MommyCoddle

A warmer heart

I've got a new sidekick when it comes to morning chores.

I can't even utter the word "outside" unless I have her completely bundled. Otherwise, I'll be attempting to dress, shoe and bundle a baby squirming and wailing at the mudroom door, eager to break free from her indoor jail.

Some days, we can't even be bothered with shoes. I'm lucky if I can get a sweater over her head and a hat secured under her chin before she's pushing through the door.

She often brings her morning banana. I try not to think about where and how many times it is dropped. And what bits of dirt and whoknowswhat that cling to it. Or which animals she's offered a lick before taking another tiger-sized bite off the end.

Instead of lugging her on my hip, we've discovered the garden cart makes a pretty convenient way to trek back and forth to the chicken coop.

I put her on the concrete pad in front of the coop while I work.

She sits in the pile of chicken feed like it was a sandbox created just for her. The hens eye her cautiously, pecking around her, as she tries to feed them from her chubby palms. This must be why the hens follow her around so closely. They know she offers food.

I collect eggs, check on the babies, freshen up water, and throw clumps of soft, fresh green grass into their pen.

When we cross back over the little wooden bridge on the way home, she is thrilled by the water running under our feet. I'm amazed at her ability to perch on the very edge of the bridge, crouched down, babbling at the water. I miss that kind of flexibility and balance. She's telling me a lot of things about that little stream. I talk back to her like I understand every word.

Eventually, I convince her there's more to see on the other side of the bridge. But before she hits that slippery, muddy patch, I swoop her up and plop her back in our farmer's stroller.

Her favorite friend blocks our path with a croquet ball in her mouth. A leaf dangles from her lips. She's relentless.

If I'd let her, she'd stay out here all day. The only way I can coax her back inside is to bring the dog and a small furry kitten with me. She finally follows, waving goodbye to the crowd of animals gathered around her, like the queen of the animal kingdom.

I peel off layers, wipe her runny nose and notice her muddy sleeper-feet. And she's gone again. Disappearing into the belly of the house. Following the dog. Calling for her sisters. And I'm left to hang up sweaters, shove hats back in the basket and pry the barn boots from my feet.

The house feels warmer now than it did when we first set out this morning.

So does my heart.

I've got a new sidekick when it comes to morning chores.

Some days, we can't even be bothered with shoes. I'm lucky if I can get a sweater over her head and a hat secured under her chin before she's pushing through the door.

Instead of lugging her on my hip, we've discovered the garden cart makes a pretty convenient way to trek back and forth to the chicken coop.

I put her on the concrete pad in front of the coop while I work.

I collect eggs, check on the babies, freshen up water, and throw clumps of soft, fresh green grass into their pen.

Eventually, I convince her there's more to see on the other side of the bridge. But before she hits that slippery, muddy patch, I swoop her up and plop her back in our farmer's stroller.

Her favorite friend blocks our path with a croquet ball in her mouth. A leaf dangles from her lips. She's relentless.

The house feels warmer now than it did when we first set out this morning.

So does my heart.

20 Comments

family / out and about

The Capitol: fancy clothes and sundae bars

We're moving along at about half-strength around here. One by one the girls are dropping to the same cold as it moves through each of them. This morning, Mary was the victim. Unfortunately hers is a mix of a migraine and the cold. So I'm chained to the sofa while we work through the worst of the migraine. (I've briefly talked about Mary's migraines here, and there is some great information from people in the comments....)

But despite the general dragging around here, we were miraculously blessed with a window of health on Tuesday so that our whole family could have a once-in-a-lifetime tour of The Capitol in Washington, DC.

My mother has become good friends with a sweet and spunky 72 year old woman who is the wife of a former, now deceased Congressman. Her name is Ruth and she is the darling of The Capitol.

With Ruth as our guide we were taken on a special behind-the-scenes tour where guards waved us past "authorized personnel only" barriers with a smile.

We took communion in the Capitol chapel. Walked out onto the floor of the Congress. Stood on the private balcony of the Speaker of the House. Bumped shoulders with Mitch McConnell (almost literally). Rode a tram underground to the senate cafeteria (cafeteria is by far the wrong terminology in this case) and lunched on Senate Bean Soup and Bread Pudding to get the full experience (per Ruth's advice).

Though I had my moment of almost-meltdown holding a wailing Birdy who was well beyond tired and unwilling to put up with more touring. Standing in the hallway shushing and bouncing, with the stares and the "there's never a BABY in here" looks, feeling so far removed from these classy, important, put-together people…eventually we both recovered.

The day was forever memorable. The city, beautiful. And Mary was inspired to become a Congresswoman–primarily for the fancy clothes you get to wear each day and the sundae bar in the cafeteria.

That's my girl.

My mother has become good friends with a sweet and spunky 72 year old woman who is the wife of a former, now deceased Congressman. Her name is Ruth and she is the darling of The Capitol.

With Ruth as our guide we were taken on a special behind-the-scenes tour where guards waved us past "authorized personnel only" barriers with a smile.

The day was forever memorable. The city, beautiful. And Mary was inspired to become a Congresswoman–primarily for the fancy clothes you get to wear each day and the sundae bar in the cafeteria.

That's my girl.

13 Comments

good finds

A thank you, a weekend read

The rain outside my window just turned to sleet. Later, they report that it will turn to snow. In October? Oh my. I'm all good with a little hunkering down.

I'm popping on here this morning to thank you for all the love you sent our way as I shared the news about Mouse. I have to admit, though our family has been through the loss of animals on the farm, this is the first special pet that we've lost. It was good to hear your stories of beloved cats who still hold a place in your hearts. Thank you.

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In your weekend reading, please head on over to MommyCoddleLikes. I have a lovely giveaway from Mariah Bruel of Playful Learning for a spot in her Photo-journalling e-course for kids. Emma and I are already signed up!

The rain outside my window just turned to sleet. Later, they report that it will turn to snow. In October? Oh my. I'm all good with a little hunkering down.

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