It’s been a year since I packed my bags and was dropped of at The Farm in Summertown, Tennessee to begin baby watch 2009. In hindsight it was great that I headed down there early to wait for labor to begin because Everly came a few days earlier than my “due date”.

The fourteen days I was there were the most emotional days of my life. I still remember the uncontrollable crying each time N had to leave me and head back home. Being there alone during the week was both a blessing and a curse.

The fireflies were both calming and they also made me cry. The first time I ever saw a firefly was my first night at the farm, N and I were relaxing and reflecting on things outside while watching them light up the forest. Being alone and watching the fireflies made me miss N so much.

The alone time I spent waiting for labor to begin was outside my comfort zone. I was without almost all the modern conveniences I enjoy like internet, cable TV, a microwave and of course my partner’s company. It was hard to adjust to being alone and away from home. I was forced to relax and find comfort in being with myself without the distractions of modern convenience.

This in turn made me more centered and more able to go within myself for comfort and enjoyment. I believe this made me more prepared to birth naturally. The first seven days I was there were the last quite days I’d have for a while too.

Oh, how life has changed in the last year. It’s been an amazing ride with a major learning curve but I think we fared well. Still can’t believe it’s been almost a year of parenthood. I am sure glad I took a million photos over the course of the year because otherwise I wouldn’t have proof of the year passing to remind myself with.

Now is not the time for birth reminiscing though. I’ll save that for E’s birthday post. For now let’s reminisce about the pregnancy. I’d like to include a “year ago today” photo or memory in each post I do from here on out (or as long as I can manage to remember to do it).

Here is my first attempt. I bring you belly/ body shots-

Summer of 2008:

Summer of 2009:

Summer 2010: