Thick as Thieves

Caroline and Sam coloring together. I love the way she is looking at him.

Caroline and the twins are twenty one months apart and lately I feel like we paid it forward. It was a challenge in the newborn days and there were some times that I couldn't imagine life getting any easier...but how it did! They are best friends and usually, when you see one, you see all three. Caroline shares everything (yep, usually even bunny) with them and they her. She advocates for them, sticks up for them, bargains for them, and even told a little fib to me to get some praise for them ("Mommy, Emma went potty. Don't worry, I rinsed it out. Isn't that great that she finally went potty? Good Girl Emma!" The potty insert was bone dry. No potty had taken place and the story about it being rinsed out hadn't either. "I just wanted you to be proud that she made potty" was her excuse when pressed for the truth.). I love to see them interact and share. Don't get me wrong, they have arguments, fights, and scuffles, but they are truly happiest when they are together. Margie, my mother in law, always says one of the greatest gifts you can give your child is a sibling...glad I listened.

Happy Birthday Katharine

My dear friend, Katharine was celebrating her birthday a few weeks ago. Given her love of all things Mexican, I made her margarita cupcakes. The batter used margarita mix, lime juice, and tequila in place of water. The frosting consisted of butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, tequila, and lime zest (the first three ingredients had me at hello!). They were very moist and light. After zesting my limes for the frosting, they were too naked to use as a garnish, so I made sugar cookie versions, which was a fun addition (and something I could actually let my kids taste). I love to bake for loved ones and was glad to try a new recipe! Who has the next birthday? Any requests (Caroline asked for strawberry)?

Moon, Moon, Moon

Emma Kate's version of the Laurie Berkner song, "Moon, Moon, Moon", which she sings all the time

'round here, FROG is a four letter word

Sam and Emma Kate saying "frog"

Chocolate Bunnies

How do YOU eat your chocolate bunnies? Tails first? Ears first? As a kid, I hated to even open the box of the Easter Chocolate Bunnies the Easter Bunny left for me and opted instead to save them. My kids had no such sentimentality and dove ears first into theirs. With the size of these, I assumed that they would last at least for two or three sessions of nibbling, but I was wrong...it was a special day and we let them have at it.

Wonderfully Made

The twins had their two year old check up at the pediatrician's office this past week. I enjoy these visits (when there are no shots) and love seeing how much they weigh and the other stats they give you. This visit held very few surprises for me as they have really been right on the average curve their entire life and continue to.

Emma Kate is on the 25th percentile for height and weight; 24 pounds and 32 3/4 inches tall. She has been this proportion since she was about three months and the doctor expects her to stay "on the slight side of average." She got an A+ in two year old physical abilities and development (which I think means she moves quite well, understands simple commands, and has about 50 words).

Sam weighs 27.4 pounds and is 33 1/2 inches tall. That places him in the 40th percentile for weight and the 25th for height. Our doctor expects him to level out to around the 50th for both by puberty and hold there. She said he was also on target physically and developmentally, which is always nice to hear.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~ Psalm 139:13-16

Happy Birthday Bunny

The day before Easter is Bunny's Birthday. What flavor does she request every year? Funfetti, of course! Caroline enjoys starting the day with the birthday song at breakfast and continues the sillyness right until after dinner when she helps blow out the candle with Bunny.

Spring has Sprung

Today my friend Amy and I took our kids for a picnic. It was beautiful weather and the warmth was bordering on hot...it was wonderful! The kids ran around and explored and Amy and I were more than happy to follow behind with our cameras. Mine even changed clothes after lunch so I got a few different looks for photos (the girls have been itching to wear new summer clothes for awhile now). Days like this always remind me of something my pediatrician said; "The sun and the fresh air are nature's mood booster."

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams