Tale of Two Sisters & A New Brother

What a day!! We slept in a bit and then Caileigh and I headed to the pool with all her cousins. Then to a late breakfast and some shopping. Too bad our 4 yr old decided to throw a fit outside Claire's Boutique in the mall so that put the kabosh on any further shopping!

After some much needed naps it was off to Aunt Mary's for the big party with my cousins. Great to see everyone and the kids had a blast playing, singing and goofing around. And despite my best efforts to prepare Caileigh for the big guy she still burst into tears as soon as he said her name! And we practiced what she was going to ask for but she never said a word. Oh well. Her sister on the other hand was amazed by him and even put on a show doing " how big is Keira?" for the crowd. She was a trooper, never crying a bit and went to everyone that wanted to hold her. She was up hours past her bedtime but you couldn't tell.

And we got our annual picture with the other "Kaeli". She's officially about 2 heads taller than Caileigh but very cute.

Pics and videos to come soon!!

And the annual visit with the Livonia Mall Santa came and went and Caileigh has not broken her streak of fshying away when she sees him. Even though she is with her cousins she still won't talk to Santa. Oh well better start preparing her for tomorrow.

We had nice visit with Aunt Mary and Uncle Tom and then with Pat & Ellen in Ann Arbor. The kids had a blast singing songs after dinner. I'll upload videos soon.

We arrived in Michigan last night safe and sound. The girls were a little wound up after sleeping in the car after dinner so we were up late. Everyone is sleeping in this morning and then we're off to the pool, shopping and to visit with Aunt Mary, Uncle Tom and Pat & Ellen for dinner. Caileigh is excited for her cousins to arrive!

Happy 11 month birthday Keira!! What is our almost 1 year old up to these days?
-- cruising around the furniture!
-- her front left tooth broke through!
-- picking up anything and everything off the ground....
and then putting most of it in her mouth!
-- "sharing" or handing you everything she picks up ...
we sign "thank you" and then she takes it back!
-- still saying da! da! whenever you ask her to say "ma".
-- says "ma ma ma" at night
-- opening up all the drawers, cupboards and pressing the buttons on the tv
-- getting excited for Christmas!

Today was tree cutting day so the three of us went to Allison's tree farm in Aliquippa to cut down our tree! It was snowing so it was a perfect day! The fraser fir trees were tall but we found the perfect one and hitched it to the roof to take home. Daddy put all the lights on and we all helped put on the ornaments. It looks beautiful!!

Check out all the pictures & videos we added!

What a day for Caileigh! Grandma & Grandpa took her to lunch downtown and then to the Rockettes ! What a fun time, and the best part was the "whole thing". Santa, elves and lots of dancing and singing the whole time! It was so great! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!

One of the last nice days of the year I think. The ear infections, coughs and runny noses finally hit me as I went to bed with a golf in my throat so today was a day to relax. Unlikely.

Actually not too bad as John & Caileigh spent most of the day painting (thanks to Aunt Amanda and her cool princess activity book she gave to Caileigh for her birthday)and then plotted their strategy for putting up the outside lights. I think I overheard "dad we need to go through the lights one more time so we know what ones to use". John shook his head a few times today as Caileigh surprised us all by getting dressed by herself which included picking out her own outfit. And as we made our way out the door, she in her pink leggings, black shirt, pink sweatshirt, pink headband and small dog in her purse slung over her shoulder (thanks Nin Nin!). John said, what is going on here?! Ah 4 year olds!

More decorating and organizing the house today. Getting ready to chop down the tree next weekend. But first it was time to set up the manger scenes and the Inn at Bethlehem. Caileigh is doing a great job of telling the story to everyone about how Mary & Joseph tried to get a room at the Inn but instead had to stay in the stable. Keira is getting a kick out of playing with all the "little people". So far she doesn't seem to notice the tree which is good!

