All About The Leaves 4:06 AM

When I got a text from my bride the other day while I was at work saying she and the girls have found their new favorite thing to do in the backyard I couldn't wait to see what it was.

They say if a man takes care of his yard for his entire mature life, he will on average spend 10,000 hours working it trying to get it just right. 10,000 hours just happens to be the magic number Freakonomics researched to be the amount of hours you have to put in to become excellent or a professional in anything from a sport, music, talent, etc. I doubt I'll hit 10,000 in my life in my yard, but knowing that all those leaves laughing at me in my backyard were being put to good use made Daddy smile while he was at work.

Sure Gracie is a little small to run and jump in the leaves, but she is the perfect size to put on the ground and let her go - or just watch her crazy big sis go wild.

The following two pictures were taken in order and I'm not sure exactly what happened, but it seems like Caroline IS able to leap small piles of leaves. (Her Daddy did do the triple jump back in high school.)

If you haven't gotten out there yet to play in leaves - please do. Or swing by our house, good chance ours will be back there for a little while.

PS - If you're still waiting on your husband to rake all those leaves, please know that he's not lazy, he's just not wanting to rob the family of a time honored tradition of jumping and playing in the leaves.  You should thank him.

Flickr Fall 2009 Slideshow

A Road Sign: Gracie's Dedication 8:00 AM

Kristen and I have had the joy of dedicating both of our girls in front of our church family and close friends and family who traveled or gave up a Sunday at their church to witness the event.

I say witness because I deeply feel a baby dedication is a road sign of where the parents stand and ask others to partner with them to point their little ones to Christ.  "Go this way!" is what Kristen and I pray for Gracie as we made an official statement to what we've been praying and doing at home since God gave her to us.  We pray God claims her as his own and that Kristen and I would do everything possible to encourage her in her relationship with Jesus.  In my mind it is that simple.  Encourage her towards things that will draw her closer to Christ and try to limit or remove those things that will distract her on her journey.

I pray those of you who come in contact with our girls will help encourage them in this same path. To help point them to the one relationship that will last - the one that will matter most when it is all said and done.

We are blessed to have a solid group of like-minded believers in our community that already are purposeful in loving us. Thanks again - don't disappear, we're going to need every single one of you.

Also I have to note that one of the greatest gifts we received on this event was that Laurin took every picture at this event. After a weekend full of birthday celebrations it was a sweet gift and way to encourage Daddy, who was tired of taking pictures all week. Thanks Laurin!

View Full Flickr Slideshow of Pictures from Gracie's Dedication

Hard to Believe: Still Dancing 11:15 PM

Is it this time of the year already?

The Super Group Members: Ellie, Evie, Caroline, Gracie & Libby (glasses).

And I thought 2006 was just yesterday?  Silly dad.

[sidenote:  for as many pictures as I take of my girls and their friends, I don't have many good ones of just their face looking forward.]

[Steal This Idea]

Princess Tea Party Video 11:00 PM

A lot like Caroline's birthday celebrations, which were many, I've also yet to learn how to post one simple post for a single event.  This time I'm including video, so hopefully you'll stick with me for one more.
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Most parents put a considerable amount of time and effort into making their child's birthday special.  When Kristen and I thought about how to best celebrate Caroline's third birthday with her friends, it was apparent from the start this year, with her life revolving around princesses, that a tea party fit best.  In order to keep it manageable the princess list was small and the celebration short.  Kristen thought of every detail and the princesses arrived in style and looked beautiful.

Now this was my first official tea party [with actual tea and people, not stuffed animals - although they have feelings too] and I have to say I was quite impressed with the entire event.  Watching my little girl sip tea from a glass full of pink lemonade while enjoying small talk with other little girls (aged 2-4) really made me smile.  I guess being a Hill I should of known Caroline would have the gift of gab - but not until we dressed her up and invited all of her gals over to have tea did I really see her in action, right at home, having a tea party in our backyard.

