My {day-late} Friday Favorites

I've been so occupied with my "to-do" list this week that my momma-guilt finally got the best of me yesterday, and we (me, the Rowdies, and the Littles) ended up at the pool {all evening long}. And, as usual, it was fun. I really hate that Mark has missed so many swims with us this summer - Jaden has been the biggest surprise - he's turned into a little fearless fish right before my eyes - but I really do like the nights we throw routine to the wind and pack a picnic supper and hit the pool until {after} bedtime. Sometimes it's just good to take a break and step away from "it" all. And that's what our "pool nights" have been for me this summer - a {favorite} and much-welcomed break from it all.

This week, I've also found myself particularly fond of...

Bathrooms that babies can sleep in – sometimes even up to 9 hours at a time! {I've logged more consecutive sleep hours over the last 4 nights than I have in over 8 months :) } Giving him his own space has definitely made a difference - and unless someone tells him, I bet he'll never even know most people don't sleep in the bathroom.

Biggest brothers that have a special way with littlest brothers – we call him "The Baby Whisperer". Seriously, I've never seen anything quite like it. Sol adores him {and just between you and me, I think the adoration is mutual}.

An oral surgeon who is kind and gentle and patient and nice and who has raised 3 daughters of his own (so he was not offended - or even phased - by our 12 year old - who was not "posing" for the camera by the way - nope, that's just her, um, beautiful, 12-year-old self nowadays).

Laughing gas that can relax even the most up-tight 12-year-old. {I haven't seen her laugh like that in nearly a year and a half now...almost forgot she could - her spontaneous, free (I don't care that it was under-the-influence) laughter}...yes, definitely a favorite for me.

And while I'm thinking about it, I'm also particularly fond of
pain medicine right now (admittedly and unashamedly 100% for my benefit even though I'm not the one taking it - now, if I could just get my hands on some more of that laughing gas...)

And one more favorite this week? This little boy who can entertain himself for hours and make "fun" out of practically anything.

The LORD reigns forever...
[He has] never forsaken those who seek [Him].
from Psalm 9