Oh and Caileigh woke up around 3 am screaming and screaming b/c her ear hurt. She & John slept downstairs while Keira and I slept in various rooms throughout the night. Turns out Caileigh has another ear infection. No big surprise as her hearing was getting worse.
Lets hope this round of antibiotics actually works. We go back to the ENT mid- December.

But the bad hearing hasn't stopped our little writer from writing and recognizing all her letters. You just tell her how to spell it and off she goes! Her writing easel is getting put to good use !

Happy Birthday Daddy!! What a fun birthday! After a quick trip to the stores for the black friday sales, it was back in time for breakfast in bed! Then since it was such a cold dreary day outside, the birthday boy and Caileigh decided to stay in their pajamas almost the whole day! We got down all the Christmas decorations and started decorating. Then it was a nice dinner of ribs in the crockpot. We finished the day with pumpkin pie & ice cream! Happy Birthday to our favorite husband and daddy!

Happy Thanksgiving !!
Even though we say thanks to God every night for our many blessings (esp the one the little one crawling all over me as I type) we don't always say thanks to you! All of you that check in on Caileigh and Keira's lives - thank you for loving us and being a special part of out lives!!

Well the good thing is that both girls made it through a whole week at school & daycare! Unfortunately Keira decided that sleeping through the night was for the birds and she's back getting up in the middle of the night.

Keira still favors saying "Daa" whenever you say "say Ma". Oh, except in the middle of the night = "maa maa maa'. And Daddy taught her to share so she loves to hand things back to you and take them from you. Caileigh and I have been brushing up on our sign language to teach Keira more signs that just "more".

And Keira has learned to shake her head no, again and again. Especially when you say "no Keira" she shakes her head for you! Or if you offer her something she doesn't want, she lets you know it!

Looking forward to the short week at work, Thanksgiving & Daddy's birthday!

More and more ear infections! Poor Keira had a fever on Thursday of 102.5 and since we just happened to be going to the ENT with Caileigh we dragged Keira along and she had another ear infection. Only one ear but she's on her third antibiotic. She's seems ok but isn't drinking or nursing too much anymore so I'm sure there's some teething contributing to her strike. Always a mystery! Caileigh is still not hearing well and neither am I so the whole house is deaf!! Go away fluid!

Otherwise a beautiful weekend, got lots of yard work done -- finally!! Daddy went to the Steeler game (which we lost) and the girls and I went across the street to the neighbors for a tailgate. I'm out of town Monday so its just the girls and John again! Happy Birthday Pap Pap and Aunt Bridget!!

Yay for no fever so Caileigh could get her flu shot. She did great, shed a few tears but not for long after Dr. Adhar promised her a fortune cookie & candy (that we took to Dr. Adhar last week!). Her ears look better, still infected but not as bad. We go Thursday back to the ENT to check out and see if she needs tubes. Frankly, I'm hoping she does b/c every time she gets an ear infection her hearing goes bad. And its very frustrating for her and us!! We shout and she says "what" and then we know her ears are full of fluid. Hopefully they will clear soon, poor kid.

And then as if a flu shot wasn't enough, Caileigh had a dentist appointment too! She was quite the trooper and sat still the whole time and didn't complain once. Her teeth look great says the dentist, and she's doing everything right. He said stay away from juice, pop, candy and chewy things which we do so she's doing great!

And I wouldn't be a good mom if I didn't end this proud post with the proudest news of all ... Caileigh is spelling and writing her name all by herself! Not just her name but other words too (as you will see when you get your thank you notes!). Thanks to the great teachings of her Aunt Molly and Caileigh's love of writing all the time, she has her name down pat! She even recognizes the letters in other words - "hey there's a C" or "that's a K in Keira's name"! We're pretty proud of our 4 year old :) Harvard is already calling - ha ha!

What a gorgeous day today! Mom, Daddy & I went to see "Harold & the Purple Crayon" downtown while Keira hung out with Grammy & Pap Pap. Then they came back to our house for dinner for Pap Pap's birthday.