I was fortunate to capture a little of Caroline's and Libby's conversation on video.  Although the two of them are extremely close friends, it was fun to hear the typical 3 year old conversation where Caroline asked Libby: "Are you Ellie or Evie or Libby?"  And for Libby to reply without hesitation, "I'm Libby... no, wait, I mean I'm Belle."

Dressing up and sharing tea.  I can tell this might be my life for a little while.  If so, I welcome it - we had a blast.

Zoo Teton Trek 11:00 AM

The joy of birthdays and dedications bring family and fun Saturdays to the schedule. In Memphis this past weekend it was ideal weather to get out and see the new Zoo exhibit, Teton Trek.  (If you weren't having a baby, then good chances you were there - it was packed)

The Graves and Hills had great curiosity being familiar with Yellowstone National Park, the inspiration for the new exhibit. If you haven't been to the Memphis zoo or are in the extended area and looking for a fun field trip, get to the zoo. The polar bear exhibit is an easy sell and I've posted about it in the past, but add the Teton Trek and it's worth bearing the Saturday crowds now.

So early this Saturday we headed that way to see what all the fuss was about.

We had a blast watching the Grizzly bears play in the water.  After a shaky start, Caroline begged Pawpaw for a snow-cone - on the unusually hot 76 degree weather Fall day - it helped although she was pretty worn out from all the celebrations of the week.

Thanks Graves family and Memphis Zoo for making our Saturday so much fun!  We hope to be back again soon.

Caroline Turns 3 12:15 AM

The birthday celebrations went on for most of the weekend as expected.  So far we've yet to learn the best way to celebrate a toddlers birthday with one quick swift celebration.  But as the celebrations continued and family rolled in town Caroline loved being the center of attention.

Thanks to all the little princesses that visited for the tea party on Thursday. The Birthday Princess of Honor was very excited to have her friends over to celebrate.

The table was set for a beautiful celebration thanks to Mommy's hard work.

We had some special help from the Renshaw Princesses too. We couldn't of done it without them. Thanks for coming dressed for the occasion.

Princess Miles enjoyed the afternoon tea (pink lemonade).

Princess Libby needed to borrow a dress - fortunately we happen to have a few on hand and a plenty of helpers there to help with her wardrobe change.

What would a princess party be without the chance to get your nails done?

The tea party filled up fast and each princess took the opportunity to enjoy getting their nails done, making their own picture frame and getting to wear fun princess accessories found in their gift bags.

Thanks to all the princesses that were able to make the birthday tea that almost never happened after having to move it around a couple times to make it work.

I was so proud of my bride and of my little girls for making this day special.  Even though the event day and time changed a couple times, they stayed with it and thanks to everyone for making Caroline's third birthday so much fun.  It was my first public tea party that I know of (first of many I'm sure) and I loved every minute of it.  Thanks to everyone who also helped wish Caroline a special happy birthday.

View the Full Flickr Slideshow of Caroline Turning 3

Dear Princess Caroline... 12:07 AM

Sweet Princess Caroline,

A year ago I sat in this same chair to write you a note on your second birthday.  I knew this would be the gift I longed to repeat for your third birthday, but have struggled to find the words to record.  I pray you will pause and listen to your dad once more as another year has come and gone.

Caroline I first want to know you, above all things, that God loves you.  I've started to see you grasp more of this truth in your brief life.  Through our conversations you know God is the giver of great gifts and chooses each day carefully.  We've come to celebrate when the sun comes up and when we see the moon or stars at night - all great joys God shows us daily.  As much as your mommy and I love you, God's love for you is not like ours.  He will never forget to come home early to play with you or be short with you because he stayed up too late the night before.  His gifts won't be sold in a garage sale in the Spring and his love stretches farther than daddy's arms ever can.  If you graduate our home without knowing this, then I would have failed you.  I want to keep it fresh in your mind today and every day - especially on your birthday.  Birthdays should point to God's goodness, not ours.

