Coffee CubBuster

This sweet woman and one of my best friends, Kyra, just had her third daughter (and we are the same age).  She is wise beyond her years, and I hope I can emulate some of her awesome parenting skills. Remember this pic... it was taken just a month ago. This was just taken last night. She has a three-week old, and she and her hubby were ready for a night out in downtown Atlanta already The Karrs introduced us to a great new singer- Josh Garrels . Amazing voice! We enjoyed their "Mason Jar Music" movie and concert at "Center Stage Theater" Matthew learned his own tricks from the veteran dad Even though he looks happy, Livia could smell his fear Thanks for a great night Reid and Kyra, y'all are true veterans If you want a great steak salad dinner (better and cheaper than any steakhouse), get some flank steak, marinate with soy sauce and balsamic. Sear on a stove top grill pan. Add to mixed greens with toasted pine nuts, herb goat cheese...

As we approach the finish line of the third trimester, Matthew and I wanted to take some time to quiet our lives (before the loud crying begins) and remember where this whole journey began. We wouldn't have Baby Smith if it weren't for God's grace... on so many levels.... in our lives separately and also together. So we headed off to Athens for a little B&B and R&R, as well as some good treats! Valentine's started with making my hubby some homemade donuts. I'm not really a donut-lover (I know it's like I'm not American), but I could make an exception for these!  They are really easy to make. Check out Paula Deen's recipe . We stayed a sweet Bed and Breakfast called Ashford Manor in Watkinsville near Athens. Our cottage was separate from the main house. We had our own kitchen and everything. It was so cute! I can totally see the weddings that take place here. I loved the grounds, even in the dead of winter. This was the exac...

I love Love. (not a typo.) It's true- God is love, love covers a multitude of sins, and there is no fear in Love. All of these scriptural references explain why in the midst of hardships, sadness, and trials, we can still see something good in the world. As we approach a "hallmark" holiday, I'm reminded of how much love there is in this world. My mother-in-law and her friends threw a sweet baby shower this weekend in St. Simons in which they merely wanted to show their love for their friend and her precious grandbaby-to-be. It was just a room filled with women loving on me! I also saw the sweet love my best friend had for her new precious daughter. Livia Reid Karr came into the world easily without a fuss. I pray our own baby does the same! :)   A sister's love for her new sister. It was precious! We are beginning to build our nursery too! Not only are we filling a tiny space with furniture, toys, and books, but as much love as we can! Matthew actual...

One of Matthew's best friend's girlfriend, Morgan, took some great pictures of Matthew and I a few weeks ago. It's amazing how much bigger baby Smith got in just a few weeks. Thanks Morgan for capturing this exciting time in our life! Can't wait to take some pics of the baby in a couple months!   Boy? Girl? For every person that guesses (or in most cases ' knows ') it's a boy, I will have someone follow up with a girl guess/know.  It's so fun to have this surprise still awaiting us after the miserable pain part. :)     Had to have a little fun while we were at it. :) Check out Morgan's blog and other photos at Breakfast n Bed .  Thanks again Morgan! ~BabyBuster

I like to think of myself as a pretty even-keel kind of person. I don't freak out about much, nor do I like to be a drama queen, nor care to be around them (again this is what I tell myself, and I'm only basing my analysis off of my interpretation and my husband's feedback), so it was a little crazy when I had my anxiety-driven "THE BABY IS COMING!" freak out moment a few weeks ago. Granted I do have a higher probability of pre-term labor due to my own anatomical issues, but I'm still at least a couple months away. My adoring husband calmed me down after the doctor's appointment that pushed me to the edge, and after some much needed "nesting" this past weekend, I am feeling much more relaxed. I am truly thankful for my hubby. He is my better half without a doubt. Yeah right that's me now... try at 15 weeks when I finally didn't look like I just had a beer belly! Now this was two weeks ago at 27 weeks.... I don't seem to be slow...

We are a bit into 2013, but must post on the built-up NYE. It was actually a wonderful night. We said goodbye to our sweet Texas family and then headed to a fun dinner and somewhat random, might I say, ringing of the new year with two of my best friends who were in town. I'm telling you: the 40-50 crowd somehow become the party crowd. We were certainly outmatched. I love when Easton just runs up and hugs you. He is too sweet. And precious Tanner is starting to make that eye contact that melts your heart. Easton's rocking out to some cool tunes. He's a cool dude! The Harvey's were here and so were Lindsey and her beau. It was SO great to see them all! I can't help but think the one on the far right is the cutest! ;) I love my girls! Pink and James are moving back to the ATL!  So excited!!! It's wonderful to see how much Kevin seems to adore sweet Lindsey. They are too cute. Baby Smith helps us ring in the new Year! I can't be...

We had a b u sy Christmas (what's new? Ever seen four Christmas es? Well we hit three this year.), but it was restful and joyous . Well, after we Smiths got over our illnesses (hence why I have practically zero Christmas pics), we had a great time. My brother-in-law and Mother-in-law took us on a nice stroll on the beaches of St. Simons. Windy but beautiful! (I like Matthew's angel wings here!) A fter St. Simons and St. Marys, and a Christmas with the Blair/Maupin clan, we headed on a blissful babymoon. This was our humble abo de in Bry son City , N C. Looks huge, but we jus t rented the bottom half for a few nights.  We ate tons of great food and just vegged out together. The downtown bakery had the most amazing homemade bread that made the most incredible french toast, ala Matthew! Then God answered our prayer ... it snowed!!! Just had a little snow at the cabin even though it was freezing! W hen we ven tured out, Matthew was ready for a blizzard...