I don’t know if this sweet girl of mine will grow up to be a farmer. That’s up to her to decide. But I sure hope that her memories of growing up in the dirt are fond ones. I know for me, watching her navigate her little world has been the highlight of my life. And while the past year (or 16 months to be exact) has had its fair share of challenges, I am so grateful that we are able to share this little plot of land with our daughter. It’s been almost 10 years since we left the farm we were working on back east in pursuit of our own farm. And here we are. After what has felt like a lifetime of struggling and feeling like we’re barely getting by, we are at a place in our farming career that we can feel incredibly proud of. And being able to share in that pride with our daughter is icing on the cake. This piece of land has our blood, sweat and tears poured into it. And it’s just beginning. I know we still have so much work, tireless days, sleepless nights and unpredictable weather in our future. That’s just farming. But somehow, having our sweet girl here with us really brings things into perspective.
It’s funny, people warned me that it could be easy to lose myself in motherhood. But damn, this girl had me all along. She brought me home. I don’t know what I was so scared of. She’s been my greatest teacher and she’s showing me the way. And while most of the time I still don’t know what I’m doing on the farm or in parenthood, I’ve got this girl to keep me grounded. The outside world can almost cripple me with worry, but I know I can calm my nerves when I step out into the dirt, with Pepper in tow, and get cracking on chores. The farm doesn’t sleep and this girl doesn’t want to miss out. Her sweet optimism and effortless joy is contagious.
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Documenting these moments brings me so much joy. I wish I could slow down time because she’s taking off and I don’t want to miss a thing. We’re the luckiest.
I’ll be back tomorrow with a new recipe. Until then, if you have a little person in your life, give them an extra squeeze and breath in that fresh, innocent air. I know this time is fleeting and my heart almost can’t handle it.
This is such a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing it and the wonderful pictures. I too think fears of the world are crippling. Pictures and the hope and optimism of your family and farm are comforting indeed. Thanks again.
Seeing your darling cherub is filling me with delight and joy. There cannot be a better way to bring up a child, I’m convinced. My farm, Boundless Farmstead doesn’t have any human children, but plenty of dogs who love their life here, as do I. But babies would be perfect! Thank you for sharing all of the photos and your recipes, too!
Just beautiful! Your daughter is very lucky indeed to have been given this most awesome start to her life and you two are so lucky to have been blessed with this incredible being, bringer of joy and innocence and lessons in love and life.
How sweet!
Thank you for sharing these lovely pictures! What joy to witness life’s bounty through the eyes of your beautiful girl!!
Oh How Awesome and Precious!! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and love !! Warmly Therese Jenee ‘
Your sweet darling is too adorable.
Every single photo tugs at the heart strings and your words shower them with love.
So beautifully written, Andrea, Very touching!
Thank you for sharing the bounty of your lovely family with others.
She is so stinkin’ cute! And looks just like you ( apologies to Dad). What a wonderful gift you two are giving her.
I can’t even!! She’s adorable and you have so much for this sweet girl to learn. She will take it or leave it in the long run. But what an amazing gift you are giving her right now.
So refreshing to hear pages from your journal where life is love all over again.
She is such a cutie!!!
Thank you for sharing your Beautiful Life! Little One is truely amazing and so are you all. I have a small garden but totally get lost when I spend time there.
So precious Andrea, you got that time thing, that little farm girl will give you joy for ever and ever more..! Moment by moment…!
They stea your heart away!
Be sure to remember that when you come into the kitchen and the 5 pound bag of flour is all over the floor and all over the child. Take a breath and be sure to laugh.