New life

2012. The year of new life in our family. A fresh baby in our arms, chubby and pink. Additionally, thousands of bee babies. Despite my protests that one screaming human baby would be as much newness we could handle, Matt took to raising thousands of baby bees into adult bees that would then give birth to something deliciously thick and sweet. Our first honey harvest was a celebratory occasion last November. And, as if these tiny lives weren't enough to handle, Matt and his Dad labored in the yard, through rain and shine, to install a sprinkler system and eventually tender, baby shoots of grass. A carpet for our feet and a good bit of dignity infused in our home's curb appeal.

Hard work was a solid part of each new life grown and tended last year. Matt and his father sweated, knee-deep in dirt and mud. The bees grew and left their hive to forage pollen. And this mama, with many pushes and a cry or two, eventually cradled, fed, and fell in love for the third time.