Equinox Gifts

Yesterday was just a lovely, peaceful day with several unexpected gifts. Here at the homestead we consider the Autumnal Equinox to be our version of Thanksgiving, so it is important that I take the time to day to actually give gratitude to the wonderful things and people who made this year's equinox special.


Most important of all has been the deepening connection between me and The Bean. Though we both miss the twins everyday that they go to Head Start, I am so thankful for the opportunity to devote this block of time each day just to my littlest. Soon there will be another baby, one who needs near constant attention and affection, but I hope that I can continue to give this time to The Bean. We cuddle while reading And the Good Brown Earth, and I beam with pride as she hones her balancing skills on the bricks around the (seriously weedy) wildflower patch out front. I'm so thankful for this time and these memories.

The next bit of gratitude goes to my mother-in-law for sending along this set of gifts:

It's not actually an equinox gift but a belated birthday present. Unfortunately, with my in-laws living an hour away and gas prices being what they are, we rarely get out to see them. Regardless of our absence, I know they're always thinking of us, and we're certainly always thinking of them. Though I wouldn't buy Pampered Chef items myself, my kitchen is sorely understocked with tools, so I am very grateful for these gifts. The spoons are bamboo, and the whisks (can you believe I've gone this long without even owning a whisk??) are stainless steel. She also sent a digital kitchen timer, citrus peeler, and corn butterer. Thank you! And thank you for the wrapping paper too. It will be reused.

A gift from Nature herself:

Just like the burdock that took me by suprise last week, I was both startled and excited to see this new aster peeking up through my lawn near Sister Maple. I don't know if it comes through in the picture, but the new aster is purple. I really hope that this one comes back next year with a few buddies. Our other asters, though abundant, are white and as yet unidentified.

And lastly, a warm thank you to C, the Freecycler who passed on a bag and a half of her daughter's clothes to my daughters. It makes this pregnant, autumn-feelin' squirrel rest a little easier that Annie has clothes to grow into, regardless of how difficult the economy may get.

Happy, Happy Birthday Baby!

Today happens to be the day one very special little girl was born, my Baby Bean. She came into the world quietly though a tempest raged outside, nearly resulting in a last minute name change. We stuck to the plan though, and our beautiful 8lb. 10.5oz. baby girl arrived into the loving arms of her Mama and Papa.

Here's a bit of a glimpse into The Bean as she turns 2:

Though extremely laid back and outgoing just a year ago, she is now afraid of everyone and everything, including our next door neighbor whom she sees almost daily and the robins that show up in our backyard begging for grubs.

She has very decided opinions about fashion.

Speaking of fashions, she's currently wearing 24 month clothing. They don't fit her in the waist though (even 18 month pants/shorts/skirts are too big in the waist for her) because she's long and thin.

She'll still eat just about anything, but she's become a bit more reserved in her food choices and her consumption has slowed a bit. Her favorite foods are cheesy scrambled eggs, potato salad, cinnamon rolls, and ice cream of any flavor. Fruits and veggies have pretty much become a thing of the past for her, unfortunately.

She starts each day by screaming "MAMA!" at the top of her lungs. If I'm not quite done with my shower and don't answer, she continues with "PAPA!", and if that illicits no response, she combines them into "MAPA!" I'll be honest, it's so cute that sometimes The Husband and I purposely don't get her right away because we want to hear "Mapa."

Sharing a room with her big sister has resulted in a very close bond between the girls, and she emulates her big sister in every way she can manage. For those of you who are interested in astrology, The Bean's Moon is less than 1 degree off of Annie's ascendant. I expect this closeness to continue.

Her favorite television program (gasp!, I know) is Spongebob Squarepants. She calls Spongebob "Baba", which sounds very similar to "Papa." Her favorite character is actually Gary though. She can meow just like him.

Callie's two favorite things are bossing around the neighbor boy who is one month younger than her and riding on said little boy's plastic dinosaur rocker.

Yes, she's STILL sucking her thumb.

And by request of The Bean...

A Little Cheer on this Gloomy Day

Today is overcast and rainy here on the suburban homestead, about 67 degrees Farenheit. Not a day to be ripping out sod or preparing new beds. I spent the morning picking about a billion maple tree seedlings from the veggie patch. The rain had, apparently, thrilled each little whirlybird seed into throwing their red and green arms up in the air. Great for them. Not so great for me. After that, it was inside to list some more of the attic goodies (ha!) on eBay. Decluttering ROCKS. So, instead of some dreadfully long and boring post about what is coming up and the massive amounts of work I have yet to do (have no fear! Those posts are forthcoming. Muahahahaha!), I thought I'd leave you this first glimpse of my little one, whom we call The Bean, singing with Mommy out in the garden a few days ago. The song is from Elizabeth Mitchell's You Are My Little Bird. AWESOME CD. It's supposed to be for children, but I love listening to it all on my own. Enjoy! P.S.-- That is NOT my "pretty" singing voice. That was me being silly to try to entice The Bean into singing a few strains.