as pretty as a princess

Julia FINALLY embraced the idea of dressing up this morning. Every time I turned around she added something to her outfit. Jocelyn wore the butterfly heels, a skirt momentarily, and a tiara...but wasn't interested in a dress. Last night Tim was playing with the girls and some neighbor boys. He was commenting on how girly Jocelyn was being...wearing her sunglasses and carrying her purse while sitting on the side and watching the action. Meanwhile Julia was running around trying to play football. Give it a day and the roles reverse. These two just never cease to amaze me.

synovitis

One may wonder about my title, thinking it's something profound with meaning. However, it's not. It what Jocelyn was likely diagnosed with in the ER Thursday night. She woke up cranky from her nap a little before 5pm and after some time we realized she really couldn't walk. She couldn't bear weight on her right leg and complained of her right hand as well. We went to the ER and after an assessment and lab work the doctor concluded it was likely synovitis which is a viral infection of the hip. It could all be related to last week's rash and the erythema multiforme. By 10am Friday morning, in the doctor's office, she started walking again. Today she's normal. Whew. Julia didn't cope well...crying and so concerned the whole time her sister was gone. They both talked about "my sissy" while away from each other. About 10pm while Jocelyn was in the ER eating a Popsicle she kept thinking it was so funny Julia was in bed. Funny.
I know some may find it strange that I post these "bad" stories...but it's part of our life and this blog serves as their "baby book." I've amazed how much I have forgotten already...I need to write down as much as possible.

all better

We enjoyed a wonderful day at the zoo yesterday to celebrate Jocelyn's recovery. Thursday afternoon Jocelyn started breaking out in a rash, which aggressively worsened overnight. Friday night was awful...her itchy rash covered nearly 50% of her body. (I've chosen not to post pictures) Saturday showed signs of improvement and it thankfully no longer spread. Today it's nearly gone. Whew! She was diagnosed with Erythema Multiforme which was likely caused by a reaction to Augmentin which she has been taking for a stubborn ear infection.
Today we pause and thank God for our blessings, for our two little miracles.

springtime

Julia getting creative with stickers she pulled off her flower pot. This is her "smile" face. ;)

Jocelyn totally "posing" on her new slide. The longer she holds it the more expressive her eyebrows get.

I love everything about my little Irish girls...

The first "licking of the beaters." For some reason this just felt like a milestone.

Happy 1st Birthday Kate!

The birthday girl...smiles after her first taste of cake!

We had a wonderful Garden party this weekend to celebrate our friend Kate's 1st Birthday! Once again, mama Susan amazed us! ;)

STS-131

I know this is a blog for the girls, but in a way this is about them...

Tim and I went away together for the first time this weekend to witness the spectacular STS-131 shuttle launch. It was the last night launch and it was awesome and quite extraordinary. We were honored to be at the Banana Creek viewing site, therefore only three miles from the shuttle. The noise and rumble were amazing. Tim received the Space Flight Awareness Award (which is why we were invited) and also got a nice tour of Kennedy Space Center. We are so very proud of him!

**Photos courtesy of nasa.gov** ;)

We went to Disney World!

While away in Orlando, we couldn't resist the opportunity to experience Disney World for the first time! I know, I know...it's crazy we didn't go with the girls, but I don't think they could handle the lines quite yet! We chose just one park, Disney Hollywood Studios (we had to get up at 1:30am). We had a fun time being kids again!
A very special thanks to our friend Kelli and her daughter Sydney for taking such amazing care of Julia and Jocelyn while we were gone. We love you and appreciate you so much!

a berry big adventure

Julia didn't want her picture taken much today, but I was able to capture strawberry number one.

Oh, it just tastes so good!

Froberg Farm



Sweet Anna with her sister Kate who is eating her very first strawberry EVER!

Adventure Friday destination: a simple strawberry farm for some picking fun.

My oh my, who knew the entire county would be picking strawberries on Good Friday. It took over an hour just to pay for them! The good news is we had little troopers and the strawberries taste awesome. The girls were quite the little pickers...I'll admit there were a few green ones and a few spoiled ones, but they honestly did quite well. I let them try one while picking and next thing I know Julia is on number eight. They have strawberries on their face, in their hair, pants, and shoes. It's a wonderful world when you're two.

tiny bubbles...

Happy 1st Birthday Charlotte!

We spent last Saturday celebrating our little friend's birthday. It was a wonderful day! The girls were hanging out with friends and learned how to blow bubbles themselves. Pretty cute if I must say so myself! Our friend Whitney (I know, I know...unbelieveable that I was without my camera) captured some great photos!

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