Three years ago mommy and I didn't know how sweet we had it.  Life will not be as easy and safe as we've shown you so far.  We have protected you from many dangers - know we pray for the time to navigate through these in the future.  I pray God will give us the wisdom on how to show you a loving just God in a hate-filled sinful world.  Always run to those things that draw you closer to Jesus and away from those that don't.

This year you've heard me say "I'm sorry" more than any year before.  I will always struggle to know how to best love you.  I walk the line between wanting to give you all your wants and wanting you to know the wisdom that comes from going without.  Not until we get to heaven - through a close relationship with Jesus - will we have all of our needs met.  This is hard for me because I love to give you things that makes you smile (and in turn a big hug for daddy).  My prayer for you this next year is that I won't fail you and pass down a love for stuff.  I pray that my primary gifts will be of my time and heart pointing you to lasting things, not temporary ones.

God added Gracie to our family this year and you became a big sister.  Caroline I'm proud of you for how you've adjusted to having her in our home.  Although you didn't show your love for her by desiring to hold her, you did name every stuffed animal and doll - or any baby we ever saw - "Gracie."  I know you love her in your own 3 year old way and it is fun to witness. We will teach you how to share and how to behave through your relationship with her, but your love for her was created without instructions from mommy and daddy.  She will watch your every move and learn from your victories and boo-boo's  - I know because I'm the little brother in my family.  We love you, but trust we will never love you more or less regardless of the final outcome.  In time as Gracie grows older, you will find her to be true friend and trusted companion in life.  You never know, maybe she will follow you to college one day or stand by your side as you get married when you are 30.

This past year Caroline I've loved going on Daddy Adventure Dates.  You've become a great dance partner in the kitchen, at the zoo, in the grocery store and pretty much any where music was playing (real or in your head).  As you've become my princess, know I take great pride in the roll of being your "prince."  Remember this when I struggle to give up my title many years from now. I will be there when you ask me, "save me prince" - wither it be from the playground heights or from whatever dangers Satan plans for your life.  Remember that beauty comes from the heart and not by the Snow White dress or the number of mommy's accessories you're wearing.  God is the true King and only in him can beauty/value be found.

We will work more heavily this year on discipline.  You will want to Daddy to be your friend, but I pray I will become something greater.  You started to ask me, "Daddy are you nice / Are you mean?" when you know a lesson has to be learned (even forced).  I pray God gives me the wisdom to be "mean" enough to help you grow to become a woman God will put to great use.

Thanks for still putting up with my camera.  I look back to what happened yesterday and it seems more like 20 years ago than 2.  I pray you will one day learn to read and be proud of these stories shared.  I pray they remind you of how God was (and is) so good to us.  I know dark days may come.  And when they come, maybe these posts will help remind us how we are a part of His greater plan.

Princess you are beautiful and I am proud of you.  Congrats on turning three! I can't wait to see what this year holds.

I will love you always,
Daddy "The Prince"

This Day in History: Nov. 4th 11:48 AM

Many of you will remember this day in 2006 when God brought little Caroline into the world.  It was a long emotional day and 100% worth it.  Although I really just took notes and encouraged my bride and mom-to-be, it was a day I'll never forget.
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November 5, 2006 - as scared and excited as we were, we had no clue what this day would hold. God was good to us in spite of what we deserved (just like always) and here is how the day unfolded.

[9:30 AM] As of 4:45 AM this morning, Kristen and I are in the hospital. As they pump Kristen with fluids and meds to speed up her contractions and prepare her body to have a baby, she is taking a nap. As I sit and watch the movie Stripes on TV, I figured I might as well see if the Internet worked. Well as you can tell, it did.

So far our experience has been great. Besides the early start everything has been easy. Hooking Kristen up with the IV wasn't fun, but otherwise we are just waiting it out for the medicine to kick in. They say it could be later this afternoon and on average it takes about 14 hours before the baby arrives. As of right now we're the only people on the floor, so the nursing staff couldn't be nicer or more available. They come in every 15 minutes to up her medicine and every hour to take her blood pressure.

