bellevett

picture mostly unrelated.......

 

so it turns out that on crosby's birthday, he pretty much felt terrible. 

i was initially disappointed x 100 that his birthday was so sad, compared to the thoughts that i had in my head of how we would celebrate it: with a hike, and fish for dinner. (two of his most favorite things at this time.)

  i just wanted to celebrate it a certain way because, really, it was the beginning of the new us. the new family system.  and i wanted it to be a happy and eventful day that cody and i would talk about and remember fondly. 

turns out, we probably will remember this birthday with great joy.  obviously, the whole sick aspect was rather undesirable, but the constant napping, cuddling, and book reading on the couch was quite nice.  we have eaten homemade broth and soup all week long, and it has made for an extra nice warm constant supper- as it continually cooks in the crock pot.  while crosby was napping in between us on the couch on his birthday, we may or may not have eaten 2 whole boxes of valentines candy- just the two of us.  i cannot say that if this was true, that i regret it.

it turns out, this week has been a long week of doing just what we were doing last year this time.  crosby sleeping in our arms, catching up on downton abbey on the computer (or soccer games for cody), and lots of knitting (for me at least).   cody and i have spent more time on the couch this week than we have in possibly months. 

yes, i do believe we will have very special memories of the week of crosby's first birthday.  because, just like the birth of the sweet boy, things do not always go exactly as planned.  But finding great joy and solace in such simple times that are not at all what i had in my mind will most definitely be my new favorite plan. 

 

 

ps.  i took the above picture earlier this winter.  i really love it.

today is the day.

last year at this time, i was holding a sweet and precious hours old newborn baby crosby.

i still havent forgotten that holding that floppy little body for the first time and flowing with emotions that i had never felt before.

i will never forget holding the tiny bundled baby and hoping i would never have to do anything ever again beside hold that tiny baby in my arms.

crosby has never ceased to amaze us with his greatness.

i mean really, i cant tell you enough that crosby has truly been one of the sweetest and most joyful beings i have ever been around.  he is the type of child that makes you think that you should spend your life making babies because obviously this one turned out in true perfection.

he has brought us so much joy.  and in fact, when he is around, he brings so much gentle happiness that its hard to leave him.... which might explain why we rarely, if ever, do.

he has made me watch in wonder.

he has shown me how to truly live in the moment.

he has taught me to slow down.  because time doesnt.

he has taught me how precious and wonderful the world really is.

he has shown me how to notice so many positive things in this world where i once was able to notice so many negatives.

he has shown me how miraculous life really is.

 

we had a small celebration this past weekend.

i made a small cake for the birthday boy.  which was mainly a small tiny cake with a lot of fresh whipped lightly sweetened cream.  and some sprinkles in the shape of a c. 

he was given a few small and large gifts.

we celebrated.

so today, on valentines day, such a surprisingly fitting birthday for such a loving and cuddly child, we will probably go to get a very small milk steamer (his first taste) at a local coffee shop.  we might go to the bookstore afterwards and read every book he picks up.  and we might just play with all of his new toys and have a nice salmon (his favorite) dinner.  whatever we do, we will be thanking our lucky stars for such a perfect year with a perfect boy.

 

 

 

 

 

weekending x 2

 

 

 

so the past few weekends have been just the sort of weekends i have needed most.

both were made up of relaxation and productivity.

truth be told, i have been a bit preoccupied with a project here in my little land.  and that project is a new quilt for my boy for his first birthday.  which is coming up next week. on valentines day.  also known as my baby boys first birthday.  so, i deemed it fit to begin sewing him a quilt 2 weeks before, cause that's just what i do.  so, the knitting has been put down and all other interests have been put on hold until this quilt is finished.

except.........

we did find our way out doors 2 weekends ago when the weather got to a point where it should have been considered a sin to stay indoors.  it was still a bit cold, but the sun.  oh the sun.  it was quite nice.  seeing as though this winter has been unseasonably weird and totally unpredictable, seeing sun after months of overcast and rain and 50 degrees with no snowflake to be found, the sun was a welcomed player.

i dug up my beets and one lone carrot, just to see how it was doing.  i planted some arugula and some french breakfast radishes, just for kicks.  who knows, we may not get below 40 degrees at all this winter.  i am proceeding forward with my plans.  after all, the farmers almanac does seem to back up the claim that we will most likely not have any substantial winter here in the valley. 

i pulled up some spinach and re-mulched the kale. 

i turned all of our cover crops on our other two beds.

crosby took the whole garden bed terminology to heart and took up residence laying and rolling in the bed like it was his personal space. 

sourdough bread was made.  and....... meeeh. it needs some work i tell you.  i wont give up yet..

last night i made a giant salad and i used some pickled beets that i canned last summer.  they were by far one of the tastiest things i have canned ever.  and i now remember why i always plant so many beets.  also, the miniature beet eater in the family had some fresh beets last night roasted in the oven with salt, pepper and olive oil.  yes. they were Tasty.  capital t.

the truth is, i have begun my new pinboard on pinterest for my future farm. and i am seriously craving some fresh foods right now.

but, before i get into all that, i have a few days left to finish a quilt that i spent all last night seem ripping out the border after i saw a mistake that i just couldn't ignore.  so, the farm talk will have to wait for a few more days. 

happy tuesday.