Foley fun

Today we went to the birthday party of one miss Lillian Foley. Lillian is 5 days younger than Jocelyn. We first started hanging out with Lillian and her mom when Amanda and I were both pregnant with our youngests (Lillian's little sister Marian is actually only 7 days younger than Molly). Amanda and I got to be pretty good friends, and shortly after the babies were born we allowed the husbands to join in on the fun. One of the first times, if not THE first time, we had all 4 Foleys to the house was just before Jocie and Lillian turned 2. Ava, Jocelyn, and Lillian were playing in our basement and we adults were enjoying some uninterrupted conversation while babies slept. Suddenly Ava comes up the stairs and says, "Jocelyn bit Lillian!" None of us heard any crying and sort of shrugged it off. About 10 seconds later, the screaming started, and Lillian came sobbing up the stairs with this AWFUL bite mark just under one of her eyes. Jocelyn managed not to break the skin but rather bruised this poor child's cheek with her teeth! Both parents were very understanding, but I would have totally understood if that was the beginning of the end of our relationship with the Foleys.

A year later I am so very happy to say that was not the end of our friendship. Jocelyn and Lillian have had a rocky friendship for sure - there were many playdates with little more than fighting and crying between the two girls. Somehow in the last few months, however, it seems the two have made peace and actually love playing together. Now when they disappear I don't fear for Lillian's physical well-being. They share a love for princesses and all things girly, something both Amanda and I constantly shake our heads about in wonder. The two girls are as different as night and day: Jocelyn's height and weight off the charts big, Lillian's off the charts small. Lillian is so gentle and timid almost, very unlike my Texas Tornado. Today when we got to the party Jocelyn immediately found Lillian, ran up to her and gave her a big hug. Lillian is one of Jocelyn's first real friends, and I am so grateful we all have all the Foleys in our lives. I was so glad to spend today celebrating Lillian and the joy she brings to her family and many friends.