January

January 2014 will not soon be forgotten in our family. It was the month that brought us baby Parker Hade Stevens, a completely adorable fellow who arrived three weeks early on the scene and has taken hold of all our hearts. It also brought the stroke that led to Mama B's passing -- and to her being reunited with Daddy B.  Mama B's death, after such a wonderful Christmas with her, came as such an unexpected shock that it will take many months to begin to process it. In the midst of such life-changing events, life also happened. Life. That's what it is, though some days are more challenging than others. Some days bring complete peace. Each day around here is different. 

In December, Anders learned to ride his bike without training wheels. While a small blip in the scheme of things, it has radically changed his life and our entertainment as of late. We've been biking at Furman 15 times in the past month; Anders and Erik and Steve biked to TR for lunch and back; time spent outside is pedaling over all other activities. What a fun freedom that feels like flying.

 The polar vortex hit the U.S. and it was coooold. Like multiple days under 20, which is cold around here. It even hit 7 one day. We built a lot of fires and bundled up inside.

 January - and the cold - brought hair growth! It keeps on coming.

 What do we do for fun when there's a polar vortex? Why, play on the mowers in Lowe's of course.

 Beautiful Jaime - UM VERY far into labor at this point - looks amazing.

 Rob, Jaime and Parker just after the magical birth

 Our first glimpse of this peanut

 Ok, I admit it, I LOVE being an aunt

 Welcome little buddy!

 Mama C and Pops were in GA when Parker arrived, and here's the group "welcome" to Parker.

 Anders' precious prayer list just after Parker was born and while Mama B was in the hospital.

 Big girl, happy her cousin is in the world.

 Cousins

 Sweet brother/sister reading time.

 Pops and his grandson

A Furman basketball game

 And, things turned very very sad when this wonderful person who has been a huge presence in our lives for all of our lives had a major stroke. It still doesn't seem possible that it happened. She had just made brownies and driven to Charisse's house. She was happy and loving her time with Daisy. In October, she held Halle (below) and they had a symbiotic relationship. It all happened so quickly and perhaps that is what we should all want in life -- to live fully until the very end. She lived beautifully and well, and she loved everyone around her ceaselessly. She was creative, energetic, and truly special. We already miss her so much. We want to text her and call her and email her pictures. She's in a great place, but we miss her here. 

 Mama B, Daddy B, and me

 Anders and Marilyn at the sweet service to celebrate Mama B's life

 Halle on the day of the funeral -- at home in SC

 On the day of Mama B's funeral, it snowed in Georgia. In fact, it was a big snow for GA. We all got to run around in the snowflakes as we spent time together as a family.

 Anders and Sarah

 Shannon and Sarah

 Anders and Tate

 Hanging with Tyler

 Check out that snow!

 It was incredibly cozy in the antique room at Mama B's. 

 This was the scene the morning after the big snowstorm as we talked and hung out until noon in our pajamas. No one could drive anyway.

 Snowman building and snowball fights with McLendon

 tiny snowman

 Anders and Brad at First Baptist

 Speaking of symbiosis, Grandma and Halle are bonded at the hip. Talk about love.

 Mama C meeting Parker!

 Anders enjoys the monthly craft time at Home Depot and he's become buddies with Bill the craft leader. 

 We slipped into February hoping for some normalcy and on the third our little princess turned four. That's right - Four. Impossible to believe! She's such a sweetie and here she is standing tall on her birthday!

 We had a Hello Kitty party and cake. How cute is this?

 Her first pigtails on her 4th birthday.

 Someone loves a party...

 Grandma joined us for the festivities

 Here's Halle with some of her buddies enjoying cake.

 In her new HK hat

 Oh and one more funny shot -- this is Anders' "art studio", "tree house", "whatever." And this is kind of clean.

 Halle got this light-up aquarium from her great-grandmother Mama B. She loves it. So much reminds us of Mama B every day. We won't ever forget the person who loved to sit and talk over breakfast. Who made oatmeal cookies and grits casserole. Who was devoted to her husband and family above all things. Who never met a craft or house project she couldn't DIY. We just won't. We love her.