Tale of Two Sisters & A New Brother

Well Daddy and Caileigh left for the beach at 4:00 this morning! They were both so excited! Can't wait to hear all the details as they travel! Mommy & Keira will be spending lots of quality time together!

Well Keira had to go to the doctor today to check her head measurement (which was fine) but poor girl had an ear infection! Which explains all the crying last weekend. She was weighed with her clothes on BUT, she's 15 lbs 8 oz and 25 inches already! Just to compare, at her 6 mos appointment, Caileigh was 14 lbs 2 oz! Keira is all thighs and head!

Happy Father's Day! Caileigh and Keira are blessed to have the most caring and wonderful father and I'm blessed to have him as my husband! Daddy was certainly excited to get his presents (tickets to Les Miserables & a golf sweater) but more excited that he will be getting a new iphone before his big trip!

Thanks Daddy for being a wonderful Dad!

Poor Keira, she had a runny nose on Saturday and was really warm. Went to bed and woke around 12:30 and was up from there on out. Alternately between crying and sleeping. So unprepared we had no tylenol so Daddy had to run out and get some. Pretty sure she has a tooth coming in on top (we hope that's it!). Sunday she was pretty miserable but no fever so fairly certain its teeth. I think she cried more in the past two days than she has her whole life. And loud too. Hoping for sleep for everyone!!

Our neighborhood had a garage sale today so thanks to Grandma & Grandpa, Caileigh sold some tiaras, Princess notebooks and lemonade!! She made $10 and said she was going to give it to the church ! Caileigh had her second swim lesson and jumped in and touched the bottom of the pool, went under every time and learned to paddle her way to the top! She did great!

WAY TO GO PENS!!

Boy its been a crazy few days without Mommy but everyone (especially daddy) is so excited b/c the Pens won the Stanley Cup! Even better b/c we beat Detroit in Detroit! Our Michigan cousins aren't happy but that's ok b/c they beat us last year. I'll update more when Mommy gets back in town !

Kennywood Day!!

This year mommy & daddy had to work so I went with Aunt Kelly, Aunt MK and all the kids. I know Mommy and Daddy were pretty nervous because last year all I would ride was the carousel but this year I was ready! I even told my Mom not to put ponytails in my hair because when I went one the roller coasters, they would blow out of my hair!

My favorite ride was the paratroopers but I liked the log jammer and all the kiddie rides! I even went on the raging rapids and got really wet! What a great day! Thanks Aunt Kelly and Aunt MK!

Finally a relaxing weekend with nothing to do! Well there's always yardwork but it was actually nice to have some time to do it! Sure we still have our mulch pile but there's only a yard or so left so that will spread by July at the latest!! We went to the pool Saturday and cooked out which was fun. It was Caileigh's first swim lesson and she did great! Jumping in and going under water without a second thought!
Amazing considering the heater was broken and it was freezing!!
Sunday, Jack joined us and he and Caileigh had a blast! He has no fear and went down the slide without a second thought! Too bad the guard stopped us after and said they were too little :( ! Oh well!
Keira continues to enjoy the water and she likes sleeping at the pool even more!

Guess who's 5 months old today! Poor Keira hasn't been getting all the attention she deserves after Caileigh's big day as a flower girl but she's doing just fine. Getting up a bit more often than Mommy would like but those she is always glad to see me so that makes it better! She's squealing and sqawking all the time. We put her in the highchair when we eat and she loves being at eye level! I think she'll be ready for solids pretty soon!

A fun day at PNC Park with Sydney, Mom, Dad and Keira! We got to do the bouncy obstacle course and run the bases after the game. Oh and I love cotton candy!!

What a weekend and its not even over yet!!

I got to sleep in this morning and I needed it! Mommy and Keira got up early and went to Wal Mart to get Keira's blanket back which Mommy lost there last week. And she bought a few spares ones to so she doesn't lose it again.

Then Mommy & I played Cinderella and Ariel and then planted some tomatoes and petunias. And then Aunt Darlene and Uncle Bob had everyone out to their house for a picnic. Boy does everyone love Keira - she never cries and Uncle Perry can't hold her enough! She's really starting to talk and babble now and loves to look for me when I come in the room. She grabs her toes a little bit but she's not rolling yet! Maybe b/c everyone keeps holding her! Ha ha!