Our last night at home without children more challenging than I thought it would be. We got the house in order for guests to arrive and then we went to Houston's for dinner. Looking back on it maybe we should of gotten something to go, not that dinner wasn't nice, but I think we both were just a little nervous. With so much on our minds, it was hard to talk about anything else. Hard not to share our fears and concerns for what was about to happen. I think after sticking my head in front of the computer for several hours to keep from talking about it, I finally broke down and was able to talk with Kristen about how proud of her I have been the past year. It is hard to imagine all she has gone through carrying around our little girl. She rarely complained of all the strange things happening to her body and has even gone out of her way to love on me. She is truly going to be a great mom and I know this experience has revealed to me even more of how blessed I am to be married to such an amazing woman. It was great to pray together and talk honestly about what both of us were feeling.

For those wanting to pray for our nurse by name, her name is Dana and our Doctor is Dr. Banister (a PDS mom). Thanks for your prayers, don't let up yet, the day has only begun.

[10:24 AM] Kristen's water breaks

[Noon] Epidural goes in (surprisingly painless)

[12:01 PM] Any chance of Kristen winning an Indian leg wrestling competition forfeited

[5:00 PM] Kristen is at 6 centimeters (10 is the goal)

[6:00 PM] 8 centimeters

[7:00 PM] Susan our first nurse returns

[8:00 PM] Molly Flynn, Lane Arnold, Emily Gates and Laurin Maddox stop by for a pre-baby visit.

[8:30 PM] Get news that we're stuck at 8 for over 2 1/2 hours. They make plans for a c-section. Thanks for your prayers. Emotionally rough. Physically fine.

[9:31 PM] Caroline Cooper Hill is born weighing in at 7.6 ounces and 19.5 inches. She's beautiful and healthy. Mom is even more beautiful and healthy. Two wonderful girls in my life now.

[10:30 PM] We get up to our room with Caroline and once the nurse comes in to help Kristen take care of her I go downstairs to announce the news of Baby Caroline to my mom and both of Kristen's parents who have been waiting anxiously for the news.

[11:15 PM] After a few minutes with their granddaughter all the grandparents leave. Kristen nurses her for the first time and she they both do great. We spend a few minutes with Caroline before hitting the wall of a long day and we send her down the hall to the nursery so mommy and daddy can get a few winks of sleep.

It was an amazing day and thanks for to God for bringing us through. Emotionally we were fried and physically drained before crashing that night. I finally turned in around 2 a.m. after looking at pictures of Caroline for a couple of hours trying to soak in what just happened. I post the pictures on the web and then fade asleep on the hospital room sofa as they are bringing Caroline in for her first of many late night feedings.

The next few days and weeks would radically change our home and life for good.

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November 5, 2007 - For Caroline's first birthday party we put the neighborhood park to good use.  A small gathering of friends and family join us to celebrate on a perfect outside weather day in November.

Caroline's birthday is on Monday and Kristen and I decided to celebrate it a little early. We knew this birthday would be a fun way to celebrate the joy Caroline has brought us this past year, but also understood she's one - so don't make the event all about her, she has no clue what's going on.

The park down the street was a perfect setting and could of been the best day of the year to enjoy it. We had wondered if a November birthday would be a good time to celebrate outside, but the good Lord was kind to Caroline today (like most days) and the mercury reached about 70 with not a cloud in the sky. In order to keep the hoopla to a minimum, we kept the numbers down and the frills low. Chicken from SuperLo, drinks in a bucket and a few homemade goodies Kristen baked up for the special occasion: magnolia bakery cupcakes, some pumpkin shaped pimento cheese sandwiches and one of Kristen's delicious dips. The tables looked perfect thanks for Kristen's craftiness. We brought a couple blankets to throw out for people to sit on - and the party was up and running.

