Babes in Farmland

And I'm not talking about hot women in bathing suits. I mean the real, gurgling, bald-headed, 6-9 lb. kind of babe! Chris and I joyfully await our first baby the first week of September (or hopefully thereabouts). A perfect time to welcome a newcomer to the farm, I must say - the garden will be lush, the green trees will be thick and beautiful, the horses fat and happy, the farmers leathery and satisfied, the family hysterically jumping up and down while weeping...oh wait, that's just mom reacting to becoming a grandmother.

The last few weeks of adjusting to the news have been truly life changing. We are still grasping the reality of it all, but with excitement and bewildered anticipation. This feels like we're going on a life long trip with no map, no itinerary, no bags, no toilet paper, nothing but my body that apparently knows exactly what to do and how to create a new life. And those of you who know me well will accurately assume that I am the slightest bit anxious without a job to do (besides eat and wait). Though, eating for two is already a whole new world of fun, so please try not to look too shocked if you don't recognize me within a few months.

Charis has so dutifully and beautifully scribed the past few weeks and months of farm life for us. The time with good friends last week was almost dreamlike...I sat back many times and flashed forward to time and time again that we hope to welcome you all to our home...take you on our ski trails, hike the ridge overlooking the county, gather 'round our dining room table for big meals and many laughs. We are very blessed by you.

The prospect of bringing visitors out this summer definitely kicks up the project schedule! Charis and Jay, Chris and Kevin have all been awesome, crow-bar wielding warriors with the wall-demolition and electric bugaloo in the house. I'd really like to get my hands on a maul and have first crack at ye olde bathtub next weekend! And pulling off the rest of the kitchen counter linoleum will be just as gratifying. Jay and I are especially hyper about the big, sprawling deck of our dreams...construction to begin with "the thaw." It's a good thing mother nature controls some of the plans, as we might otherwise be up to our ears in half finished projects indoors and out. While winter at the farm has proven beautiful (most of the time) and peaceful in its own special winter way, it's safe to say we are all waiting with baited breath to see the first green buds pop on the trees and smell the fresh soil again.

You will also be glad to know that the first seeds of our stellar observatory have been planted. Chris got a beautiful telescope for his birthday - a wonderful gift from Dan and Michael - and we are all anxious to bring it out to the farm for a first look at the polar ice caps on Mars. Seriously! Good incentive for me to learn more about space than the Big Dipper.

As we plan for the farm/baby life, we patiently wait for change. Please keep us in your thoughts (and pray that we're not asphyxiated by the composting toilet). And we'll keep you posted. Love and peace from Minneapolis and Colfax! -Becca