a first..

Pearl is getting a little too big for her tummy tub (sigh). We put her in the bath with Johnny last night. She was pretty excited about the whole thing and she was extremely slippery. I am enjoying seeing them play as much as they really can at this point. What I really love is that he genuinely enjoys her. As challenging as it can be to raise multiple children, it's really beautiful to watch them and realize that they will have each other forever. I pray for wisdom in guiding their relationship to be one of lasting friendship and support.

in motion

evan put this together. fun!

Half

Pearlie is six months today. She is my chubby, healthy and very happy girl. At her doctors appointment last week she weighed in at 18.5 lbs and is 28 inches long. (off the charts!) I am pretty amazed and blessed by what a content and sweet baby she is. She is, however, very attached to her family; adores her Papa and can't get enough of her crazy big brother. He is the only one who can always make her laugh. She gets the giggles with him and it entertains all of us. We've had some very warm days and it's been so nice to be outside at the park or the lake. What I really love is being able to put summer dresses on her and show off those chunky arms and legs!

Watching Johnny nap today, it struck me that this kid is growing up fast! We have so much fun these days but I know he's not always going to want to be with his mama. He probably won't be calling me "mama' at all. Here are some things I would want the teenage Johnny to know about the two year old Johnny.

-You think I am VERY funny.
-You still have no idea what guns are. When I asked you about one at an arcade you said it was a telescope.
-You wear my nursing cover (hooter hider) as a superhero cape and fly around the house.
- You love music and will tell us what instrument is being played. ie.."that's a banjo!'..."that guys playing a trumpet!" You're usually right.
- You tell me you love me around 10 times a day, quite randomly. Sometimes you even proclaim it when we are out in public.
- You love your Papa. He lets you stall him and play for a good half hour when your supposed to be going to bed.
-You like to dance with me and you call me the princess and say that you are the lumberjack.
- You are very interested in Jesus and the Saints. You even named named your stuffed animals, St. Herman and St. John.(of Damascus) I think they are your two favorites right now.
- You LOVE watching music videos on youtube. This is your new favorite.

-You still let me get away with calling you whatever silly, sweet term of endearment I want.

I love you, bubbie!

Swinging on a Sunday Afternoon

thanks to evans camera phone for capturing some or our sweet, slow day.

A Pearl

with her round face and smooth white skin, i think she looks like a little pearl

Obviously, blogging more was not one of my new years resolutions.
A belated happy new year to all of you, nonetheless. We had a really nice Christmas in town with family. Our new years was understandably low key. Evan and I did pop a bottle of champagne this year, so that was fun. Man, I love that stuff! The highlight of the past few weeks was the birth of my beautiful new niece. It is strange to think of my little brother as a dad but I know they are both wonderful, loving parents and I cannot wait to get my hands on little Elinor.
On the Sunday of Epiphany we undressed our house of all it's Christmas decor. As pretty as all the lights and wreaths were, I like having my pictures and paintings back on the walls! With the return to everyday life I have had a really hard time find moments to post anything. I do feel much more settled into being a mother of two, but I still feel like I barely get by just taking care of their needs let a lone everything else. I have been trying to get the house in order which has filled any spare time I have.
But now that I have some time, I thought I'd give a little update on the kids since it's been awhile.
Johnny is 2 1/2 and is busy, strong, defiant, funny, smart, sensitive and talkative. (all of those are understatements.) We get so much joy and entertainment with the things he says and thinks. Like how he thinks the guardian angel icon by his bed is GORDON the angel. Or how he tries to stall when we put him to bed. As Evan goes to leave the room the following conversation will take place;
Johnny-" Wait, Papa. I hab a question."
Papa- "What it is, Johnny?"
Johnny-"Do you wub me? "
Papa-" Yes, I love you. "
Johnny- "Let's talk about that, Papa. Does Mama wub me? Does Pearl wub me? Does Grandma wub me?..." you get the picture.
I have been realizing again and again that I really shouldn't leave Pearl alone in the room with him. One day I ran upstairs to put something away, leaving Pearl laying on a blanket on the floor and Johnny playing with his toys. I was upstairs no more than a minute when Johnny exclaims," I am jumping over Pearl!! Hurray I did it!!" Or just a couple days ago I left them sitting together and walked out of the room. I heard happy squeals from both of them and assumed everything was cool. I returned to find her sucking on his toe! Ugh!
Potty training and church behavior are the two challenges we face right now. I am not letting them get the best of me, though. After a few stressful and extremely NOT fun days of potty training I've decided to be more relaxed with him and brainstorm on ways to make it fun again and maybe even wait for more cues from him that he's interested. As for church, I just think it is unreasonable for me to expect a two year old to be quiet and stand for nearly two hours, so we bring what we can to engage him like a few books or pencil and paper, discipline when it's necessary but over all try to be understanding.
I can't believe how quickly the last two years have gone and that my baby is a kid.
Uh oh, babies waking up and Johnny's losing interest in his toys..I better speed this up..
My Pearl is getting so big and has completely left the fragile, sleeps through everything, snugly, new baby phase. She is a squealy, smiley, wiggly and chunky girl. We are all having so much fun with her. She adores her Papa and brother and kind of spazzes out when she's excited. She is very attached to me and enjoys taking in this big world from my arms. But as long as she's there she will smile and babble to just about anyone. She has been rolling for a few months now and is getting close to sitting up on her own. I love this phase, they can sit and play but can't go anywhere just yet. It's great!
Okay, Johnny is tearing the house apart and baby is now awake. Times up.

