Oh, June!

Happy June everyone!

This home is in a peony frenzy. My mother-in-law brings me arm-fulls from her garden, so just as one arrangement is fading, I can replace them with fresh bunches of flowers that seem almost too gorgeous and fragrant to be true.

Lucky for me, it hasn't stayed hot for long stretches; sweltering days are, more often than not, broken by wild storms which cool off the land and bring relief. The dogs and I are becoming experts at taking walks just when there is a pause in rain. Then we make our way to the damp, dripping forest, and smell the wet soil, and hear the birds singing cheerily.

Today, on our morning walk, it hit me so strong that these are the last few months of life as I know it. My life will be changed forever with the arrival of our son. It's something so exciting and mysterious on the horizon, and it really struck me that I am on the edge of so many new experiences.

Pregnancy itself is such a unique experience. At times it feels so natural that I almost forget. Other times it's so uncomfortable and all-comsuming that I seem to be defined by pregnancy.

My favorite thing about being pregnant is definitely feeling Rafael kick and move. He is already so alive, living the very beginnings of his life inside of me as I go about my day. Growing....listening....sharing this body with me and needing me so much already. At the ultrasound on Tuesday (with my new wonderful doctor!!) we all could hardly believe it when Rafael began smacking him lips and then sucking on his fingers as we watched the screen in awe. He is a little over 800 grams now, the average size and weight for his gestational age. The doctor said she is 'very happy with the baby.' And then added that she is happy with me, too. I love my new doctor!

I am going to love Rafael so much. I am going to learn so much because of him. His birth and existence will transform us, will transform our lives.

I try not to think about it too much because it's almost too big and profound to handle!

xoxo country girl