Swing Time

SOARING
Two figures swing silently side by side.

The cherub of a little boy sits to the left.

His mama to the right.

Each seems lost in their own little world.

They quietly exchange a glance and a warm smile.

There's no need for words.

All the love that flows through that Mother's body is spoken right from her eyes, as she watches her little boy

And a peaceful joy gazes back at her from his

Their hair blows back from their faces in the breeze and the warm sun hugs their bodies as they sway.

Frequently the boy slows his pace with a threat to stop moving

And every time the mama pauses her movements to push him higher

Because that's what mother's do don't they?

Stop the world, to help their children soar to limitless heights in the sky.

I found this poem on a fellow bloggers page, Mom vs. the Boys, and LOVED it!  It made me smile.  You see Nolan loves to swing.  Every day he wakes up and asks to go to the PARK, and his favorite thing to do at the PARK is SWING!  I think my boy could swing for hours.  He asks, "mommy push," repeatedly.   And of course I oblige, I would do anything to help him soar to limitless heights!  I love my little man!

It's A GIRL!

We found out at the 20 week ultrasound that we are having a GIRL!  We couldn't be more excited, to welcome her to the family in December!  Todd and Nolan joined me for the ultrasound appointment.  Nolan was slightly fascinated at first that the baby was "on TV."  I still don't think he completely understands that the "baby" that is in mommy's tummy, will be here and part of the family in a few short months.  I am sure though that he will LOVE her, as much as mommy and daddy already do!

The day of the ultrasound the baby was sleeping nicely on her tummy, and did not want to roll over for the ultrasound tech, so we have to go back at our 24 week appointment for better views of her anatomy.

At 20 weeks she was measuring 12 oz., and 10 inches long.  The images below are 3D.  You can see her face snuggled into the wall of the uterus.

I found this poem online, and I love it so I thought I would share.  

A Love Letter To My Unborn Child

© Carlisa P. Branch

I write this letter to my unborn child from the depths of my soul. 

You've entered my womb and made my life complete and whole.

I never thought I would be chosen for such an awesome task.

It is a greater blessing than what I ever could ask.

I can almost imagine you in my mind.

Beautiful, Happy, Bouncing, flashing a smile so kind.

Feeling you flutter is a sensation like no other.

You create a glow in me I never knew I would see.

It is true happiness that sets me on cloud nine manifested deep inside of me!

You're my baby, my child, my heart, and my wonder.

I pray we create a bond that no one can put asunder.

You're a designers' original! A creation from the King!

I can hardly wait for you to enter the world and see the joy you bring.

Sweet baby of mine, you're a magnificent gift from above.

Living proof of how your father and I have shared our love.

I hope you have your fathers' eyes

Then you will go into the world able to look at all things wise.

I hope you inherit my ability to plan.

With that you will be able to face all things in life as a strong woman or man.

I hope you receive from your father his selfless ways.

For this the Heavenly Father will bless you, as he did him, all of your days.

I hope you learn from me, spirit and let no one take it.

Believe me you will need it in life, and many will try to break it.

Have my big heart; know what emotions are and how to be real.

Share your fathers' strength so you can handle what you feel.

Share your fathers' of humor! Laugh a lot it helps you through life.

Share your fathers' and my sense of responsibility. Know how to be serious and take strife.

I'm emotional so I tell you its okay to blubber once and a while like your Mom.

But learn to develop what your father has; an excellent sense of calm.

But most of all the things I wish for your father and I to share.

I wish we teach you to love, respect, strength of mind, and to care.

These are my feelings, wishes and hopes for you. 

You make my heart and soul sing!

I welcome you to the world and thank you for the joy,

my little queen.

Rafting Down the Truckee River

Our last day of the trip, I cannot believe how fast this vacation has gone!  And how much fun we have all had!  It was wonderful to spend time with family, and enjoy the Tahoe Area. In the morning we visited the Lake Tahoe Beach, and played on the swings and in the water.

The ducks are certainly not afraid of the people.  They were swimming right up to everyone at the beach.

The group activity of the day was a float down the Truckee River, it was a 5 mile float.  We enjoyed the float, and Nolan enjoyed hanging out with all the girls!

Khawlah, Shayma, and Ashlyn

Ashlyn, Kaitlyn, and Jenna

Laurie, Jill, Carole, and Patty...Note Jill and Patty with the squirt guns!

Nolan with a squirt gun, preparing to get the boys coming down the Truckee in Inner tubes.

Shayma and Nolan

Nolan being Silly with Jenna

Nap time in the Raft!  Still holding his precious juice box.

Tahoe Beach Day

In the morning, Nolan and I took a walk down to town and enjoyed Lake Tahoe.  Nolan had a blast wading in the water (in his gym shoes--of course), throwing rocks, and chasing the ducks.  I think I have to do another post on the adventures of Nemo--since he seemed to join Nolan everyday throughout our trip. :)

In the afternoon, we joined the family and had a wonderful day at Meek's Bay.  We brought the raft, and we rented paddle boards and kayaks.  Everyone had so much fun playing in the water and in the sand!

Kaitlyn and Nolan

Ashlyn and Nolan

Nolan and his Buddy Nemo

Throwing Sand

Khawlah and Nolan

Enjoying the Raft!

Ashlyn and Nolan enjoying the water

Carole and I 

Nolan and Jenna

Tahoe Day 5

I cannot believe our trip is already half over.  The time has gone so quickly.  It has been quite enjoyable spending time with family.  Nolan is truly having, "the time of his life!"

Today Todd and the guys went hiking and fishing at Eagle Lake!  They didn't catch many fish, but I think that the views were well worth the hike.

Eagle Lake

Kyle, Collin, Muath and Omar

While Todd was fishing, Nolan and I had some more fun playing in the pool!  He is getting less scared of the water each time we get into it.