Dentist

Jillian had her first trip to the dentist today! We had no idea what to expect but she did fantastic! Paul and I both had appointments today too so it was a family outing! Boy, do we go all out for family fun! Jillian got to sit on Mommy's lap and watch the nice lady use all of her fun tools in Mommy's mouth so when it was her turn, she did just fine. By far her favorite thing about the whole experience was going up and down in the chair. She kept telling the hygienist, "up and down, please!"

These next two pictures look much worse than they actually were. Just caught Jillian's curious face at an interesting moment! There were no tears or fighting. Just a curious two-year-old trying to figure out things!

Easter Dress

Since Jillian opted to sleep through the whole church service on Easter Sunday, many did not get to enjoy seeing Jillian in her Easter dress so we had a little photo shoot later! Enjoy!

Easter

Easter weekend was a full weekend! Friday and Saturday we went to Maquoketa. Saturday we had an Easter Egg hunt outside and Great Grandma Hovey helped Jillian find all of her eggs!

Easter morning we attended a sunrise service and our regular church service. Jillian was so tired she slept in Mommy's arms the whole church service! Then we headed to Clinton for the afternoon.

Pigtails and Easter Eggs

Yesterday was a big day for Jillian! She had many firsts! Mommy got ambitious and tried putting her hair up in pigtails. Jillian didn't like the process but she sure got a kick out of the finished product. We also decorated Easter eggs outside and Jillian loved it! Happy Easter, everyone!

Jillian's Birthday

After weeks of training Jillian to respond, "gonna be two..." when people ask how old she is going to be, now we are trying to train her to say, "I'm two!" Hard to believe we are the parents of a two year old now. We had a great time celebrating her birthday last weekend with both sides of the family. Not many kids are spoiled with two parties all in one weekend! Jillian loved every minute of it! We are so blessed to have so much family close by to share this special occasion with!

You can tell she's had some practice opening a present or two. No assistance needed this year, thank you!

Jillian's long talked about "Butterfly cake"
Happy birthday, Jillian!

One of Jillian's favorite gifts was a hair dryer!

Jillian got her first tricycle from Mommy and Daddy. She currently has a love/hate relationship with it! She's very excited to see it and to climb onto it but as soon as she tries to pedal, the frustration begins. A little patience and practice will be necessary...

Jillian's First Hair Cut

Jillian has been needing a hair cut for a while to get things "shaped up" but Mommy has been dragging her feet thinking it would be a traumatic experience since Jillian hardly lets Mommy even comb her hair. We had a friend recommend this kid friendly place in town and we gave it a try last week. Everything went fabulous and I don't even think Jillian even realized she got her hair cut! It may have helped that she had slides to go down in the waiting room, a Dora car to sit in while she got her hair cut, a video to watch, and tons of toys in her lap to keep her entertained. If this isn't a baby spa, I don't know what is! :)

Christmas Part II

Over New Year's weekend we were in Maquoketa celebrating Christmas with Paul's family. Here is a picture of Paul's parents with all the grandchildren...7 girls and one boy! Poor Christian! Notice Jillian has improved grately in this picture over the Thanksgiving episode!

Jillian talking on the phone with cousin Brittney

Jillian laughing at her cousin Christian running around
Checking out a new book she got...

Helping Grandma figure out the letters on her new sign