Good friends just make life better

How cute are these 3 playing together?

Yesterday, I had a great day with a dear friend of mine who I have known since middle school. We spent the day at her dad's lake house with our babies splashing in the water and her dad's dog insanely searching for rocks. It was 100 degrees here, but we had an amazing afternoon.

It was funny though because the same house that we now had children napping in pack-and-plays was the house that we definitely got into a little trouble at in high school. The house where we once laid out in bikinis to get some sun, I was now sitting in my full-piece in the shade to keep cool. 

One thing I think every adult learns as they transition through life is that friends cycle in and out. Not that friends aren't still friends; it is just that friendships change. I think that I am just so lucky to still be sharing my life with some amazing women. 

My friends and I at my friend in the middle's baby shower.
This is the only picture of us 3 pregnant together. 

Last year, I was actually pregnant at the same time as 2 of my dear friends one due in April and the other who I spent the day with yesterday was due in June. However, instead of June, her son came into this world at 26 weeks 3 days on March 12. Though looking at a picture of Carter today, it is hard to imagine him as the 2 pound baby he once was. I can still feel the hug my friend gave the first time I came up to the hospital to see her. He was so little, but man he was so strong. 

His stay at the NICU was nothing short of miraculous. He grew so big so quickly and did so great without a single issue that he was released 2 months later (still 1 month before his original due date). Besides some major reflux issues, he has been perfectly healthy. He just started walking a week ago. 

Seeing my 2 babies and her little guy playing together in the water just made me so happy that I have friends like her (and many other women). There is rarely a week that I don't have a "mommy" friend I can call and hang out with. I could not imagine my life without them all. 

Being a stay-at-home mom can be really isolating, but good friends really make life so much better. 

Who are the women in your life that you couldn't do without? 

Our view for the afternoon. I grew up nearby, but now live about 40 minutes away.