Well that's an interested play room

This is going to be a disaster trying to keep clean.

Best buds

Nudie love fest

Poking those chubby cheeks

Where's Maeve's belly button?

Where's Iggy's belly button?

Let's hold hands

Hugs! 

And a kiss.

And now we're done since Maeve is trying to nurse.

Bappy party

I love this picture, her loving glance up at Auntie Barb.

Very serious while cooking in the kitchen

Cordelia stop growing up so fast.

Thomas was a big hit.

The kids were shockingly good at taking turns.

The kittens were a huge success. Cat scratch fever anyone?

Maevey is quite cozy in her Grammie's arms.

Hard to tell where her real chin ends and her double chin begins. Ridiculous.

What a dude

Maeve catching a few minutes of the Bears game.

Godparents Dan and Melissa

Thank you to everyone for coming out and making it such a magical day. I truly could have not scripted a better day if I tried. We are beyond blessed. 

God welcomes you Maevey

Reese excited to get the show on the road

Proud Momma while Maeve is anointed with the oil

Holy Family is truly a majestic place. I can't express how amazing it felt to have Maeve baptized in this giant church with all these people around supporting her. 

Before mass was concluded Father Terry took her in his arms and started talking about the circle of life.

The entire time he was talking Maeve had her eyes to the sky and I immediately knew why.

As Katie Rose said he's showing her off to heaven saying "Barbara, check her out." I don't think there was a dry eye in our family.

"Oh man that was awesome"

Not a perfect picture, but still a perfect family.

As you can tell by face, I couldn't be happier.

Father Terry turned to me and asked "What was she looking at when I was holding her?" Without missing a beat I looked at him and said "my mother." His response "Why yes she was." 

Baptism morning

When I was about 15 weeks pregnant, laying in bed, it occurred to me that this baby would be about 6 weeks on November 25th. November 25th being the anniversary of my mother's passing. I thought what a great way to bring happiness to that sad day. I called the church and requested Father Terry. Father Terry was the priest that did my mom's funeral mass and married Michael and I. He was there for our family during our darkest hour and guided us into the light on our wedding day. It was an honor to have him bring Maeve into God's family.

The dress...When going through Mom's closet we came across this dress. Melissa immediately remembered when Reese and Julian were being baptized. My mother walked in the house with this dress. Melissa yelled at her because they already had a dress for Reese, the dress that my mom's family used for baptisms. My mother loved this dress and pushed for it, but Melissa didn't budge. I was torn, do I use the dress that my mother was baptized in or this one? I decided to use this one because it was a dress she loved and one she personally picked out. At the baptism Melissa said to me "see she knew you would have a girl some day, she got it for you." I think she did. 

I love the detail on top. 

The bow in the back is perfect, so lady-like.

A special gift from her Grampie, what a lucky little girl.

She is digging all this girlie stuff. 

My girl, my heart.

Wearing her gift from Grampie. We tucked it in for the mass so she could wear it closer to her heart. 

Her chariot awaits to take her to the church. 

Mom

3 years....since I've been able to hear your voice, hug your body, hold your hand, kiss your face. I miss our talks, about everything and nothing. I can't believe I had to get married without you, start my life with Michael without you. How many times I needed to ask you questions about cooking and baking.

When we went and picked up Chauncey I thought of you. You definitely would have driven up to Michigan and got one, or two, of his liter mates. You wouldn't have cared about your allergies, you would eat him up. Most importantly you would talk me off the ledge every time I was wanting to give up on him. 

 I longed so badly to call you up when I found out I was pregnant with Ignatius. I was over-joyed, but something was missing. Every time I touched my belly and felt a kick I yearned to be able to grab your hand and place it on me. I thank you for Ignatius. 7 kids and 4 grandkids later you finally got your wish, you have your blond hair, blue eyed baby. You would be over the moon about him. He is such a character, I can hear your squeals of delight at his every move. 

When I became pregnant with Maeve, again I felt a part of me was empty. The morning sickness was so much worse. The entire pregnancy was different. Could it be a girl? People would say, "you must be hoping for a girl." My response was always, if it's a girl it would be a gift from my mother. My heart sunk a little when I saw the heartbeat so low when I was in labor. I just knew, it's a boy. I'm destined to have only boys. When Dad pulled that beautiful baby out and I looked up and saw it was a girl I was overcome. A girl! I have my girl. Immediately a tiny part of my heart broke. This isn't fair, how can I not have you here to share this moment with. Then I looked into her eyes, blue as can be, and I knew you did that. Thank you for my stubborn, sassy, beautiful baby Maeve Barbara. I was telling Melissa the other day, every time I have to pour baby powder into her fat rolls I can hear your laughter. You would not be able to control yourself, you would smother her chubby cheeks with kisses.

I can't believe I am having to raise my children without you. All I ask is please show me signs you're still here with me. Thank you for showing me on Sunday, I felt you in every inch of Maeve's baptism. Until we meet again...I love you and miss you every moment of every day.

Dancing duo

When Ignatius wants to dance with his sissy he grabs her hands and shakes his arms. It's the cutest.