Two!

Karl took the day off for Audrey and Sami's birthday and we headed to the zoo for a ride on the carousel.  Audrey watched the first ride and then joined in on the second.  I think they had a good time (even though they are hanging on for dear life and not smiling).

Ashley, Deana, and Allison gave them some fashion shades and a football to finish the look. 

The sunglasses were quickly confiscated by the older sisters.  Hmm - they can get away with that this year, but I doubt that will be the case next year!

Party!

They liked the frosting but pretty much ignored the cake. 

Ice cream, on the other hand, was YUMMY!

I think Sami has been blowing a little too long. 

2 years and still smiling. . .

Woo hoo we made it to 2!

This is also probably the last year we can get away with shared gifts.  Here's a shared bike for Audrey and Sami. 

Audrey is a book worm.  She loves to have anyone and everyone read to her.  She is very expressive with her eyes and has a great laugh (although she is NOT quick to smile).  Sami, on the other hand, is a ham.  She loves to say "Hi" to anybody and everybody.  She gives a big cheesy smile whenever a camera is pointed at her.  She loves to chatter and sing (her favoites are "Happy Birthday" and the "clean up" song).  It has been really fun to see their unique personalities develop over the past few months.  We feel very blessed to have 2 very special little girls!  Happy Birthday Audrey and Sami!  We love you!

February Happenings

Valentine's Day brownies - complete with pink sprinkles (not quite sure how the upper left quadrant ended up with such a high concentration but I think it had something to do with Lauren. . .). 

Annika lost her first tooth on Groundhog's Day.  She was VERY excited about losing the tooth, not so excited about the tiny bit of blood that came with it. 

Tooth #2 came out a few weeks later. 

Grandpa and Grandma came to visit while Daddy took a trip to Washington to visit Uncle Eric and Aunt Lesley.  Here we are checking out the relatively new Confluence Tower in Illinois. 

We took an elevator to the top.  As you can see, it was quite cold.  Here we are huddling against the wall to avoid the bitter cold wind. 

The confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri.

From Confluence Tower we made our way to the Alton Dam.  We just happened to see a barge very slowly making its way through the locks. 

And, of course, we saw some eagles.  Lauren, Audrey, and Sami were all crying while Annika was "attacked" by the eagle monster. 

Grandpa loves opportunities to get out his spotting scope.  We had a great view of 2 eagles side by side on a chunk of ice in the river. 

Sami and Audrey think it is the best thing ever to have access to the back seat.  Trying to convine them to be buckled into their seats afterwards, however, is NOT the best thing ever. 

From the Dam, we took a 5 mile dirt road to the Confluence Trail.  After a short hike, we made it to the actual confluence.  Here you see "Lewis and Clark" soaking in the majesty of the rivers. 

Just can't get enough of those eagles. . .

The new glider (Christmas gift) is up and running! 

Reading time with Grandma is always a big hit.

We missed Daddy!

Audrey and Sami's latest thing is to strip down to their diapers and sit side by side in the recliner, rocking and giggling. 

 We had an early birthday party so that Grandpa and Grandma could participate.  I don't think Audrey and Sami had a clue what was going on. . .

Zoo Babies

 The rarest animal at the zoo - the amur leopard - with her "baby" girl. 

 Baby tree kangaroo spends some quality time outside momma's pouch. 

Not really a baby anymore.  6 year old human enjoys playing veterinarian. 

Winter at the Garden

Snow Day (x4)

 We've had 4 snow days already this year.  The first day was a novelty but after that I came to the conclusion that snow days were a lot more exciting when I was a teacher. . .

Cozying up for a little snow day PBS. 

                                    
 We were told by ALL the weather people that we were going to be hit with a layer of ice and then up to a foot of snow.  Instead we got lots of sleet, a little bit of ice and a couple of inches of snow. 

 Annika enjoyed sliding around on the sleet. 

 This was a different snow storm. . .finally some good packing snow.  At least the snowman isn't squinting (yes, those are plastic golf ball eyes). 

Audrey and Sami enjoy snow days by rediscovering the "plastic plates and bowls" drawer on a way too regular basis.

"Procedures"

It's been about 2 and a half years since Annika had her trachea and esophagus looked at, so it was once again time for her "procedures."  I think we (at least I) were more nervous about it then she was (at least once she found out she was going to get to sleep through the whole thing). 

 The pre-op time went fine.  We were the first thing on the schedule (6 AM arrival) which helped a lot. 

 The anesthesiologist (is there a harder word to spell?) warned us that she may lose her 2 bottom teeth since they were loose and she was going to be intubated.  As you can tell by the look in her eyes, she has been drugged (versed) at this point.

 The ENT doc wanted to look at vocal cord movement. . .which needed to be done while she was still awake.  Karl donned his medical garb (now perfect for paint gear), went into the OR, and held her while the doctor stuck a small camera up her nose and into the midst of her vocal cords.   She was a trooper.  Karl then waited until they placed a mask on her at which point she quickly fell asleep and he came and joined me.

 For about 45 minutes post-procedures Annika was literally flipping out.  She tried to escape from the hospital bed by crawling through the side slats and she continually grabbed at her IV saying, "I want it out!"  She finally calmed down (see above pic) and we were able to go the play area while she finished recovering.

 No recovery is complete without a popsicle!

 We're outta here!

 No, they didn't recommed McDonalds right after anesthesia, but we couldn't resist our daughters request. :-)

The results of the scopes and biopsies indicated some inflammation in the lower esophagus.  As a result, we had to come back a couple of days later for a barium swallow x-ray test (Annika was fine with it until they lowered the machine and told her to drink the green liquid.  After some coercing, she realized it was a painless procedure and she might as well cooperate).  Thankfully, it showed no significant reflux and an intact nissen.  We are doubling her medication and can wait 2 more years for another check-up.  Overall, a good report!  Thanks be to God! 

 Unbeknownst to me, Annika (with Grandma Pollacks help with spelling) put together a "Me Going to the Hospital" book to read to her class at school. 

 The last line says it all, "but God was watching over me so I was fine!"

 This is a water color of Annika in her hospital bed with "Mom" and "Dad" by her side.

This is Annika's summary of the barium swallow test.  Yes, going to the hospital is much different with a 6 year old than an infant.  6 years ago we could hardly imagine that Annika would some day have the ability to write this.  This book is a treasure and a testimony to God's faithfulness.