Photo Booth Fun!

These girls took a break from dancing at Brant and Kara's wedding to have a little fun in Joe Joe's photo booth!

Jacob said this picture is an accurate portrayal of our family-ha!

Inching Along

Check out our little inchworm! I think she's trying to keep up with Owen and Olivia...or run from them! This girl is keeping us on our toes and entertained, that's for sure! 

We went to Eloise's 4-month check up last week and she weighed in at a hefty 11 pounds, 13 ounces. She's on the growth chart (barely), but she has managed to double her birth weight which is a big accomplishment for our little peanut. Eloise did not enjoy her three shots, but her big sister was there to help comfort her-unlike her big brother who requested to leave the room-ha!

 

Mother's Day 2013

An accurate portrayal of Owen and Olivia's personalities-ha!

I just wanted to post a picture of my little family. I am truly blessed to be called "Mama" by this bunch. It is a title I am proud to have and one I certainly don't take for granted. Being a mama is an amazing and humbling experience. Maybe the thing I'm most thankful for is having a wonderful helper to make this job a little easier. Thank you, Jacob, for being my best friend and partner in this parenting gig. You lighten my load, and that is the best Mother's Day gift ever!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Olivia!

Three years ago this morning we were on our way to the hospital to meet our girl, Olivia! She was supposed to be born on her Deeda's birthday, April 19, but decided she wanted her very own day. Based on her early arrival, we predicted she would be an independent, strong-willed child and we were right! I call Olivia "sweet and sour" because she is kind, compassionate and funny, but can also dig in her heels when circumstances aren't pleasing to her. She makes us smile and laugh and want to pull our hair out sometimes. Even though she keeps us humble as parents, she brings us such JOY and is our ray of sunshine most days! I am looking forward to watching her grow-this girl is going to move mountains!

Happy Birthday, Olivia!! We love you so much!!

 

Happy Easter!

Our Easter morning was laid back this year since we attend church on Sunday night. We made Resurrection Rolls, read from The Jesus Storybook Bible and then decided to listen to a little Dolly Parton performance of "He's Alive" because a member of our small group told us that was part of his Easter tradition. Owen and I were watching the video and as Dolly was really singing about Jesus conquering death, Owen turned to me and said, "Mama, is she an angel?" I have laughed all day! She is looking pretty angelic in her bedazzled gown, I must say! :)

Please notice Dolly's sleeves beginning at 4:02...I think that's what had him really convinced! 

Also, I'm pretty sure every man I know is hoping all the angels in heaven look like Dolly Parton-ha!

Eloise's Birth Announcement

Stationery Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Smile!

I took Eloise to baby weigh-in on Friday night. I was so happy to see that our tiny infant girl has gone from 5 pounds, 8 ounces to 8 pounds, 11 ounces in 7 weeks! Her little legs and cheeks are looking chubby and cute! Our sweet girl has also started smiling lately which is such a joy to see. We sure do love our Eloise!

Joy!

Owen

Olivia

Eloise

The Arrival of Eloise Kathryn

 In typical Hill girl fashion, Miss Eloise made her grand entrance exactly when she wanted to. I have to say, I wasn't incredibly surprised and I was relieved to find out that my doctor was on call the weekend before her planned date of arrival. Eloise Kathryn was born on Saturday, January 12 at 8:29pm (5 days before my scheduled c-section).

I woke up feeling tired and a little frazzled Saturday morning. Jacob was gone all morning to a Deacons' retreat at our church, so my Saturday started a little earlier than usual since my sweet husband typically lets me sleep in  most weekend mornings. I tried to take advantage of the extra time by getting some things prepared for what was sure to be a busy week. By noon I was feeling anxious, texting Jacob to please be home as soon as the retreat had ended. My mind was racing with all the chores left on my to do list before Eloise arrived and I had to go to the grocery store. By the time Jacob got home and I made my way to the store, it was pouring!! I noticed my first contraction when I pulled into the parking lot of the store, but tried to will my body to stop. Despite my efforts, the contractions continued as I shopped, so I threw food in the cart, checked out and made my way across the flooded parking lot in the rain. Once home I tried to lay down and once again will the contractions to stop, but by this point Jacob was packing bags and texting Dr. Nelson to let him know we were probably heading to the hospital soon.

We started calling our parents to let them know what was going on and had my Dad and Sherrye come stay with Owen and Olivia while we went to the hospital. We drove slowly because it was still raining causing flooded roads all over town. We arrived at the hospital just in time for the nurses' shift change, so the poor nurse checking me and hooking me up to machines for monitoring still had her purse with her. I was dilated 3 cm and having regular contractions, so the nurses called Dr. Nelson-but not before Jacob texted him a picture of the machine monitoring my contractions-ha! It's nice when your doctor is also a friend ;)  Preparations began for surgery and by 8pm I was in the operating room preparing to meet Eloise!

This c-section is the first one that wasn't performed in an emergency or under rushed circumstances. Everything went really well and by 8:29pm we heard the sweet sound of our baby girl's cry. Dr. David Nelson handed Eloise to his wife, Dr. Kristen Nelson, our pediatrician-how neat is that? Our girl weighed 5 pounds, 8 ounces and was 19 inches long. She had a head full of dark hair and looked just like her brother and sister when they were born. She was greeted by Owen, Olivia, Nana, Grandpa Bruce and Gran. Her Papa and Meme Hill were heartbroken that they missed her birth because their road was flooded and they couldn't get to us. But, they promptly made their way to us Sunday morning and got to meet their granddaughter. Grandpa David and Cade also came for a visit on Sunday along with other friends and family. Cha Cha Joe, Auntie Ams and Elsy Kate met her later in the week since they had planned to be in town closer to her scheduled arrival :)

My recovery has been great and we have been so thankful for all the help from grandparents and friends as we have made the transition to a family of five! We sure are thankful for our sweet, healthy Eloise. We can't imagine life without her! Our baby girl was one month old yesterday-time is flying!