Chist is Born! Glorify Him!

Merry Christmas, friends!

In Anticipation

Scenes from our home as we prepare for the glorious birth of Christ.

Where has the time gone?

I can't believe November came and went and it's been well over a month since my last post. It's been a very full month for us. It all started off with a visit from my parents who live in England. They hadn't met Pearl yet and it was so fun to show her off when she is starting to develop such a cute personality and give lots of sweet smiles. She is very charming! Johnny also loved his time with his Nonnie and Poppie.After their visit and my trip up to Palmdale and Simi Valley to see even more family, before I knew it Thanksgiving was here. We spent the day with Evan's mom and siblings. Saving the best for last, we ended our already great month with the beautiful baptism of our daughter. She did so well, and it was a wonderful day for us and we are thankful for all the family and friends who shared it with us! I know this is kind of brief, I am just too tired to get into all the details right now. Since having my second child I don't have the time during to the day to blog and at night when they are both asleep I just want to be with Evan and enjoy the peace that only a mother whose children are both sweetly sleeping knows.
A friend of ours from church made this slide show with the photos he took from the baptism, I thought I'd let you all get a glimpse into the beautiful service and you get to see how much Pearl has grown!.

Happy Me!

Here we go, six things making me happy..
-two mornings in a row of my two year old going poo in the potty. (didn't realize just how happy this would make me)
-homemade rolls and yummy soup eaten on a cool fall night. (last nights dinner)
-a clean kitchen (okay, technically it's only almost clean. I still need to mop)
-the funny things my son says. like, " i not pretty, i a lumberjack!"
-when evan does really funny voices while reading books to the kids. (he has us all cracking up)
-the monkey and the frog.

This was kind of fun..

Smoke and Ashes

... everywhere, but we are home. Sadly, many are not, including atleast one family from our church. All the different stories of how this fire has changed people's lives are being told. Some are really heartbreaking and others quite beautiful. For me, I am just made me more grateful for my family and friends and a little less concerned with my stuff. That's always a good thing. All those who have lost are in my prayers and on my heart. Thanks for all the concern and the prayers said. We ended up stayeing with Evan's mom who took such good care of us and Johnny loved his long slumber party with Grandma. It was a very relaxing evacuation, except for the hour where the fire almost evacuated us from our evacuation spot. Needless to say, we were happy to come home yesterday morning. The internet connection was down, so I couldn't blog any sooner. Our church is just fine, however, Pearls baptism will be postponed. The Bishop is sending a Chancellor of our Diocese to visit our community this weekend. which I think is just wonderful!
So, life goes on for the Keelings..I've been cleaning and trying to keep Johnny entertained since the air is too gross for outside play. Although, today his Grandpa came and drove him to the beach where the air was clean and the weather cool. I guess it's about time I put some recent pictures of Pearl up. She has changed from the newborn to a chunky, smiley, happy baby. By the way, I feel have to admit thatI don't think I am doing a very good job with this whole transition to two kids. The house is often a mess, meals are not terribly thought out, I am just happy when I make anything, and I am a wreck to behold. In case I've ever made myself sound like I have it all under control or something please know that I don't. It's been hard. But, I do have two amazing kiddos, and a loving, hardworking husband that don't seem to mind too much. Atleast for now. I know I have to cut myself some slack, but somedays I just feel very overwhelmed by the smallest chore. Okay, I feel better having blurted that out.
Here are some recent pics..

our cities on fire

As many of you are aware,these Santa Ana winds have created horrible fire conditions in San Diego County, as well as other parts of Southern California. We evacuated our home around 7 am this morning, the fire was just beginning to enter the outskirts of Escondido and that was close enough for us. We headed south and are safe in Point Loma with family. We are most concerned for our church family and friends living in Rancho Bernardo where the fire is destroying neighborhoods. Our church itself is in the path of the fire. Pearl was going to be baptized next Sunday, I just pray that St. John's will still be standing. I ask for your prayers for those who are in harms way or who have already lost their homes and for all the lives being affected by this.

Have a great weekend, everyone! I'll try to be back with a real post next week.

Pearl at Five Weeks..

...Is giving very sweet smiles when we work really hard for them.

...Is growing some cute, squishy cheeks that seem to get bigger by the day.