Finally to bed early for me and Keira!

Go Penguins!!

Congratulations Aunt Ashley & Uncle Charlie!!

What a crazy day we had. It started when Mommy got her hair cut at Miss Patty's house, then off to get our nails done, lunch then home for a quick nap, off to get MY hair done and tiara in, then to Grammys to meet all the girls to go to the church -phew!!

So then I got to ride in the BIG HUMMER LIMO to the wedding with all the girls, and then we got to the church and got dressed. Daddy helped me practice a bit more and then it was time!
At first I was nervous and walked down the small aisle to my mom but then I saw Daddy and slowly made it down the aisle dropping a few petals here and there!! And then I got some pez! I still didn't walk out with Aunt Amanda at the end but that's ok.

I got to ride in the limo again with all the girls to get pictures and then we all went to the hall and danced danced danced all night long! I loved dancing with Casey Birshay my new friend, AUnt Sheila, Grammy, Meghan and Erin! Keira was held by everyone even during the ceremony and then she fell asleep at the reception.

Pretty soon I was pooped and Keira and I fell asleep in the car. What an exciting day! My favorite part?.... the whole day!

P.S. Daddy didn't get any pictures of me walking down the aisle b/c he was too busy telling me when to drop my petals!!

Well tonite was the rehearsal for Aunt Ashley & Charlie's wedding. I asked my mom, why do I need to practice when I have been practicing at home but I think she's glad we went b/c I didn't do so well. You see Grammy told me I would walk in behind Aunt Amanda but when they practiced it they started at the end of the ceremony and started blaring the music and I got really scared. OK, I FREAKED OUT (as my mom would say)! And it took the promise of ice cream, skittles and a million other things to even get me to practice. But once I did I got used to it and did ok. But that didn't make my mom any less nervous! Vegas odds were not good!

Happy Memorial Day!! We have a busy week ahead. Mommy will be out of town Tuesday and Wednesday and then Thursday is practice for Aunt Ashley's wedding and Friday is the big day! I'm so excited! Grammy sent me my basket and petals so I'm going to practice all week! And then on Friday I get to stay up late and dance with all the girls!!

Fun day today we had a picnic and all my cousins came exc for Ryan and Kyle. Too bad it rained and we couldn't use the jumpoline but we still had SMORES! And I stayed up really late. I hope we can have a party again real soon!

The pool is open! Finally after driving by day after day of the long winter answering the question "when's the pool gonna open"..... TODAY!!
And luckily it was a gorgeous day so we got to swim for a few hours. Even Keira got in the water for the first time and really liked it. I think she's going to be a fish like Caileigh!
Then she promptly fell asleep for hours. Its amazing that even though you put enough stuff around here, someone still walks right through almost stepping on her!

Grandma and Grandpa took me o the Ducky Boat arund Pittsburgh today. It went on land and then in the water too!

Yay Keira for sleeping from 7:30 to 5:00 am! Too bad Mommy was still up at 3am wondering what was wrong! Maybe she'll do it from now on but I doubt it!

Whew what a weekend! Friday night while mommy and daddy went on a date! I asked if I could come to and Mommy said "NO" (boo!) but I got to sleep over my grandparent's house anyway!

Saturday was Sister Ann's 50th Jubilee so Keira and Mommy went to her mass and dinner while I was at Grandma's house. Daddy was golfing of course!
Sunday was Kyle's communion at St James- he did great! And then we went to Sarah Miller's first birthday party! She loved eating cupcake for the first time!!

Oh and in the meantime Mommy & I planted a lily and a bleeding heart plant that Grandma gave to Mommy - I have a big job to water it every day !

Stay tuned for next Saturday -- the Pool Opens!! Yay! Let's hope the weather is nice!!

Keira went for her 4 month appointment today and is now 13 lbs 12 ounces and 24.5 inches. She's right in the middle at 50th percentile for height and weight. However, her head circumference is in the 80-90th percentile! We have to go back in a month for Dr. Adhar to measure it again - her big brain must be growing at warp speed!

She got her shots and was pretty fussy the rest of the day and some of the next. Out of sorts b/c she was crying and fussy which she never is! Otherwise, she's doing great! And Caileigh's ears look better so that's a relief!

