15 March 2014

New lambs and birthdays.

It's only fitting that with March comes the anticipation of spring--signaling rebirth, regrowth, and if you live in Maine, mud.  The brutal winter has left us desperate for any sign of warmth---whether it be the tiny crocus peeking its way through the blanket of dirty snow or the lighter, longer days that have now begun this long, fickle month.

And while we wait for these signs, perhaps we take advantage of the newness that surrounds us.  Today, at Crystal Springs Farm in Brunswick, was New Lamb Day.  It's exactly how it sounds. Wading through the thickly dense muck, we found our way to the barns, awed by the bleating sheep who were nuzzling their youth so protectively.  The innocent flock of tender, fuzzy lambs were a joy to see among the dank and dreary times we've seen lately, reminding me that spring is right around the corner.



















































Last week, was cousin Leah's birthday party.  We drove down to Massachusetts to help her celebrate ringing in her 8th year.  I think you spent the whole time running around yelling "Leeeee-aaaaaaahhhhh".  I'm pretty sure she's your favorite and the two of you are like peas in a pod when you get together.  It's adorably sweet to hear the laughter.  And of course, Grammie and Grampie were there---your other two pals.














And then came the sweetest moment of the week...when one evening, you and Daddy were snuggled on the couch reading stories before bed, and Gabs nonchalantly crawled her way up to nuzzle next to you.  Appropriately, you were looking at the giant Good Dog, Carl book we have, and there was a perfect moment (totally unplanned and un-posed!) where the scene was you, Gabby, and the book, and it was one of those moments that years from now, when the old girl is gone, we will look back and thank GOD we had the foresight to take this photo. It melts my heart to see the two of you together like this.  Never forget how much you love this dog, and more importantly, how much she loves you.














And finally, a very special happy birthday to a new little baby who was born just yesterday.  Your friend Marcus welcomed his baby brother, Ezra, and an already adorable family just got even sweeter.  When looking at pictures of Ezra, you cooed "oooh he so beautiful!"  Indeed he is...Congratulations to Marcus and his family for their adorable new addition.

After I finish out this post, and go rouse you from your lengthy nap, we will plan our movie night together. I promised you this morning we'd share a Shamrock Shake.  Last week we started a family movie night on Saturday and it was so much fun, we're doing it again tonight, even though Daddy has to work.  So while March can be arduous and bleary, we find ways to make it just a little bit brighter.


02 March 2014

Dear March, come in!

Dear March, come in!

How glad I am!

I looked for you before.
Put down your hat—
You must have walked—
How out of breath you are!
Dear March, how are you?
And the rest?
Did you leave Nature well?
Oh, March, come right upstairs with me,
I have so much to tell!

I got your letter, and the bird’s;
The maples never knew
That you were coming,—I declare,
How red their faces grew!
But, March, forgive me—
And all those hills
You left for me to hue;
There was no purple suitable,
You took it all with you.
 
Who knocks? That April!
Lock the door!
I will not be pursued!
He stayed away a year, to call
When I am occupied.
But trifles look so trivial
As soon as you have come,
That blame is just as dear as praise
And praise as mere as blame.

~Emily Dickinson

And then there are these...which make March just a little bit bearable:


Oh, and March Madness too:

Fred Beckham/AP
But the best reason of all to embrace March?  The possibility and hope for these:


Winter be gone ~ Here's wishing for an early spring!