Weaver Hollow Pool

One of life's greatest pleasures.

The pool.

The smell of suntan lotion greets you at the entrance and you find your perfect spot under the shade tree.  You set your chairs up and line up all the beach towels. Sunscreen is applied, goggles in place, and pool toys in hand.

There are sounds of screaming, splashing kids, and your heart beats a little faster because you notice this pool has a inter tube side.

You think that it could not possibly get any more fun and then your mom hands you a funnel cake topped with powered sugar.

I'm pretty sure there is nothing better than a big, juicy, gummy smile!  

Uh - Oh

Were in trouble now!  Someone went and grew up on me and now is climbing the stairs.

Maleficent Under the Moon

Dad brought home his projector from work and I gathered up a basket of movie treats, popcorn, and drinks.  The boys collected all their blankets and pillows and brought them outside to create a comfy pallet for us all.

We waited until dark and then watched Maleficent in the backyard.  Dad and I created a human sandwich and it was so fun to snuggle deep into the blankets between the boys during the scary parts. 

I loved breathing in the cool air and looking up into the dark sky.  We are going to suck every summer moment we can from this month.

The Starting of Football...

 Nathan officially started tackle football and has loved every drippy wet sweaty second of it.  He is really pushing himself and is eating up everything he is learning. I love that his coach will not tolerate swearing and now that they are a football team they are a "band of brothers."

Dad has spent lots of time with Nathan up at the Stoney Creek fields helping him get conditioned. It's been fun to watch him learn something new.

Time Lapse at the Pool

Exactly one year ago I was sitting in this very chair with a little secret.  I was growing a baby.  I remember watching Nathan and Kendall play in the pool and wondering what it was going to be like with a baby in the mix.

 I remember feeling so happy and excited and thinking I would love to sit here in the shade watching Nathan and Kendall happily play in the pool while a little baby slept on my chest.

I had  Deja Vu.

 Here I am almost to the day a year later living out that little dream.  I had a pretty rough start after Cardon was born and it made that moment that much sweeter.  I appreciated it deeper and that little dream had somehow increased and enhanced more than I ever thought it could.

The Magic of Ordinary Days...

We have been trying to make the most out of summer over here but I gotta say.... lazy pajama days sprinkled with stories and card cames are winning right now.  

Built in Best Friend

One of my favorite things about our "baby gap" has been to watch these two older brothers interact with Cardon.  These boys are as wimpy as I am and can't handle if he is crying for a second. 

Cardon is almost always in someone's arms and I love it when Nathan sings and rocks the baby to sleep.

Big Brothers are the best.

Big Daddy

He is our constant, our calm, and our rock.  He is a gentle giant with a heart of gold.  He is an amazing dad to our three miracle babies and has exceeded my expectations in every way as a husband. 

He is the glue that keeps our little Hillan family going and he brings more joy than words can describe.  Happy Birthday, Dad!

Squishy and His Big Brother

"I can't believe I have a baby brother that I'm 11 years older than.  He makes me so happy.  Really there are no words to describe it."  - Nathan

SIX Months... Already

As I was bouncing you to sleep on the giant gray yoga ball, I couldn't help but feel an ache in my heart that tomorrow you will already be six months.  I love that we have a routine.  Rhythmic bounces interrupted with kisses on your forehead and primary songs that I try to sing to you even though I'm breathless and off key.  Still, you don't seem to mind and you look up at me with hazy eyes and "long" blink with your lips parted in a smile.  You wiggle your body and turn into my arm with a nuzzle and after about 5 more bounces, you are fast asleep.

I stare down at you and admire your long lashes and squish the chub on your baby soft arms. I whisper all kinds of secrets in your ear and think about what kind of person you will become one day. One more kiss and I breathe in your smell.  I'm still not ready to put you down so I repeat this again.

When I lay you down, you roll over to your left side and curl your toes around the bar of the crib.  The noise machine is playing a cricket serenade and the fan is lightly blowing.  It is your favorite recipe for a summer nap.

More than likely, you wake up in the middle of it and I scoop you up and with a few more bounces you are back to sleep.

Oh how I love this time with you. And I'm not the only one.  When you wake up we all run to see who can pick you up first. We all try to make you laugh and Kendall and Dad usually win with that one.  You are so happy and end up making us laugh with your full body smiles. Then everyone wants to be the one to feed you your bottle.  I try to share and it's really hard because it's my favorite thing to do with you.  You get so snugly and serious when you eat.  I play a little game with you and try to make you smile.  You drip milk all over me but it's so worth it.  I wrap you up in a blanket and listen to you drink as I play with your hand.

You love to go on walks and watch your brothers ride their bikes up ahead.  You love your back tickled and you love to be held.  You get so excited when you get a taste of a Popsicle and your legs go crazy when you take a bath.

I love that in 182 days- you have all four of us completely wrapped around your tiny finger.