The Hill Family

Simon's parents had to get back to their mission in Mexico City and we continued on our trip.  We saw a lot of ruins, 9 in total.  This is the next post of Mayan ruins.  It was actually great for the kids as well.  They could run around, climb and explore. It was interesting to see the differences at each sight.  The kids had their favorites by the end of the trip.  We also taught them a little bit about Mayan culture. Edzna   These well preserved carvings were great.       Palanque These were probably my favorite ruins.  It is set in the jungle and it felt very peaceful there. It is hard to believe that only 10 percent of the structures are actually uncovered.  The rest are still covered by the jungle. some well preserved carvings waterfalls in the middle of the ruins The Palace   Temple of Inscription   The kids had a great time climbing up and exploring these temples.   Becan We had a day of mostly dri

I realize that I haven't posted in months and months.  We have been super busy with a new baby and two moves.  We have moved back to the USA!!!  We miss our friends in Germany but are excited about returning as well.  Simon had a little bit of time in between jobs and we were able to take an incredible vacation to Mexico.  I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive about it.  We had a lot on our plate, but it ended up being awesome.  We spent three weeks exploring Mayan ruins, swimming in cenotes and relaxing on the beach.  First stop, Chichen Itza Chichen Itza This is one of the wonders of the world.  It is not the largest Mayan site, but it is very well preserved.  The main temple is impressive. Auburn posing as Chacmool The Mayans would put offerings on a bowl of the belly of Chacmool.    Simon's parents are serving a mission for our church in Mexico and we were able to meet up with them. Sienna at Chichen Itza Warming up to Grand

We are sort of getting into a rhythm after a few weeks.  The kids love their little sister.  There has been no jealousy issues, which kind of surprised me.   Conley doesn't really care to hold her, but he does come up to her and say "I'm Conley, your big brother" and "Don't cry, I'm here".  He also loves to show her his toys and got really excited this morning when she accidentally pushed his Thomas train.  He then tried to show her how to do it the right way.    Auburn is so motherly by nature.  She loves to hold and snuggle Sienna.  She reads to her and both kids sing to her when she cries.  She loves to come and just lay next to her.  She tells me "she is so beautiful".   I have to admit, the first time I saw this picture I teared up.  Love my little girls! Sienna is starting to be more alert and likes to watch what her siblings are doing. I feel seriously blessed to be the mom of these three sweet kids! I cou

Yesterday was Sienna's due date.  She is already two weeks old.  These past two weeks have been a lot more exciting than I had planned for, but sometimes that happens. Two weeks ago, I went to the hospital to be induced.  Everything was going well, but I stopped progressing and my water had already broken.  After 12 hours of no progress and 22 hours of labor (don't worry I had an epidural) the decision was made that I needed a c-section.  To be honest I was broken hearted and cried the whole way into the operating room, but I knew that it was the right decision to get our baby girl here safe and sound.  The operation went well, but that first week was a very painful recovery for me.  I lived from ibuprofen to ibuprofen.  Just when I was feeling like a person again, I got mastitis that put me back in bed for a couple of days.  Then Sienna had an infected belly button and the medicine they gave me took most of my milk away and I had to supplement for the first time with formula

Sienna Corinne was born at 8:02 am at the Rotkreuzklinikum in Munich.   She weighed 3.7 kilos and was 52 cm long.  She is incredibly sweet and a very peaceful baby.  Auburn and Conley are in love with her. She has been smothered with kisses by them and everyone in the family wants to snuggle with her.   

This summer is going to be a big one for us... new baby and move back to the US.  We are looking forward to the arrival of our baby girl.  My stomach gets lots of loves and kisses from Auburn and Conley.  They have a plan on how to help me when she comes.  Auburn has offered to fold all of her clothes and help change diapers.  Conley is going to get me new diapers and throw away the dirty ones.  They both want to bring her toys and make sure she has her binkie.  I think it is very sweet how excited they are and hope their excitement will continue when she is here.  I have been trying to get things done slowly for our move.  I have sorted through every closet and drawer and have gotten rid of a lot of things already.  I have mixed feelings about leaving.  Some days I cannot wait to go.  Those are probably the days that I have to walk to the grocery store in the pouring rain for the fourth time in a week.  Other days I think about all of the wonderful opportunities and growth that ou