Day 3

Another day past - only 2 more full days to get through until Daddy Piper comes home. I can't wait! It has been nice to have this time alone with the kids. We have really bonded on an extra level that I really can't explain. But boy oh boy - when 10:00 Sunday morning rolls around, you'll see me hanging out at the airport, waiting for Daddy Piper to take these kids and give me a break!

The night went well again last night. Both kids slept through the night. I only woke up once to check on them - way better than the night before. 7:00 came around and they were both up. We heard from Daddy Piper pretty early this morning so we got to chat before heading out for swim lessons. I am trying my hardest not to call him while he's gone. I have only called once. I have waited for him to call us the rest of the times. So we went to L's swim lessons - where she did extremely well again. Her original swim instructor left for the Olympics so she has a replacement for this week and next week. She has responded well to the new lady. L seems to be learning some new stuff such as rolling on her back while swimming to get a breath (chicken, star, rocket).

Next up after lessons was another trip to the waterpark. I wanted to take them to lunch and to ToysRUs but they wanted to go to the waterpark, so waterpark it was. Again - fun, fun, fun. They really enjoying being able to splash around while touching the bottom, something they can't do in our pool. But funniest thing - I ran into a girl I went to junior high with almost 20 years ago! She was wearing the same maternity swimsuit I was wearing and she came over to chat about it and I recognized her but couldn't remember where from. After chatting for a minute and her reminding me what her name is, she remembered me and we remembered we went to junior high together!!! She is pregnant with her 4th. It was fun to catch up for a bit. Unfortunately, I left without getting a number. Kinda hurried and left since the kids were tired. Hopefully we run into each other again!

This evening, we went to dinner at our friends', the K family, house. That was so nice! The kids played so well together. Dinner was yummy, as always. At one point the kids were all jumping, running and laughing and playing, making the sounds kids are known for. J and I talked about how wonderful it sounded. I LOVE hearing this ruckus. It is the household I want for my children. The only unfortunate thing is we are having a storm right now and my kids (as well as Mama) are afraid of lightning/thunder. I expect this to be a sleepless night so I better sign off and get some rest while I can!!

I am looking forward to Daddy Piper to come home. It sounds like he is having a nice time and we are too - we just miss the other half to our whole!

• I have a little note to add - something I want to remember specifically. Tonight after getting their jammies on and reading books, both kids were getting a bit freaked by the storm and S crawled in my lap and through his arms around my neck and snuggled into my neck then L did the same and snuggled into the other side of my neck. MMMM- I love moments like that! I wish I could hold them forever like that. Such a feeling of contentment. Who knew being a Mommy would be this wonderful. Thank you God for my children. Thank you for allowing me to care for them, raise them and enjoy them. Such a blessing I am grateful for!!