Stalkers
I now have tech savvy students trying to find me on facebook and online.  Lets see how they do.  I will say that I checked to make sure that my privacy settings were secure for all things on Facebook, including pictures and videos (they were not).  So I fixed this VERY quickly.  And deleted posts, just in case.
Now I guess we will see if they find the blog.  I will check and see if there is anything that I need to edit for them.... what a world. I should be getting ready to go to New Jersey for Jim's wedding, not wondering if someone in one of my classes is looking at a picture of me in a bikini.... although maybe I will get a better student evalaution that way...

Daddy's big day(s) and our little carnivores
Yesterday was Patrick's birthday- we made it a full one!  The morning was spent at the Zoo for "Boo at the Zoo" with Emily, Freddie and Aidan. Noella was the only one to dress up, but she was also the only one little enough to not have an opinion. 

After Noella's nap, his parents took us out to Schlafly's brewery for a lovely lunch and a few beers.

Patrick and I even got to go out to celebrate his birthday (Vin de Set, a nice rooftop restaurant downtown followed by a St Louis Blues Hockey game) - many thanks to our babysitters, Ray and Charlene! 

Since we were out last night, he got his special at home dinner today.  He made a massive amount of ribs, slow cooked on our grill.  They were delicious, and loved by adults and children alike.  In fact, it appears that rib bones make an excellent teether for Noella.   The former vegan/ vegetarian had to cringe a little, but I also have to admit that my love for all things barbeque has never faded.  It looks like the girls have inherited their parents' tastes!

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!

Here she goes!

First Steps!
Noella is starting to take independent steps.  My parents were visiting over the weekend (a very quick trip- they were in St Louis approximately 27 hours!).  They timed it right though, as they got to see her first steps.  This means that my mother even has pictures, so I can post one if she will send it to me. 
Noella decided to perform even without her audience, and did some walking for me this evening while we played. So apparently we have a walker at 9 1/2 months.  It is still amusing to me that with all of these milestones I was so excited for with Mariel and just waited desparately  for them... and now I am somehow surprised, a little dismayed (really?  you want to walk now?  can't you just be content to sit around?)  and certainly unprepared!