I have to get my flu shot tomorrow so hopefully everything else will be fine and I'll be able to get it!

Fun Saturday! Gymnastics, then yard work with Mom & Dad, nice long nap with Dad and playing with Grandma & Grandpa while Mommy & Daddy went out on a date!

Back to the doctors for both girls to get the flu shots they couldn't get 2 weeks ago. Keira's ears were clear so she got her shots but Caileigh had a double ear infection (not a shock) so she couldn't get any shots. We'll go back Monday for those.

Happy 10 months Sweet Keira! Boy your 9th month was rough! It seemed like you were sick the whole time but now you're finally starting to feel better (even though you are still not sleeping so great). What's new with our favorite 10 month old?

-- she must be getting ready to get some teeth on top b/c she always has her finger in her mouth;

-- she's crawling fast and pulling herself on anything she can. We had to put up the child locks since she's opening cabinets;

-- she's waving! Usually hi in response to you waving to her;

-- saying "da da" and "ma ma" - sometimes in response to right person!

-- clanging things together, stacking blocks & sometimes getting food in her mouth with a spoon!

We love you Sweet Keira!!

Big day for Daddy! His first half marathon! The girls and I met Ms. Eileen, Grandma & Grandpa down at PNC Park and cheered everyone on as we waited for Daddy to run by! He was looking good at 6 miles and we cheered as he ran past.

Then, in the car we drove uptown to Grant Street where we waited and cheered for all the runners. Then we saw him again - looking strong (even if he wasn't feeling that way). That was 10 miles so we hurried up and got in our cars again and drove to the South Side for the finish!!

We got there just in time to see him finishing the last mile and running to the finish! YAY!! We were so proud of him - the best Daddy in the world!!

Happy Halloween!! Seems like Caileigh has been in her costume for days, first the Children's Museum, then school parade & now Halloween!

Princess Belle was all excited and we hit a ton of houses, she got more and more brave every house! Keira & Daddy stayed home and handed out candy to all the nieghborhood kids. Then after about 3 candy bars it was off to bed!

Well what about our favorite 4 year old??
-- enjoying making up plays to share in her puppet theater ("ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, babies and babies")
-- singing like a rock star with her new microphone-- "Battlefield" "Grace", "Blast Off", "Single Ladies" (if you would like to listen to any if these I have a vacation Bible school cd I would be happy to lend out - after 4 mos even sings about God get old)
-- helping out by making her bed (willingly without being asked) every morning. Of course after making she says "didn't I do a good job Mom?"
-- loving her Good Shepherd class at St. John Newmann and has some great new songs to share.
-- having fun at gymnastics - I guess, b/c parents aren't allowed to watch anymore - no more take your kid & have fun watching them!
-- loving her new blue jeans and pink belt!
-- keeping us in stitches everyday just being her funny sweet self:)!

New updates from your favorite 9 month old:
-- crawling all over the place and pulling up on the furniture
-- getting lots if bruises on her head from her new found freedom
-- saying ma ma ma and da da
-- chasing after her sister
-- waking up when I say " you want to go see Caileigh?"
-- taking her sister's toys
-- spending some quality time with her Grandpa when she was sick and making him change his first dirty diaper in many years (thanks Grandpa ) ;)

Sorry no updates for awhile. Like most it's been all about trying to get healthy and stay that way around here. The girls had their checkups last week and both had low grade fevers so neither got shots (good and bad). Keira's been hanging onto a cough and runny nose for 2 weeks so after the diagnosis of a double ear infection she is on the mend hopefully! Caileigh is hanging in there so far.

Stats from their visits;
Caileigh= 33.5 lbs and 37.5 inches
(6.5 more pounds gets her in a booster!)
Keira (9 mos) = 17.9 lbs and 27 inches.
Keira's percentile has dropped some likely due to her runny noses or love of solid food vs bottle!

We're all excited for Halloween and Jack's 3rd birthday party. Oh and John's 1/2th marathon on Sunday!! We can't wait!!

Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. We'll be lighting a candle at 7pm in memory of Baby Stephen and Baby Duffy and praying for all those little Angels in heaven and those that loved them.

http://www.october15th.com/

Happy Birthday Caileigh Cecelia!!

I can't believe its been 4 years since you were born - right at 10:14 pm! How happy we were when you came out crying ! Then we asked you if you wanted to be called Caileigh and you went "waaa" and then we said "how about Keira?" and you went "waaaa" so we made the first big decision as parents!!

You've been a joy to us ever since you were born, we are so blessed that you are our daughter. We can't wait to see what the next year brings and all the new things you learn. You're a wonderful loving daughter and big sister. We love you! And remember, you're never too big to hug and kiss, "4 means more"!

Love
Mommy & Daddy!

Birthday celebrations continue! We took cupcakes to school today for Caileigh's class (she made them) and for all the teachers too. They loved them! Poor Keira wasn't feeling well so she stayed home with mom all day and Daddy had to work so late he didn't get home until 10:00 pm! I told Caileigh I didn't want her to get big and turn 4 and held her in my arms just like I did 4 years ago - aw!! She loved it!!

Off to build the puppet theater ! shhhhh!

Well everyone slept in this morning and we spent the morning playing with all Caileigh's toys and making cupcakes for school tomorrow. Caileigh LOVED the pretty dress Great Pap Pap bought her - she wore it all morning and then after her bath before bed! And her baby doll wore the matching dress too.

Caileigh Sydney & I went to see Click Clack Moo at the International Children's Theater at the Byham. We had great seats and the show was really funny. We met the cast after and they sand Happy Birthday to Caileigh and I thought she was going to burst into tears! Deja vu to last year at Eat & Park!

Daddy was feeling better this morning but Keira is still coughing and has a runny nose. Hopefully they will both be better tomorrow!

Its Birthday Party Day!! Happy almost Birthday Caileigh! Even though it was colder than last year it was still a fun day. "Belle" looked beautiful in her gown and glass slippers, and we played "pin Cinderella in the window", opened presents and had delicious cake! Belle got all kinds of wonderful gifts from all her cousins, friends, aunts/uncles and grandparents. Thanks everyone for coming!

Too bad Daddy wasn't feeling well and had to go to bed early. And then Keira woke up with another croup cough so it was a long night for she & Mommy. Just a few more days till she's officially 4 years old!

Happy 9 Months Keira!! Sorry Mommy couldn't be there to celebrate but Daddy did a great job of taking your picture! I can't believe you are 9 months already! Just thinking back to January 5th (which was also a Monday) we were so excited to meet you and you have been a joy ever since! What is Keira up to nowadays?

Almost crawling! She scoots backwards and then puts legs into a split and then sits up...

Eating anything - beans, rice, chicken, pork, avocado - everything that Caileigh used to like but doesn't anymore!

Babbling and sort of saying "Mama";

Still happy and giddy to see her sister every morning but

starting to grab what is in Caileigh's hand and take her toys (which Caileigh is taking quite well so far);

loves Caileigh's Curious George bear (which Caileigh doesn't like to share); and

clanging toys together in her hands;

I'll update after her 9 month visit but she is right around 17 1/2 pounds I bet!

We love you Keira Marie!

Happy Anniversary to Mommy & Daddy!!

6 years - wow, that's more than I have been alive! Daddy spent the day at the Mellon Arena waiting in line to get his picture taken with the Stanley Cup - see the picture! Mommy, Keira and I went to church, planted mums outside (which are mom & Grandma Burke's favorite flowers by the way) and then I took a really long nap. Mommy wishes she took one too! She's off to Chicago tomorrow but just for one night and back in time for my Good Shepherd class on Tuesday!

Oh yea and FINALLY, the site fixed the audio on some of the videos we uploaded a few months back so you can see the "Fun with the Son" one now in stereo! We'll fix the rest soon...

