The last few years have brought me along a tremendous learning curve. From a tiny balcony full of potted plants to a myriad of massive garden plots, each day as a new gardener has been an instruction in something. From dinner parties for family to weddings, corporate happy hours, and epic birthday bashes, I cannot believe how much has changed in the last three years. What started as herbs in the windowsill has morphed into a multi-stage seed starting operation. Cooking in the backyard for my own joy has escalated into a viable catering career. Every season brings a new endeavor, new epic failures, and a whole lot of growth for more than just the plants.
This winter, Cam and I are trying our hand at growing something completely new to both of us . . . a family of our own. While our addition of Walter this fall has certainly brought some new dimension (specifically height!) to our little family unit, we’re continuing to grow by adding in a baby!
Our little baby girl is set to join us at the end of May. She’s already thrown us a couple of surprises, so we’re not counting on anything too firmly! With just a few months of life under her proverbial belt, she’s already been showered with love and support by our community. We are endlessly grateful that this sort of tending to life does not happen only within the confines of our home.
I have already planned her first gardening days and I am sure she’ll be sous chef after just a few weeks. (Sorry Cam, you have already been demoted to dishwasher.) Walter and Lowell are battling it out to see who has first rights to cover her in kisses. We’re already getting used to taking a back seat when it comes to grandparents, aunts and uncles, and older cousins. “Maddie who? How’s the baby?”
So many times I’ve sat down to write about how miraculous I find the gardening process: life and fruit and beauty bursting from the confines of a tiny, dried up little seed. Now, each day I am completely humbled by this growth happening so intimately and deeply rooted inside of me. I find myself wondering: how will I ever be enough? And, again, I go back to the garden which has lended so much healing, wisdom, and lessons in faith. Hard work, nurturing, determination, and everyday miracles. Every autumn I am in awe of the abundance of what comes from a heroic community effort, a heart full of passion, and the pure magic of the process. So as we set forth on this new adventure, we plan to nurture this little one with everything we have. And for the rest . . . we’re set to watch the miracle unfold.
Comments