I forgot to post this special picture because I had it in a separate folder from the other birthday pics.  Rose and I had so much fun playing, “Don’t you get your cake!”  the day of her party.  I would say it and almost let her touch it and then pull her hand away.  She was laughing so hard!  This is one of the only smiles we got on camera on her birthday.  Poor baby was teething so badly and had an ear infection on top of that!  She had a great time though, and we have such special memories of her 1st birthday!

*Rose is still very sick with RSV.  We thought we were going to have to take her to the ER yesterday.  If she doesn’t perk up today, we may still have to go give her some IV fluids at the hospital.  We are in close communication with her pediatrician and are paying utmost attention to her symptoms.  Pray for sweet baby Rose.  Hopefully we’ll be on the up swing soon!

Mike didn’t want me not to post this because, sure, it is a little dorky, okay, a lot dorky… but then again, that’s the fun of it!  We always hang out and make music and goof off all as a family, and when Cindy was here, she pulled out her phone and hit record.  I didn’t know in the moment how much of the girls’ personalities were on display and watching this made me realize that we need to record hanging out like this more often.  We were singing so many songs that day, but this is the one that got recorded… the girls and I love this song.  It’s so snarky and fun and kind of perfect!

Mike’s brother Stephen and his wife, Susana, had their first baby, Noemi Brooke Pond, on Tuesday night!  She is 7 pounds, 4 ounces and is as cute as she can be!  Mike and his mom went to meet her today and brought us back these pictures of our newest cousin to tide us over until we can meet her!  The girls are SO excited to have another little cousin to play with and have talked about her non-stop!  They can’t believe she is finally here, and we couldn’t be more excited!  Welcome to the world, sweet Noemi! 

Both girls have RSV and Anna Kate has a double ear infection.  Ah man!

These guys have been having so much fun playing together during the day (even when they don’t feel good)!  Oh, and I got these toys at the consignment sale for a total of $18 for all 3!  So cool… (And Rose’s night gown too)!  I worked so hard but had a blast consigning this season!

Noelle was doing her homework last night (after being at school for 8 hours as a 5 year old… anyway, that’s just me throwing my cynicism in there), and as I was quickly checking her work, her cute little name stopped me in my tracks.  She’s so stinkin’ cute and creative!  Love you, Noelle!  You make the most out of everything…  Mommy needs to learn a thing or two from you girlfriend!

*She always colors the pictures too, and she doesn’t have to.  I could keep going on and on about Noelle.  She’s the best!

P.S.  We didn’t have a project this week!  Wha-hoo… that’s good because Rose had 103.7 tonight (even on Tylenol and Ibuprofen), and I can’t sleep because I’m listening to her sleep… so worried about my baby and can’t wait to get her to the doctor in the morning!

Both baby girls got ear infections two weeks ago, and then on top of that Anna Kate got very sick last week with a deep cough and high fever, and now baby Rose is lethargic with a fever.  I’m so sick and tired of being so sick and tired!!!

The Skittles had so much fun playing soccer together again!

Coach Suzanne is so great with the girls… looking forward to an awesome season!  Go Skittles!!!

Remember how to do these?  Noelle had to make an Indian paintbrush with materials from around the house last week, so I thought of this.  She was able to do it by herself and had a blast!  Although an occasional project is really great, I’m so tired of getting a new project in addition to homework every week for my kindergartener.  The homework folder comes home on Mondays… crossing my fingers we won’t have a project this week! 

We’ve had a hard year with lots of obstacles (not gonna sugar-coat that), but Noelle has risen to the occasion and rocked it out!  She’s amazing, and we are so proud of her for her flexibility and resilience.

Is it summer break yet!?!