Go Steelers!!

Happy Wedding Day Erin & Victor! It was a gorgeous day and Keira & I got all dressed up to go to the wedding - Erin looked so pretty! We saw Aunt Amanda & Aunt Ashley and all our cousins.

Mommy & I bought all kinds of mums and pumpkins at the store to plant outside so the yard looks nice for my party (its in one week you know?!).

Caileigh woke up this morning and walked into Keira's room as I was feeding her holding her notebook and said "Mom I need to go over a few things with you about standing". Me = uh, ok what about standing? And then she began to list all the places that you should not stand and she checked them off her list on her notebook.

C = "You shouldn't stand on top of the dresser".
Me= "Good advice Caileigh"

Happy Monday and here's hoping for a nice week!
C= "You shouldn't stand on top of the changing table"
Me = "good point"

C= "You shouldn't stand on top of the rocking chair b/c you will fall off"
Me = "another good one"

And so on it went all the way to school I found out all the places you should not stand. All good advice! And then she said, "Mom what's advice mean"?

I wonder what she was dreaming of that made her think of this so early in the morning?

YAY DADDY!! He ran the Great Race this morning and did great! Despite the rain he ran the whole time and never stopped until he crossed the finish 6 miles later. It was a wet rainy morning but the girls, Grandma & Grandpa were happy to be out cheering him on. OK so only Grandpa, Keira & I actually saw him running (Grandma & Caileigh were standing under a tree staying dry) but we cheered loud enough for them! So proud of Daddy!! Bring on the half marathon!!

Sigh... where does the time go? This week was another tough one. Sunday night into Monday was the worst -both Caileigh and Keira were sick and I was leaving at 4am for a 6am flight! Thank goodness for Grandma & Grandpa as John texted them at 3am to come over in the morning to watch the girls. Caileigh recovered quickly but Keira kept getting fevers all week. And again didn't want to be put down at all. Just not herself poor thing.

So, finally on Thurs we took her to Dr. Adhar - again, and she tested for a UTI which was negative (thankfully) but she did have an ear infection in her left ear. That wouldn't explain the fevers but maybe why she didn't want to lay down. Well as soon as we get some medicine in her she turns for the better - finally!! As of tonite we are on night 2 of her not crying hysterically when we lay her down in her crib. And today she was pleasant as can be, laughing and giggling. Could the old Keira be back? We hope so!!

Caileigh had an exciting couple of days - Jack was over all day Friday and even slept over Friday night. They are two peas in a pod. Caileigh definitely likes to boss him around but Jack doesn't hesitate to say "no Caileigh!" They were arguing at one point - Jack said "Aunt Sheila, Caileigh told me she's not going to be my friend" and Caileigh said "well he told me my drawing wasn't nice!". They both admitted to saying these not so kind things so I made them make up and hug. Which they did and moved on to playing school.

And Keira, well despite her sickness is moving right along in trying to move about. She loves to stand and is even moving her feet a bit when she stands up. And today she finally figured out how to get on her hands and knees and then back herself up to a sitting position again. She's not moving forward too much but she will lunge for something she likes! Before as soon as she got to her hands and knees she would cry and roll over so this is progress!! We have to start baby proofing our doors and fireplace soon!

Nice breezy (and rainy) weather today. We spent some of the day picking up decorations for Miss Princess' 4th birthday party. Can't wait!!

I'll get some video of Keira added soon!

Another busy week for everyone. Mr. Allan, Amy, Abby & Joey are in our daily prayers and thoughts. Monday was a tough day but his tribute was amazing.

Caileigh and Keira continue to hack and cough they the night but hopefully it's passing. Keira is a mystery some days she sleeps others she's up. Lately she's been crying and whining alot so I hope it's just a bug still bothering her and not a permanent change in her sweet disposition.

I'm off to Kentucky for a few days so it'll just be Daddy and the girls!

Tough week continues. Keira has not been sleeping well since Saturday, Wednesday morning Caileigh woke up throwing up so John stayed home with the girls. Thursday night Keira was up most of the night with croup. John was feeling miserable as well. An x-ray for Keira ruled out pneumonia, lets hope her cough gets better soon.

Prayers for all those lost 8 years ago today and all those fighting for our freedom in Iraq & Afghanistan.

You know the saying that life can change in an instant? Well that is true for us today. Our good friend & co-worker Allan was killed today in a car accident. Just 3 years after our friend Mr. Randy. Mr. Allan as Caileigh calls him had a wonderful wife Amy, daughter Abby just 6 mos older than Caileigh and Joey, 16 months old. We'll miss him everyday.

Happy Birthday Mom!!

Daddy and I made her breakfast in bed - chocolate chip waffles, bananas and whipped cream!! Then she opened her presents (a bracelet I picked out, a few outfits from Daddy, and the Shamu DVD!). Oh and did I mention I made her a rigatoni necklace?! We didn't have any macaroni.

Since it was raining we couldn't go to the pool :( and today was the last day! But instead we stayed inside and watched Shamu and played and took naps! And then Jack slept over!

Mom said it was a great birthday!

Big cookout today with cousins and friends for Mommy's birthday! She turns 28 tomorrow! We had the jumpy thing out and Daddy built a fire for smores!! I loved dressing up with Sydney in our high heels and makeup! Keira and Carter loved seeing each other for the first time!

Guess who is 8 months old?!

So you may be wondering, what is our 8 month old sweetie doing these days? Well all kinds of things!

She's rolling when she wants to;

But she likes to stand all.the.time...
Gets very mad if she has to sit and will climb all over you to stand up...

But if you try to get her to take a step, she sits back down;

Eating pretty much anything you offer - spaghetti, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, avocado, bread, chicken, etc.. etc.. The only thing she is not a fan of so far is applesauce;

Loved the pool (when the water was warm) and loves taking baths;

Babbling, squawking, talking, licking her lips, smiling (of course) and laughing at her big sister;

Gets excited in the morning when you peek into her crib - kicks her hands and legs so you'll pick her up;

Then when you do she kicks and buries her head in your shoulder and then starts looking for her sister;

Sitting up all the time, plays with her toys, stacks rings and pounds on her toolbox!

17 pounds a few weeks ago and going strong. Wearing 6-9-12 mos clothes (just like her sister did at a year!);

And at last count had two teeth on the bottom but a few more are peeking through I think;

As for sleeping, well a few days last week she slept right until morning but the last few days she's been fussy all night. So some days good and others not so good. Just means more cuddling time with Mom!!

We love you sweet Keira and can't wait for all the fun times ahead!

Just a quick update to say that Caileigh did great presenting her "All About Me" bag at preschool. She ran into school and when Daddy picked her up she said "I had an awesome day at school today", I didn't even cry before I took a nap" (apparently she does this often).

Preschool is going much better this year since she is one of the older kids and its a much smaller class. She is really starting to share more about her day which is nice! Plus she loves her teacher, Ms. Flo. She already got to bring home a Curious George book that Ms. Flo had along with an actual George stuffed animal (Keira loved him!), and she brought in two books from home b/c "Ms. Flo asked her to bring them in". Fun stuff.

Up early to cheer on Daddy at the Steeler 5K - he did great, we were so proud of him! And Caileigh did great at peddling her bike all around the parking lots too!

Then it was off to a picnic at Daddy's bosses house where Caileigh had lots of fun playing with Chelsea and Alex, Dr. Rob's kids. They are 4 & 3 so perfect for Caileigh. Keira also met 2 other girls between 7-8 months. I think Keira could have crushed them with her head! She was easily the biggest of the 3 girls but the one that smiled the most too :)

And her power thighs are helping her stand = she loves to stand up and then squat down now. And she likes to sit, move her butt and then dive on her hands and roll. She's starting to move- watch out!!