...Loves her big brother.


I admire all of you bloggers who write with wit and intelligence. Detailing your days, your thoughts and opinions. For now, I am just posting pics of the kids. It's about all I can manage these days. I know this will pass, I am hoping that the books I plan to to begin reading this weekend will inspire some good posts. We shall see. Oh! In exciting news, I am being churched this Saturday evening. I am really looking forward to getting back to Liturgy and introducing her to our church family. Happy weekend to all!

Our baby girl..

Whew. What a few weeks it's been! I finally feel close to normal and we adjusting to our family of four pretty well. Johnny loves his little sister who he usually calls her "Pearly" or "Pearl Alittlebit". I guess Elizabeth does sound an awful lot like a little bit. I call her that now,as well. It's just too cute. Pearl was 4 weeks old yesterday and she is such a sweetheart. I am surprised by how attached she already is to me and she is oh, so snuggly which I just love! She is eating and sleeping great and I am once again so thankful that nursing has been going so well. I try not to take that for granted anymore. I've been wanting to post my birth story for some time. I actually began writing it days after she was born while it was all still fresh in my mind.I am still in shock at how easily she came into our lives. I went into labor at four in the morning on Monday. Honestly, when I felt that first contraction I wanted to cry. It came after a difficult few days of Johnny being sick and sleeping with us everynight, as well as me starting to feel under the weather. When I knew that it was indeed labor and wasn't going away I stood in front of our icons and prayed for mercy and strength to get me through because I was already so tired. I called Evan's mom around 4:30 am to let her know so that she could come be with Johnny, then I called my midwife to let her know I was in labor. I never questioned whether or not we should go in, I just knew things were progressing rather quickly. Around 5 am, when contractions were strong enough that I needed to focus, Johnny woke up and came downstairs and snuggled on my lap. Not the most comfortable thing, but I clearly remember thinking, "enjoy this moment..". A little after six Evan and I were on the road making the 45 minute drive to Hillcrest where the birth center is located. We didn't hit any traffic and we actually got there before the midwife. I had to sit on a cold cement bench through about six more contraction before she arrived and I was so glad to see her. I've found with both of my births that I am most comfortable and progress well in a rocking chair through my difficult contractions, so I began to rock. Evan rubbed my feet, held my hand and was just there right where I needed him to be. My midwife checked me at 7 am and I was at 4 cm. She checked me at 8 am and I was at 5cm. One hour later, I was ready to push. My prayers for mercy and strength were truly answered and two hours after I arrived at the birth center and only a few good pushes Pearl was born. I had planned to deliver in the water but when midwife checked me when I was at 6cm, my water broke and immediately her head descended and I was ready to push. She came out screaming and she wasn't the only one! Pushing a baby out that quickly is incredibly intense. Fortunately, I had minimal tearing and felt really good almost immediately after. She weighed 7 lbs. 11oz and was just under 22inches long. At her one week appointment her weight was up to 8lbs 4oz and at her two week she was 8 lbs. 12 oz. I am sure she is well over 9 lbs. by now. I just love seeing those little rolls pop up here and there. Despite the difficulties of this past couple weeks and all the attention Johnny has needed, I still feel very bonded with my baby girl. It is also seemed to make Evan and Johnny a lot closer and I think Johnny has come to find more comfort from his Papa.
Anyways, there are some of the details for those who are interested. Now here are some recent pictures of Pearly. We were so happy when her cord dried and we could start using the tummy tub again. She really seems to enjoy it and it mellows her out in the evenings which seem to be her fussy time. Ain't she sweet!

Look Who's Feeling Good!

Good enough to play in the sandbox his Grandpa made for him.

Good enough to enjoy his new little sister and let Mama take pictures of it.

Thank you all for your prayers and concern. It is so good to have our happy, sweet, active boy back. The lack of sleep from the past week was catching up with me. I realized this when I found this note on my car windshield after a quick trip to the mall with the kids...

I came home and put Johnny down for his nap and then I fell asleep nursing Pearl. I awoke to find Evan home for lunch who informed me that I had left my keys in the front door. Yikes.
But, like I said, we are ALL recovered now. We've even gotten to enjoy some of the tantrums I spoke of in a previous post. Johnny is pretty emotional but overall doing great with the baby. Pearl is as sweet as can be and has been very easy on us so far. I'll have more to say about her later, it's bedtime.

Peace

-Thank you all for your kind words and for the prayer said for Johnny and us. This week has not been good and I have not always been the most patient, in control mom through all the crying, sleepless nights and thrown up medicine in my face. He looks really bad but I do think he is improving. His spirits have been up lately and we see glimpses of the happy, active, fun and loving boy he is. Oh, I pray the worst of it is over, I miss my Johnny! Pearl is just sleeping and nursing through it all and I am thanking God for that. I am more at peace with all that's been happening, I know that Christ loves him far more than I and I have to rest in that truth.