Happy 3 And 4 months, Joss!

I normally try and post an update on Jocelyn once a month but the past month has been incredibly busy! The day Jocelyn turned 3 months old, we hopped on an airplane and flew down to Oklahoma so that the majority of my family could meet the newest one. I was incredibly nervous to fly with Jackson and Jocelyn by myself but things could not have gone smoother. We had such a fabulous time with family. The trip was short but incredibly enjoyable. We got back into town on sunday and began a very busy week. Thursday morning, little Jocelyn started running a fever and coughing. We took her into the doctor and they sent us straight to the ER. After running countless tests, we concluded that she did not have H1N1, the seasonal flu, RSV or the common cold. She had another virus. She was admitted to the hospital due to high fever and dehydration. We spent 24 hrs in the hospital before being sent home. Within a few days, Jackson came down with a fever, cough and congestion. He was sick 7 days before finally feeling well enough for school. The next day Joss started running another fever. After spending many hours at the dr. office and then Children's Hospital, we found out that Jocelyn had viral pneumonia. She was incredibly sick for a week before finally making a turn for the better. She is completely healed and we are happy to have a healthy baby again. Enough about the sickness here is a bit about Jocelyn Eloise:

Dear Baby Girl:

• You epitomize your name. You are overwhelmingly joyful. You have brought incredible joy and happiness to our home.
• You can roll over-front to back and back to front but prefer not to.
• You are almost able to sit up without help.
• You love to eat! You weigh a heavy 17 lbs. You are also very tall 26 in!
• You love to stand up on your feet. You hate to be sitting down.
• We walk your brother to school everyday. Being outside calms you down immensely.
• You have begun to fear strangers. You hate to be away from Mommy.
• You still hate your carseat. The only way you are happy is if your brother talks to you.
• You have your daddy's hair. It's incredibly wavy. The back patch always sticks up not matter how much it's combed down.
• Your beautiful personality is developing more everyday. I could not be more in love with you. Happy 3rd & 4th month baby girl!

Happy Halloween!

This post is a bit late. We have been battling a nasty virus. Luckily, we are all on the mend. This Halloween was extra special this year. First, we had an extra little one to trick-or-treat with. Second, it was exactly a year ago today (Oct. 31) that Chris and I found out we were adding to our family. I cannot believe a year has gone by.

This year Jackson dressed up as a knight. He was fiercely protecting his princess sister from any dragons. Jocelyn obviously dressed up as a princess. Sadly, due to cold weather, Jocelyn only wore her outfit inside but it was still incredibly cute.

Funny story: While trick-or-treating, Jackson saw a toddler in a dragon costume. He pulled out his sword and ran as fast a he could to "slay" the dragon and protect his sister. Luckily, I ran fast enough to catch him before he got to the little boy. It was pretty cute to see him so protective and a little lost in imagination.

The pretty Princess in her tutu & princess hat I made her

The fierce knight

Warrior

Ready for some trick-or-treating

Getting some candy in Ballard

Tutus must taste good

One beautiful, happy princess

In other news, we carved pumpkins for the first time ever! We had such a great time. This will be a very fun tradition to continue throughout the years.

Chris carved the pirate ship, I carved the face, and Jack carved the spider (with some help). We left Joss' pumpkin uncarved. Next year she can pick out her own design. :)

Lit up

Awesome pirate ship by my awesome hubby.

It's Emma's Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my 9 year old niece. We love you and miss you tons! We hope you have an awesome 9th birthday!

Love,

Uncle Chris, Aunt Jenice, Jackson and Jocelyn

Five Years

Dearest Jackson,

On the 2nd of November, at 8:03 am you turned five years old. I can hardly believe that five years have passed since the day the nurses put your little 8 lb body in my arms. Part of me feels like you have always been with me. Jackson, you have flourished into such an amazing little man. You are sensitive, kind, funny and always up for adventures. I see so much of your dad in you. This halloween you dressed up as a knight. The more I thought about it, the more I realized this costume fits you to a "t." You have such a deep sense of justice. If you see a kid on the playground getting picked on, you run to defend them. You always stand for those who cannot stand up for themselves. One of the biggest changes of your life this year is the addition of your little sister. I have never met a brother that is more protective, loving and excited about his little sister than you are. Every morning you greet her with a huge smile. We moved her into your room this week and you couldn't be happier.

You are incredibly active. I don't think you ever run out of energy. You started gymnastics this year and it has increased your balance, stamina, and flexibility. You also started preschool this year. You are so outgoing and eager to be friends with everyone. One of the most exciting events the past few months is that you are beginning to read. It is so incredible to watch you read to me and sound out different words.

I could go on for eons about what an amazing little boy you are. You still have my heart, little man. I am eager to see how God shapes you over the years. Happy Birthday to my favorite five year-old. I love you.

Learning to ride your bike without training wheels

Trying out your new scooter from Mom & Dad

Your Dragon cake that you begged me to make for you

New rain boots from sister Joss

Celebrating with the godparents

We were so excited to celebrate YOU!

What a handsome man

G-Mom & Aunt Lollie: trip to meet Joss

Here is yet another lagging post – very much after the fact – but one that warrants documentation. G-Mom and Aunt Lollie made it up to Seattle to meet little Joss in short order after she made her grand appearance into this world.

We hiked around the lake at Tiger Mountain, enjoyed a picnic on a swampy “beach” and balanced on waterlogged pieces of driftwood. 70 degrees. Nice.

Jack’s first day of gymnastics. It’s somewhat relevant.

Not posted here, but equally exciting, was the kayaking at Lake Union, hiking and blackberry hunt at Discovery Park, as well as the all-around good hang-time and conversation when family get together.

WEST COAST WETNESS

Mission - Rialto Beach:

It took a while, but we finally made it to the furthest NW edge of the lower 48. Our trip started with boarding a ferry and heading west to toward the Pacific Coast through the Olympic Mountain range.

While on our trip, we stopped in at Lake Crescent, a gorgeous mountain lake enshrouded in low-hanging clouds. It would be a perfect spot for a weekend getaway cabin.

I feel it's necessary to preface this picture for all the Twilight fans in our family that we did indeed stop in at Forks, WA. However, let me be clear, the only thing going for this little dot on the map is its proximity to the ocean and its over-capitalization of the "vampire" craze. Other than that, none of the gas stations have useable restrooms...not good.

So, we made it to Rialto Beach...it was breathtaking! Huge waves were crashing in the background (which is a big change from the one-footers we see floating in on the Sound), massive rock formations were jutting up in the distance, seagulls floating overhead trying to poach fish. It was picturesque.

Jocelyn was a trooper hanging in the papoose/Moby with her momma. It was wet and cold, but they lasted much longer than anyone was expecting.

This piece of driftwood (could you classify a piece of wood this big driftwood?) was conquered and then shortly thereafter swallowed up by the rising tide. We had waves crashing up on the West side of us and then Jack was ready to make his exit before the next set of breakers rolled in.

Happy Birthday Papa!

Happy Birthday Dad! I hope you had a wonderful day!

P.S.

Expect at least 3 new blog posts today/tomorrow. We have a lot of catching up to do.