Still Here...
So I am still here.  Actually all of us are.  Just not up to date with blogging, and certainly not with taking pictures.  Noella has yet to break into a run, but she is very strong at standing.  She walks very happily holding on to a finger or hand; she is about where Mariel was on Mariel's first birthday. 
Mariel is practicing her jumping, dancing, and directing.  As in, trying to direct everything that Patrick and I do.  She also listens to EVERYTHING that we say and thinks far more deeply about pretty much everything than we realize.  The other day Patrick and I were joking and I said something about feeling pride in myself.  Mariel overhears and asks: "Are you talking about the girl?"  "What girl?" I say.  "The girl at your school, mom."  At my blank look: "The girl in your class."  "The girl at my school?" (I am really confused at this point).  She gives me the look that I am sure all children- although usually teenagers- must master, the look of sheer wonder that someone so very stupid could qualify as an adult.  "Mom.  The girl.  X (now censored due to online stalkers among my student population).  You have a girl named X.  In your class."  Well, she is right.  I do.  Her name is X Pride.  And I mentioned this to Mariel about a month ago, because X is her favorite name. And had not mentioned it to her since.  But she remembers.  Amazing!