Yep, it is what you think it is...#4!

We are proud to announce we are expecting a baby somewhere around Sept 13th.

Many times over the past year I have thought and said oh having one baby would be a piece of cake. Well now we get a shot at it I guess, sort of. One baby, but he/she is really a fourth. I know you are thinking what everyone (but me) was thinking are you sure it is only one? Yes it is only one, not only do I not feel the overwhelming effects of the hormones that come along with multiples but the day I told our doctor we were pregnant she had an ultrasound scheduled within the hour. I suspect that she was curious if there was more than one as well. Anyway, only one baby this time, phew.

Last week we traded in my little red go-cart of a car for a "family" mini-van so that we will be able to take all of our children with us once the little one comes along. Who would have thought that you can only fit 4 car seats and 2 adults into a 7 passenger van? You know sometimes you would just like to have room to take a little extra help along with you.

Anyway. Everyone is doing well, the girls are transitioning to drinking real milk and eating table food, new big girl car seats, and toddler beds. It is amazing to see them grow and to move into new stages with them, but to also think, uhuhuhooooohhh, we will be right back to this stage with the new baby in a short few months. But it will only be one baby so it will be a piece of cake, no problem. Right? All kidding and stress aside we are thrilled about the new baby and pray that everything continues to go smoothly.

As promised Birthday Pictures

Josh, Jessica and Claire, Stella and Emma.

Stella trying to save a little cake behind her ears (and all over her face) for later.

Emma enjoying every little clean bite.

Claire, her technique is to smash the cake good before eating it.

We Made It!

Claire

Stella

Emma


The Hillmann Triplets are officially ONE year old! I have been putting this off for sometime now. Mostly because thinking back to the time we spent on bed rest, the indescribable emotion involved with having three tiny babies in the nicu and just all the amazing blessings we have been sent over the last 13 months is hard to put into words. Thank you to all of the doctors, nurses, family, old friends, and new friends who sent food and cards, called and visited, prayed and babysat and showered us with love and gifts. In away I feel like raising the triplets has been a group effort, we really do appreciate the help and support. That being said let me get to the good stuff the update on the big girls!


Stella is the first to get her 2 bottom teeth. She has lights up when she smiles and shows her new (sharp) choppers off. I am not totally sure if I am right about the poundage but I think she is 16 and some change and most of that is muscle.


Claire is a sassy little monkey who knows what she wants. She lets out a little snort or grunt to let us know she wants another spoonful of food or a little more attention. She is always giggling about something and keeping us on our toes. Claire is a tall drink of water with long arms that can reach just about anything and weights in around 15 pounds ( I think). I believe she is in store for her teeth very soon but they haven't popped through yet. She has also walked a few steps, but only when her dad is not looking, so according to him we can't count it as official walking yet.


Emma Grace is a sweet little lady who loves to eat real food and drink from a sippy cup. She is very soft spoken until she gets mad, then she can really let out a scream! Emma's hair is growing fast and is in big wild curls. (Claire's is slow growing because it is tight curls like her mom's) Emma is standing on her own but is in no hurry to be walking. She is our light weight at about 13.5 pounds, but she is every bit as strong as her sisters.


It has been my absolute pleasure being the mother of these three totally unique, amazing, sweet little girls. We often get asked how do you do it I can't even imagine, but I can't imagine life without all three of them. It is a joy to go in and see their smiling faces waiting for us in the morning. It has been great fun to see them grow a little at a time and seeing how different they are but how well they get along. Here are a few pictures. I will add some more soon once I round them up from the cameras and get them on the computer.