Friday, January 09, 2015

week's end

We reach a high of 3F and the winds remain strong. The country roads are so slick that this morning, at the last second I opt not to take a curve in the road. I go straight to avoid spinning out of control. Ufff!

And still, it is a brilliant day! The sun comes up to a clear blue sky...


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... and the fresh snow adds the gentleness that was so missing in our farmette landscape.

We eat breakfast in the front room. [To the commenter who asked -- why is Ed so happy, well it's simple really: he's happy because I'm especially happy. The excitement is contagious, even if the whole baby project is something that he can not fully grasp.]


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Looking outside, I note how the snow had piled up rather high on the porch glass roof. Last year, after we put the glass panels in, we kept them immaculately clean -- brushing off every leaf and snowflake so that we would be able to take in all the light they suddenly offered. This year? We shrug and say -- looks good anyway, why bother.

But today I do bother. Maybe it's that we're about to have weekend guests again. Or maybe I worried that too much snow would crack the glass (Ed laughed at that one). Or maybe it's just that being around a very young life is so energizing that you find yourself doing things like shoveling heavy snow off a rooftop and not thinking twice about it. Here's my view from the top:


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Otherwise, it is a blur of a day. The aunt and uncle from Minneapolis (my youngest one and her husband) drove half the night to get here in good stead and so my grandma time was limited to a very early morning hour...


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After, little Snowdrop was delivered to her aunt's arms -- even before the young couple had time to shed their coats and scarves.


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It was a beautiful meeting of two youngest ones! Sitting back, watching, listening to the chatter, I felt about as lucky as one could possibly feel in life.


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Errands, more errands, even more errands. And finally, back at the farmette, I tried to take great care with the cheepers, who ventured out into the barn against all odds, then huddled in the thin strip of sunlight.


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And then we spent an evening with Snowdrop and the parents, aunt, uncle. Ed came as well. Here are some of the men in Snowdrop's life:


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uncle



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dad




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Ed


We ate Laotian take-out and there was always a pair of hands to hold little Snowdrop.


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As we were leaving, Ed made sure that the baby scale was put to good use.


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For some reason, Goldie the cat did not protest.

The last of the cold nights tonight. I can't say that I noticed.

22 comments:

  1. Oh, the hats!! I love them, especially today's little flower on precious little snowdrop. And I love that you captured all the men holding her. And auntie who drove all night to be there. What a glorious welcome for little S. ox

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    1. She is one adored baby! Well, most babies are adored, but right now, it surely feels like her cup is quite full.

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  2. Oh lordy, Ed with Snowdrop is a kick. He looks like he is holding a handful of eggs without a basket that he's afraid to drop. Who weighs more, Snowdrop or Goldie? You all certainly have a beautiful little one there. (And thank you for including the cheepers.)

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    1. Goldie by a lot: 12 lbs for the cat, 7.5 at the moment for Snowdrop.
      The cheepers will be far far happier in the days ahead when the temps rise closer to freezing. Though they do hate snow...

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  3. Can't decide which picture of Snowdrop is the most adorable... so why decide! Wonderful that everyone gets to cuddle her.

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    1. Her eyes have been searching for a second grandma, I can tell! :)

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    2. First by google hangout, then in person!

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  4. Snowdrop is so alert, meeting her aunt! who, by the way, looks like a natural... :)
    The way she and her husband look with that baby, they may begin to think, why wait??
    Ed and Snowdrop, best picture ever. they look equally uncomfortable! but so sweet.

    I like the little hat. Stylin'! I despise headbands on babies, but the hat is cute and comfy.

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    1. Despise? Oh, my girl and I absolutely adore them! We are not of the belief that adornments are somehow demeaning to girls. I bought her a couple in France where the headbands are quite popular and we're waiting for the first farmers markets for her to try them on.

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    2. Oops, sorry:) Cool that we can all be alike and different too.

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  5. I'm with Joy, cannot stand those baby headbands! Just me (and Paul) - we laugh out loud when we see them...oh no! Sorry Nina! I like little hats thought... and I LOVE the slippers/booties on Snow's little feet! So adorable, and her colors in clothing so far have been really beautiful.

    The Ed/Snow picture is the best!!! xoxoxox

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    1. Wow. I don't think I have such strong feelings about any clothing that I see around me! :) Having two daughters with very distinct styles of dress, I've learned to appreciate unique, individual expression. It's terrific that the world is full of choices and color!

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  6. I love the picture of Ed and Snowdrop! And, I love that the cats are also included in the fun. I haven't had much chance to use headbands or hats on my kids, but some advice if you really want to use headbands on Snowdrop: start now! She'll be so used to them that she won't care they're there until she's old enough to grab things off of her head. A friend of mine has 3 girls and that's her secret to keeping her bald-headed girls adorned.

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    1. Just between you and me, what everyone thinks is a cap in the the picture is actually a headband! :) In the summer, she'll need a sunhat, but for now, this is fitting for a weekend of family visitors!

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  7. Think I'd vote for the photo with Ed too - though it's a hard call! The orange looks great. Jean

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    1. I do believe it's the first time he ever touched a baby. (He was the youngest of several boys.)

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  8. Good heavens.

    Everything about Snowdrop and her clothing and the loving family surrounding her is breathtakingly beautiful.

    Nina - enjoy these amazing, amazing moments. You echo my thoughts regarding children. As I hold on as tight as I can... my children are on the mountain this weekend. I can't describe the complete joy of this time with them. We've spoken words of love and appreciation for each other. Laughter. And then more laughter. No room for tears. Certainly no wardrobe critiques. I'm so happy for you. Your happiness is contagious. *smiling* Love. Snowdrop is so exquisite.

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    1. I will, I do. Thank you and may you all hold tight to those mountain memories! (I know they'll bring a smile for decades to come -- legends of the mountain, passed on through generations!)

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    2. sounds beautiful, Irene.

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  9. Nina, it looks like you had a lovely evening. I've got to admit I was frightened for you up on the glass roof, though. I hope you have some way to keep you safe while you're up there.

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  10. I was going to say 'love the hat' but I'll say 'love the headband!' But more so I love the picture of her and Ed together! And Lee I's description of it is so fitting!

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  11. What a wonderful welcome for Snowdrop! And of course she is wearing the perfect wardrobe for each occasion. I also love the photo with Ed. He might come to think that a baby is at least as much fun to cuddle as a cat. Here's hoping she catches on soon to the plan of sleeping at night!

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