Caroline cried as her friends sang happy birthday to her. The event was more funny than sad, but was entertaining to see what she did with her cupcake. Click the link at the bottom to see what happens. Don't worry it has a happy ending. Caroline has been such an amazing joy in our lives, looking back one year ago from this week has been a strange wonderful experience. Praise be to God for His sweet and undeserved gift of Caroline to Kristen and I. His grace endures, even...scratch that, especially when we didn't.



Our friends and family were sweet to join us for the event and we loved getting to catch up and play in the park together. Overall we learned some valuable lessons on hosting Caroline's birthday celebration that will help make future birthdays even better. We pretty much plan on having her party in the park for the next 10 years so we should have plenty of time to get the routine down.

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November 5, 2008 - Caroline's second birthday celebration was the birthday of all birthdays.  With visits from the Graves family and many small celebrations over a week or two, Caroline's second birthday was a big one (I mean two... you know what I mean.)

Well the month of celebrating Caroline's second birthday has come to an end.  Yesterday was her actual birthday and we as a family celebrate low key at home.  So what does a two year old do for her birthday?

1.  After waking up to a house decorated with balloons and party blowers (think that's what you call 'em). She had breakfast at Gibson's in her PJ's where they treat her like a Princess.  They gave her doughnut holes, flying cows and tons of attention.  The sugary treats didn't stand a chance versus the mighty two year old.  We've always had a great experience there as it has become a place for Caroline and Daddy to go and let Mommy sleep in on special mornings.  She can fun around, eat tons of sugar and show how cute she is to everyone else.  We'll spend next to nothing and have a great time in the process.  The fact that is only a few minutes from our house makes it even better.

2.  Caroline stole some of Mommy's time for a beautiful outside lunch.  Hard to put a price on that.

3.  After a nap, what else but to go play in the park with my friends and Mommy.  Dad joined up just time to watch the sun go down (dang that time change).

4.  Gifts and dinner at the house... thankfully no cake or sugar high/crash. It is safe to say that Caroline does know all the words to Happy Birthday right down to the part at the end where she says, blow out the candles and starts to blow/spit.

5.  Open a few gifts including a pair of mittens mom found for her since she loves to put her socks on her hands.  But of course, when she opens them she decides they will be perfect to put.... on her feet.

[ I love those knees! ]

The updated slide show can be found here. Thanks everyone for being so encouraging to Caroline and loving on her during the first couple years of her life. She might not ever remember them, but they will be the foundation years to help build her capacity to love others [and Jesus]. It is because of your love to her that will serve as an example to follow for years to come.

Other favorite pictures from the week of birthday celebrations include -

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Thanks everyone for sticking with me on this long post. I promise not to recap every birthday of hers on her 16th birthday, but for the first few I thought it might be fun. I'm thankful for having written down the memories here otherwise they would be lost.

God is good to us. Always. And especially for the joy of being entrusted to love on Caroline for a little while.

Happy Birthday Caroline 8:23 AM

You might not be able to tell it from these pictures but Caroline turns three today.  I know, I know, she's never been one for much attention or going over the top with princess party talk or all that [blog sarcasm] ...but we decided to pour it on just because you don't turn three every day.

Happy Birthday Caroline! More updates to come throughout the day.

Caroline's first word to me this morning were, "Daddy, tell me happy birthday." This could be an interesting day.

For those interested in walking down memory lane - I know, doesn't sound like us does it? - be sure to check out her YouTube library playlist.

Hard to believe it all started like this three years ago:

Trick or Treat Video 3:13 PM

Sorry for not posting this with my earlier post... it was getting too long and I know I have short attention spans with other blogs, so I thought I would include it in a separate post.

[video below, view original post if not visible in your reader]

Nothing too exciting, but it was fun watching all of the little ones in their costumes and to see Caroline's expressions. Please disregard the narration - won't that guy ever keep his mouth closed?!