Giving Darcy's sleep sack a try ...

X-Ray

This morning Darcy had x-rays taken of her sinus cavities and adenoids. She was very good and sat still while we moved her head this way and that to get just the right angle. She was fascinated by the little protective blanket they put over her and that Mommy had to wear one, too.

After struggling with her cough for more than two months, we are exploring the possibility that there is more than a virus at work. Her pediatrician is trying to figure out whether it is a chronic sinus infection, enlarged adenoids, allergies or asthma (or some combination of these). Whatever it is, we would just like to know so we'll know how to treat it and make her more comfortable. We'll keep you posted.

Update: Darcy definitely has a sinus infection, though we won't know for a while about the allergies or asthma.

Good Kitty

Calvin stayed off the counters this evening, no squirt gun required.

(Last cat picture this week, I swear!)

Bad Kitty

Grandpa would not put up with this behavior.

Hangin' with Grammy and Pops

What We Got Up to Today

In between errands and chores (grocery shopping, laundry, etc.), the girls and I got up to a lot of fun stuff ...

First, Evie built this awesome fort on the coffee table for her cars ...

Then I took her to get a hair cut. She'd given herself a little trim at school about a week ago, which kinda forced me to have them cut bangs. Now that she has them though, I really like how it looks and it definitely stays out of her face better ...

After nap, the girls colored and doodled for a bit ...

And then they played in the "club house" in the backyard ...

We capped off the day with a bubble bath ...

All in all, a terrific Saturday!

Gasparilla

Before moving to Tampa, I had never heard of Gasparilla, but apparently it is a BIG DEAL. Gasparilla is a pirate festival the city hosts each year in January with a parade, art show, marathon and other events. A couple of my colleagues and I stopped by the Plant Museum's Gasparilla exhibit today to learn more about this Tampa tradition.

Bedtime Reader

Evie enjoys reading in bed as much as her mom and dad do.

Evie has the high ground ...

The azaleas are blooming!

One of my favorite things this time of year.

Poor Evester

Darcy passed her latest cold on to the Evester. Poor little girl has a very stuffy nose (note the mouth breathing)!

By the Sea

We gathered today at a little restaurant on the beach to celebrate Grammy's birthday, which was on the 7th. Darcy doesn't look happy in this picture, but she had a lot of fun at lunch and walking on the beach and docks afterward.

Pretty Morning

This morning was so sunny and cool that I threw open the windows and back door to let the fresh air in. The girls, of course, took this as an invitation to go play on their play set. They put their sneakers on over their footy pajamas and went to it.

Bucky

Darcy being so sick has made this a very long week. So I truly mean it when I say thank God it's Friday! Looking forward to a long weekend and maybe a nap (or two).

Race Track

The girls love this race track that Santa brought them for Christmas, especially Evie, who was playing with it tonight while watching Max and Ruby.

Notice anything?

It seems we have an icing thief in the house (and I'm pretty sure it's Evie) ...

Meds

Poor Darcy has an ear infection and a bad cough. She is on this arsenal of meds to try to get her over it. We shall see ...

Not pictured is the albuterol I have to give her with a nebulizer.

Home with this one again today ...

A cough and low grade fever this time around. It never ends!

Polished

What makes trimming the girls' nails less of a chore? Painting them afterwards! Evie loves getting to paint Mommy's nails and instructed me to stay still and blow on them when she was done. (Don't worry, the polish washes off with water.)

Reunion

The girls and I met up with our dear friend Rachel in Gainesville today and made a quick trip up to Tally to hang out with our old playgroup for a few hours and celebrate one of the kids' birthdays. It was a whirlwind as we came straight back this evening, but totally worth it to see everyone and have some time to hang out and catch up. Hopefully next time won't be so rushed and we'll have a chance to see other Tally friends as well. From this photo you can see the kids enjoyed the visit as much as the mamas (those are Evie's feet, in case you don't recognize her Skechers)!

Photo courtesy of Megan Benson

Sweet Dreams

Trying Out the Front Seats

Evie's Favorite New Perch

CHEESE!

Obviously Darcy is feeling better this evening!

Pitiful Little Thing

Well, my 16-day vacation turned into a 17-day vacation (not that I would call today a vacation day) as Darcy caught a nasty stomach virus and I had to stay home to care for her today. The day started with her vomiting all over herself, her car seat and my car on our way back from dropping Evie at school. THAT was fun to clean up (not). Fingers crossed that she is feeling better soon as I hate to see her so miserable.

So Blake's Daughter

Happy Birthday to Lucas!

Our nephew Lucas turned two this week so we all gathered at Blake's brother Ken's house for a little party. They had gotten a bouncy house for the kids, which both of our girls loved. They also had a face painter and Evie decided she wanted to be a tiger. Happy birthday to Lucas! We love you!

The Wondeful World of Target

Darcy stayed home from day care today due to, well let's just say bowel issues. So while I didn't get to everything on my list today, we did make a trip to Target to get a birthday gift for my nephew Lucas.

Don't Let This Sweet Moment Fool You

This is the calm between storms, where the girls fought fiercely over the Leap Pad!

Spin Brush

Evie got this Spin Brush in her stocking at Christmas. She loves brushing her teeth with it and each night adds another sticker to it.

Chloe ROCKS Part Two

My niece Chloe has been awesome with the kids this trip and it has been much appreciated.

Taking the Challenge Again

Happy New Year! Yesterday, I successfully completed the 2012 Photo a Day Challenge, which if you know me at all is quite an accomplishment given my tendency for taking on projects and then fizzling out soon after starting. In fact, I enjoyed the challenge so much, I've decided to do it again in 2013. So check back regularly to see what we get up to this year!