Welcome home Kieran and goodbye for now...

Mommy's lookin' great on day 2!

Skype with family members

Hubby getting some baby time in


Always happy to be eating!


Elias is a great big brother


Elias loves storytime before bed, and I love reading to him


Precious new life




He's awake!

Off to our last semester...

Visiting Kieran

This evening we took the boys to visit Laura and Kieran in the hospital. Aidan jumped right on the bed, interested to get a look at the baby, but Elias took longer to warm up to his new little brother. They were both happy to see Mommy, but we are all looking forward to having them home tomorrow.

Welcome into the world, Kieran Lee!

Wow...after a tough 4hours of labor, Laura birthed a healthy 9.6 lb. boy on Jan. 9, 2010 at 12:26AM. It was tough going at first, but with the coaching of a kind nurse and great midwife, the jet tub, and (hopefully) encouraging words from Mom, Gabe, and myself, Laura settled down to the nitty-gritty. She was inspiring! Despite immense pain, fear, and exhaustion Laura persevered to the end Au natural. I am very thankful I was able to witness the amazing process of bringing new life into the world - so much pain and so much joy. Kieran Lee has dark hair and dark blue eyes (how appropriate, as Kieran means "little dark one"), a Dilanji nose, and was very interested in scoping out his new surroundings in between hearty bursts of crying. He passed all his tests with flying colors and was happy to snuggle in mommy's arms for some nursing as we left the hospital. Congratulations, Laura and Gabe! Stay posted for pictures of Elias and Aidan meeting their new brother later today...

Waiting for baby Dilanji...

This morning, Laura went in for her midwife's appointment, and was told that things were definitely starting up. She came home and relaxed; we had tea and chatted in excited anticipation of the baby's arrival! Laura sported a beautiful, patient, and calm countenance in spite of what she knew awaited her.

Minor contractions were consistent all afternoon.

Aidan, happily oblivious, munched away on his cheerios and was ready to take a nap.

Elias got some special one-on-one reading time with mommy.

Excited papa and mama

Hurry up and make an appearance, little one!

Later that evening, Laura's labor kicked into high gear, so we kept Elias distracted while she got ready for the hospital in between contractions. Elias loves playing with his Uncle Andrew. Good thing, because Uncle Andrew was the designated babysitter for the night.

Playing with his cups and getting love

Auntie was excited to watch the birth!

Meditation from a saint

On this feast of St. John Neumann, I came across some writing of his, which struck a note in me as since the miscarriage, I have been drawing on the consolation of the Eucharistic Presence and have been so grateful for our Lord's sacrifice which not only provides our salvation, but through our participation in this sacrament, allows us to be always united to those who have gone before us. Would that everyone would know this beautiful union with our Lord!! It is when myself and Andrew have felt the closest to Francis/es Gabriel. The following comprises the perfect prayer for my heart which desires to grow ever closer to Jesus in the Eucharist this new year:

"How much I love you, I my Jesus. I wish to love you with my whole heart; yet I do not love you enough. My lack of devotion and my sloth make me anxious. I have one desire, that of being near you in the Blessed Sacrament. You are the sweet bridegroom of my soul. My Jesus, my love, my all, gladly would I endure hunger, thirst, heat, and cold to remain always with you in the Blessed Sacrament. Would that in your Eucharistic presence I might unceasingly weep over my sins. Take entire possession of me. To you I consecrate all the powers of my soul and body, my whole being. Would that I could infuse into all hearts a burning love for you. What great glory would be given to you here on earth, if every heart were an altar on which every human will were laid in perfect conformity with your will to be consumed by the fire of your love."

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Lancton!

Just a few pictures from the wedding of our friends, Kristen and Jonathan, which took place this past weekend in Houston, TX. We are thankful we were able to make the drive to witness it and participate by singing for it! It was a beautiful wedding, the bride was gorgeous, and the groom just as handsome. We are so immensly happy for you both!

They're married!

Hubby and I dancing the night away...