Happy Mother's Day! We had a wonderful day at the Race for the Cure but sadly Daddy wasn't feeling well so he couldn't come.
Caileigh had a fun time getting her nails done and Keira, well she just hung out with Mom!

And Caileigh & I played firefighter in the afternoon. She said, "can I call you my helper" and of course I said Yes!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms, Moms-to-be, Moms of angels in heaven and those Moms in heaven.

Happy Four Months Keira!! I haven't updated much b/c she has just been her easy going smiley self for the past few weeks. She seems to be unfazed by daycare and smiles for all the ladies! She's going to sleep earlier than a few weeks ago (usu. by 7:30) but is getting up earlier too - like 1-2 A which is no fun for Mom!! And I have a feeling we are headed to less sleep now that she is getting bigger and more aware!

She loves to hold her hands in front of her and wring them - a sure sign she is tired! And frequently shoves her whole hand in her mouth only to get mad when she starts to gag!

And she's talking!! Watch the video she loves to stick that tongue out and ga ga ga! We'll update more next week after she has her 4 month appt and see how big she is!!

Happy First Communion Day Joey! He did great and was so excited to receive his first communion! And we had a blast at his party afterwards!

Congrats to Nin Nin for running the Pittsburgh Half Marathon! We wish we could have been there to cheer you on!

Another busy weekend! Yesterday I was really tired b/c I helped mommy and daddy mulch our front yard! I kept filling up the bucket with mulch and carrying it up to the front and dumping it in the wheelbarrow - hard work!

And I let them know it by saying over and over "boy this is hard work, huh mom?!"

"I'm doing alot of work here today for you".

"Here I come with another bucket!"

"Boy I'm a big help aren't I?" And repeat!

We had lots of visitors too - Ms. Eileen and Mr. Bob came and picked up our old grille (which I helped mom clean, don't forget!) and Nin Nin, Gracie, Teri & Nin Nin's mom came over to say hi ! And they brought me wind chimes !

Then Grandma and Grandpa babysat while mommy and daddy went to a party - it was a long day!!

May already?! Tonite we went on an adventure and stayed at a hotel downtown! It was so neat because we could see the foutain all lit up at night! Too bad the pool was closed so we couldn't swim but I had lots of fun sleeping away from home!

And my rash is getting better - the dr gave me cream for it and it doesn't itch anymore!

Happy Birthday Aunt Kelly! I won't say how old she is but let's just say she is the "new 30"! Poor Caileigh had yet another visit to Dr. A today. Even Dr. A commented how much she has seen her in the past few months when she only saw her for well visits and an occasional cold in her first 3 years! So yesterday at Aunt Mollys she got a rash in the crook of her arms and on her neck which was itchy. We though heat rash or maybe eczema or allergic reaction to something.

I took her to preschool and told them about it and sure enough around noon I get a call that she was itchy and they wanted me to get it checked out (turns out I think they thought she had measles!). Well, Dr. A says contact dermatitis, no infection (like fifths or strep) but lo and behold she also had an ear infection - not shocking considering she still had a ton of fluid in her ears a few weeks back. So anyway, we have to see the dermatologist tomorrow so they can check out the rash before we start her antibiotics. Got all that?! So we'll see. She seems to be ok, itchy at times and miserable but then her usual pleasant self ten minutes later. I'm hoping that the ear infection is to blame for her whining tantrums as of late, otherwise I'll have to list her for sale. :)

What a fun day today. First we had gorgeous albeit a little hot weather but perfect for a get together with friends and their kids. I swear it was yesterday when only a few of us had one kid, now almost everyone has one and many 2 or 3! We had 10 kids ranging from 3 mos to 4 and had a blast! Lots of jumping on the jumpoline, playing in the pool and swinging on the swings! Unfortunately, we didn't really get a good picture of everyone but I'll post what I have!

Then we went to Aunt Kelly's for Aunt MK's birthday party. Lots of running around in the hot sun, cake & ice cream - what else can you ask for?!

Today was Aunt Ashley's shower for her wedding so I got to help her unwrap all her gifts and she got alot of presents! Daddy and Pap Pap played golf and I got to putt, ride in the golf cart and throw balls in the water with Pap Pap!

