Jackie and Jason

(hangin by the chalk drawings on a hot Thursday night at Utica Square)

(Don't they look cute all dressed up?)

Our Newest Roman Catholic

Eleanor Paige was baptised August 7, 2010 in front of many who love her. Aunt Julia and Uncle Canon are her loving godparents. It was a special day!

It Takes a Village

(Colin and Larry fixing our front door)

During the first months of Ellie's life, we were blessed with family flocking to see our little one's. This is a very delayed thank u to all that helped do the laundry (Judy), clean our house when I couldn't (Mom), feed us (Martha) and fixing doors, leaks, drawers etc. (Larry). We love you and couldn't have transitioned into parents of 2 without you!

Togetherness

As my last week of maternity leave is here, I'm very reflective of how much great family time we've been blessed with this summer. There are pluses and minuses to being a working mother and one thing I've enjoyed about being home with both of my girls all day is never missing a learning moment. There are so many cute expressions they pick up and when you are home, you know when it was picked up and why they use it later. I thought that sending Baby Ellie to school would be a bit easier than the first time since I'd been through it before. The moment we decided on a date for her first day of school, I couldn't help but shed some tears. These girls bring so much joy to our lives and they are going to thrive anywhere they are, I just really like being a part of every last bit of it.

I am looking forward to getting into a routine and it will be great for Jackie and Ellie to socialize with other peers and do the fun activities at school. I miss my coworkers and look forward to catching up with them - I am very lucky to have such a great group of friends at St. John who all seem to appreciate stories about the girls, God love them. :-)

In the meantime, Ellie is becoming such a smiler and today, I think she even laughed at her Daddy a bit. It was a musical sound. She's such a perfect fit into the family and I feel so lucky to have had a smooth transition for Colin, Jackie and I. I just hope Ellie likes where she's landed. :-)

Sweet Ellie-Ness

Our Little Irish Birthday Twins

The Gals

At least once a day, Jackie holds out her hands and says, "Let me hold Baby Eleanor" or multiple times we hear, "Can I give her a kiss?"

This pair is just fun to watch. Jackie is so gentle and sweet with her sister, much more than I expected. She is very proud of her and makes sure that anyone we run into knows that she has a sister and to take a look.

We've kept Jackie home from school a lot this summer, enjoying as much time home as a family as we can. She really enjoys chalk drawing outside when it's not too hot and is really into her water colors indoors. I think the red boots add some drama and inspire her work. :-)