Spring On The Farm

A year ago, our city friends gave up their urban life to become farmers in the hills of Kentucky.  Yesterday, we had the chance to visit them and see the their animals, including the spring babies.

As always, little one brought her sincere enthusiasm to the entire experience.  She held the turkey chicks, collected eggs, fed the goats, watched the lambs be bottle fed, and cleaned the barn.

While middle kiddo kept a wise and respectful distance from the farm animals, big girl's favorites were the eight Schnauzer puppies.

Dinner was delicious: lasagna with farm raised pork sausage and creme brulee prepared by our friends and a salad with a home made dressing from us.

And then we were sent home with some more house-made pork sausage and all of the eggs Emilia had collected.

It was a lovely and educational visit.  We hope to be back.

Easter 2022

After two years of Easter with just the five of us, we had a fun weekend hosting extended family, including my mom who's here from Germany, for a brunch on Saturday followed by a special breakfast and egg hunt on Sunday.

Our traditional Easter eggs dyed with onion skins.

.

German streusel cake made by Oma (aka my Mama).

Books, a mug and candy for each of our girls,
bacon and a button for our boy.

This girl loves backyard hunts...

... as well as examining her loot.

Happy Easter!

What The Doctors Didn't Mention

Ten years ago, they didn't tell us how his laughter would ring through the house, how his eyes would sparkle with mischief, and how quickly his feet would move in pursuit of an idea.  They didn't predict his love of the outdoors, his interest in how stuff works, and his incredible sense of smell.  No one mentioned that he would be funny, making jokes and understanding humor in daily life and even laughing at himself.  The doctors didn't chart his persistence and curiosity and didn't prognosticate a zest for adventure and fun of many kinds.  They didn't prepare us for his fierce loyalty to family and for the ways he would show his care for each of us.  Pages upon pages of medical reports didn't note his sweet affection and devoted love for those who are lucky enough to make their way into his heart.

Few words of hope were spoken into two new parents ten years ago.  And yet...

Happy birthday, son.  You are, as your little sister likes to say, so much.  You made us parents and no doubt some parts of us have gotten a little worse for the wear since you arrived in our lives.  But you've also made us better, wiser, kinder, stronger human beings who don't sweat the small stuff and who can live in the moment without losing sight of the big picture.  We love you.

I Am

On Sunday, Emilia's first season of dance at the Cincinnati Ballet came to an end with a performance in the Community Showcase.  While she gave her best on stage, the moment that touched my heart the most and showed me how much progress she has made occurred when we arrived at the center for a final pre-show rehearsal.  The reception staff was checking dancers' names off a list and called out to us when we walked in the door.  Before I could answer their question about Emilia's name, she had walked up and responded for herself, loud and clear, "I am Emilia Martini, ballerina."

Five little words signifying a new confidence, improved social skills, self-advocacy and purpose.  Five little words that mean so much.