What a busy day! First Mommy, Keira and I went to a race at North Park called the Big Blue Quest. Its to raise money for colon cancer and our good friend Miss Gelsina is a survivor! I was excited to see her but she couldn't stay so mommy & I walked a little and then went to the playground!
Then I went to get my dress hemmed and a sash made for Aunt Ashley's wedding and then I went to Grammy & Pap Pap's house to sleep over! I was so excited! We had ice cream and watched Marley & Me (only the funny parts !).

Keira went back to the dr today to check her hips and they are all better! She has to go back in 3 mos for another check.

Happy Easter! What a day we had! The Easter Bunny came to our house and brought candy, bubbles, clothes and lots of other things! Then we went to Church and there were lots of people there and beautiful flowers! All my cousins were there and we got a big picture of all of us! Then we came back to my house and did an egg hunt (the mole got some of the chocolate though!). And we got a big bouncer/slide so we all played on it all morning!

Then my grandparents came over and I got more candy and presents ! Keira slept alot but she got presents too! We sure are lucky girls!

Happy Easter everyone!

Well today is Good Friday and the 2nd anniversary of the day we lost baby Stephen. We think about him all the time and wonder what life would be like with an 19 month old. I know heaven is a much sweeter place with him there. We love you sweet baby.

Guess who's 3 months old today?! No stats to report since we don't see the doctor for another month but I know I'm definitely getting bigger! Only a few more nights of wearing my harness to bed- I can't wait!

And Happy Anniversary to Aunt Kelly & Uncle Joe!

This morning we had an Easter Egg hunt down the street and I got all kinds of eggs with candy! I met the Easter Bunny and wasn't even scared! Then we went to Reagan's first birthday party - she's Seamus' sister, daddy's friend from Chicago! Speaking of Chicago - Happy Anniversary Ms. Franny and Mr. Chris!!

Happy April! Aunt Molly played a nasty trick on Daddy this morning and told him Ryan & Kyle had chicken pox and Keira and I were exposed! Poor Daddy forgot it was April Fools Day! Hope everyone had some fun today!

Today was my Mommy's last day at home with us before she goes back to work on Monday :(. So we went with Aunt Marykay and Jack to the Aviary! Jack was brave enough to feed the birds but not me! I didn't like them all flying so close to us! But the flamingos were really neat!

I'll miss being home with Mommy when she goes back to work!

Wow what a weekend! It started with the zoo on Friday, then Saturday was "Daddy and Caileigh's Day of Fun!" We went to Kidpalooza at the Convention Center while Mommy and Keira went to Big Joe's basketball game (he won!). We saw Cinderella's castle (but Cinderella wasn't there, only Snow White) and I got my nails painted blue & pink! We rode a train, feed some animals and ate ice cream. Then Mommy and Daddy went on a date :) so Grandma & Grandpa came over and watched me & Keira.

Then today we went to Dora the Explorer Live! downtown. Jack was supposed to go with us but he was sick so Syd came instead! It was really neat and the best was when Dora found her teddy bear at the end! Then we all went to Big Joe's championship game but unfortunately he lost. But it was exciting and we're really proud of Big Joe. Now I really need some sleep!

Yay its Spring! Mommy and I celebrated by going to the zoo even though it was only 45 degrees. We saw the polar bears, a sleeping gorilla, leopards, tigers and a cute baby elephant that Mommy wanted to take home. Keira as usual slept through it all. The best part was when I climbed up the rope ladder all by myself!!

After dinner mommy & I met Grammy & Aunt Ashley at the dress shop and I tried on all kinds of pretty dresses for Aunt Ash's wedding! Did you know I'm going to be a flower girl and throw flower petals on the ground for Aunt Ash to walk on? My dress is so pretty - I can't wait!

Good luck to Big Joe and St Sebastian Varsity boys in the state playoffs this weekend!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!! We celebrated at the Harp and Fiddle with my aunts, Grammy and Pap Pap! Even Keira had fun even though she slept the whole time. My Mommy showed me the spot where she met my Daddy 9 years ago today!!

Happy Parade Day! Even though Daddy was getting lots of sun in Florida the girls still went to the parade to meet all the Duffys. Keira slept the whole time while everyone took turns holding her. It was a little chilly but still lots of fun!