About a month ago, I had the honor of attending a woman's retreat with the women from Redeemer. Motherhood was mentioned many times over the weekend and at that point on the calendar, I was nine weeks pregnant. What was being said, especially the part of being a mother without having the babe in your arms, rather for me still baking, was a new concept to me. It made sense, of course, yet I still needed time to process this thought.
Well, it has processed and I find it amazing. Even though little sweet pea is the size of a lemon (the internet keeps on comparing the fetus to the size of fruit) at 14 weeks gestation, I am still mothering him or her. I make daily, hourly decisions that effects directly what is going on in there. Of course, these feelings will change with pregnancy and even more so when the sweet little critter is being held by us. Oh, and this goes for dad's too! In a different way of course, but your decisions effect the baby also. We are already parenting...
Several friends have requested 'baby bump' photos. The first one was taken at 9 weeks and the second photo at 15 weeks. I'm feeling well for the most part, a victim of heartburn most everyday and still wearing my regular clothes, although I probably shouldn't. Many times, chilling on the couch, before I know it my tummy is hanging out in all its glory.
One afternoon in February, Matthew and I headed to Athens to meet some friends for dinner, yet started out at the Botanical Gardens. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed getting out of the house. Can you find the moon in the last photo? Days like this make the end of Winter with the arrival of Spring and Summer that much more desirable. 
These are out of order, but here comes civilization.
Hello? Is there anyone out there?
Where is the garden?
The local grocery store about half a mile from our house.
These footsteps were made before mine and I say that because I was the first one out this morning. It was a cool experience. Seeing everything untouched and quiet, as if I was the only one in existence other than the deer.
Sounds trashy, but it's not...(say it in a sing songy voice)
The top of the bird appears to be well-done and it was, but the flavor was great.
Ooops! Accidentally tried to burn a hole through the deck. Thankfully, the report was dad laughed about the new decorative addition on the deck.
Weathering the storm.
Everything was so pretty and peaceful.
We made a little snowman. He is a sorry thing.
If you can't drive, you can atleast use your car as a glorified clothes dryer.
Santa joined us in celebrating Matthew's birthday,
we shared a competitive game of table football,
enjoyed scrumptous Russian Imperial Stout cake
and shared it all with great friends. We love Matthew! Happy Birthday!
