So this week starts our annual lake house summer vacation.  For the past few years my parents have rented a lake house in Oconomouc, WI (only about 30 mins from where we live) and all of us kids move out there together.  Company is always coming and going … there is always food to eat and a cold beer to drink.  It’s a whole lot of fun!

I have found myself remembering the summer I was out here pregnant with the triplets.  I remember LOVING to float around in the pool on my stomach on a raft because it was the only way I could lay that way.  There was NO way I could roll over in a bed!  I remembered how freaked out I was of slipping and falling in the shower.  The tile is just really slippery.  But darn it if I didn’t find a way to still shave my legs around my huge belly!  I remember sitting in the anti-gravity chair because it was the only place that took the pressure off of my lower back.  I remembered how HOT it was since the house didn’t have air conditioning that summer.

And I find myself looking around thinking how different life is this year than years past.  I never would have thought things would be the way they are.  We were at the lake house last summer so it’s not like it’s the first time since Owen died.  But I still feel like it’s different. Perhaps it’s because I’m not walking around like a grieving zombie this time.  Perhaps it’s because life is a bit more chaotic with two walkers around a pool.  Whatever the reason, it just feels different.

All four of my boys and I are staying in the large room at the end of the hallway.  It’s got three twin beds and plenty of room for the pack ‘n plays.  Last night, I don’t know how he did it but Jaden found a way to still crawl in bed with me!  I woke up to my little bitty bed being shared with my six-year-old.  I must love him because I was more happy to have some extra cuddle time with him before he woke up than I was irritated that I had kinked my back due to the lack of space.

So our plan for the next two weeks is to wake up, hang out by the pool, nap and eat.  Yep, that’s just about it.

On Friday of this week, we will be taking a trip out the Madison to the governor’s residence for a Donor Network ceremony.  Owen will be receiving a medal of honor for being an organ donor.  I’m oddly looking forward to this … in fact, I start to tear up just about any time I start to talk about it.  If you knew me in person, I’m not usually the crying type.  I don’t cry at sappy movies and I don’t cry when talking about hard topics.  I cry plenty in private, just not something I really do in front of others.  And this isn’t by choice, it’s just the way I am.  But this ceremony has had me in tears a few times as I have been discussing it with friends.  My baby son is being recognized by the Governor of the state of Wisconsin.  That’s some pretty big stuff!  I’m not really sure what to expect out of the day … but I will have my camera close by and will share the experience with my blog family.  Gosh … a medal of honor.  I am one proud mama!

Love, Mel