17 Weeks

Shawn and I were able to get away this week for a 2 day spiritual retreat.  It was exactly
what we needed after a very busy year filled with emotions and trauma.  We very rarely if
ever leave our girls overnight and, though we missed them like crazy, it was quality time
that we truly needed to focus on each other.  We took long walks through the
beautiful, wooded landscape of the retreat center, enjoyed hour long mealtimes without
any interruptions, we sat by the lake and talked in peace and quiet.  It was the most
rewarding gift we could have given our marriage and we both emerged feeling stronger
and more inspired than we have in years.  

The chance to break away from our normal, everyday routine was a gift for my pregnancy
as well.  I feel more rested, less stressed, and completely revived after all of the
amazing sessions and talks we attended throughout the weekend.  Shawn and I ate
more Reese's peanut butter eggs than I care to admit and took a 2 hour nap on Saturday.
My belly is growing and my body is moving through this time at a familiar and
comfortable pace.  I feel good and I pray every single day that the baby does, too.  

My dad brought the girls home on Sunday as soon as Shawn and I drove up and the four of
us were happily reunited, hugs and kisses and stories of all the ways in which they were
spoiled while we were away.  And though I'll always remember this weekend and its sense
of serenity, I jumped right back into the chaos of our growing family with open arms.
These girls, this growing baby, my husband: they are my everything.  They are my happiness.