anyway?).

From 04/16/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/16/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/16/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

Joining Ginny's Yarn Along.

coming around

From 04/17/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

Our middle child has been an independent, resolute little sprite from the beginning. And it's no secret that she and I have butted heads many a time along the way (literally and figuratively). I have been and remain certain that there is much value in her willfulness and that, if directed rightly, it will serve her well in her future. But I have struggled so much at times to know how to lead her, to read her. She's been so set on contradicting everything I say or do. If I'd act playful, she'd pout. If I'd try to talk with her about her emotions, she'd shut off indignantly. If I'd tell her to stop doing something that might cause her harm, she'd continue ever so slightly, watching me with daring eyes. If I'd say it was nap time, she'd jump on her bed. She'd frequently follow me from room to room just whining. And would scream at top decibel in public (including the library), to which I'd try to teach her to take deep breaths and learn to calm herself. But she hasn't really taken to much of anything if it's come from me... until a couple of weeks ago.

From 04/17/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

Maybe it's that her twos are on their way out or that I've been trying to change the way I interact with her and loosen the reins on her considerably where I can, but she's been especially receptive and affectionate toward me lately. And I've been relishing it. Mike has noticed it too- that she's just been a more pleasant little thing as of late.

From 04/17/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

Every evening before bed, she's been asking me to sing "The Rainbow Connection," which I do while we snuggle. Jack often joins us in her bed, and the three of us (and sometimes Mike) sing it together, laughing and tickling each other. We've been experiencing more of these inspiring moments, and I thank God for each one. This is the good stuff.

From 04/17/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

And I've been encouraged that she's been showing greater attention spans for things she enjoys- like playing with Play-doh and her babies. As opposed to following me around sulking and seemingly bored. Perhaps my dull winter mood had her emulating my lack of zeal. I forget sometimes what a powerful influence my emotions have over these little ones. And have been making a real effort to rejoice in our blessings and dwell more in all of the special times we share.

From 04/17/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

This morning, we went to visit my friend, Nicole, and her three small children-- her youngest not yet a month. Abigail was so sweet holding baby Grace and planting gentle kisses on her head. She kept glancing up at me, shyly, and then a huge smile would break out over her face. And she's just as adoring to her baby sister, with whom she's always playing little games and tickling and talking to sweetly.

Thank you, Missy Boo, for being the lovable little girl you are! And I'm glad you've finally decided to come around to your Momma.

here comes the sun

The warmth and sunshine that have lured us outdoors these past few days seem to have finally conquered my winter's funk. Good thing Easter's just around the corner because just seeing the outburst of new growth's color around the city has me wanting to sing the "Alleluia."

From spring has sprung

And though I have found the housework (and my sleep) wanting, the intentional extra time spent investing in the kids during Lent has been such a blessing. We've been getting to Mass on average a couple of times a week, and I've noticed a real difference for the better throughout our days.

From spring has sprung

I think she put her nose to every last flower after Monday's adoration at the Oratory (another grace-filled opportunity that I hope we can do more often).

From 04/14/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

Iris made her first appearance at the Pittsburgh Zoo this morning. We were joined by Heather and Olive.

From 04/14/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

More than any of the animal displays, Jack and Gail were riveted by the goldfish in the giraffe and elephant exhibit and talked endlessly about them, speculating which one was the Daddy, and the Mommy and so forth.

From 04/14/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

It was an ideal day for a picnic lunch on the rocks.

From 04/14/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

This evening, we ventured to CMU's Carnival with our dear friends and enjoyed picnic lunches in our side-by-side vans before hopping on some rides with worn out kids creeping up on their bedtimes.

From 04/14/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

"I'm that T-Rex, okay, Momma?"

From 04/14/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

I love this little sweetie.

From 04/14/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

Usually the Ward girls are dressed a few notches above the rest in their holiday gowns. Perhaps Abigail was tired of showing up under-dressed, which prompted her to bring her own cake to the table (Only to discover everyone else had dressed down for the occasion.)

From 04/14/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/14/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/14/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/14/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/14/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

From 04/14/2011 (by Eye-Fi)

Sun-drenched and stimulated by the days' excitement, they all crashed when we got home.

I do love them so, those three.