It’s been six weeks since we brought Maximus home. Six weeks, though the first two were spent in town re-learning all the in’s and out’s of newborn-ness. All while juggling (chasing, wrangling, negotiating with) our gloriously willful, intelligent almost two year old.
So, let’s say four weeks. Four weeks of (mostly) living at the farm. On our land. In our tent.
It’s not easy, but it’s perfect. Perfectly imperfect and ever changing and improving as we find spare minutes to do more than just survive the day triaging everyone’s needs (trying to never forget to whisper a quick “I love you” “I love you too” at least once every twenty four hours).
Four weeks to face…
Gale force winds.
Flooding.
Snow storms.
Downed trees.
Snapped support beams
Moldy hay/feed/armchairs/etc.
Slippery stairs.
Mink attacks.
Wet wood.
Grumpy goats.
Damp dogs.
Muddy cats.
These adventures have made the comparable wimpers of Max telling us he’s wet or hungry or craving a cuddle…seem even more blissful and perfect and fleeting. Despite everything that has to get done and the literal pile of baby slings, wraps and carriers we have at our disposal, Scott doesn’t bat an eye at my indulgence in more than a fair share of snuggles with the wee one…while he’s still in the perfectly squishable, milk drunk phase that will be over before the winter is out.
We may have found our homestead spot. We’re contemplating holding off one more year to build the cabin and instead investing next year in our garden, orchard and other infrastructure.
We’d be thoroughly lost and hopelessly frazzled if it weren’t for the love, support and presence of family (most of all my sister Michelle who’s right next door).
We’re still here. We’re still grateful. We’re still in love with this dream, this journey, this path to our eventual working farm/homestead…despite many days or even weeks where we have wondered and worried that this was going to implode on us or perhaps crush all the good we have created thus far in our life as partners. I have so much more to share on these topics, but time is too precious and I’ve probably already spent too much time quickly typing out these few words to at least mark a moment before the end of the month, and the end of the year before Max wakes up again.
Thank you for all the kind words, big cheers and smart questions we’ve received.
Please keep asking/questioning/wondering along with us. It’s a big part of the reason we take the time to share.
I hope everyone’s warm and cozy with family right now. Time for me to get back to mine!
4 Comments
My goodness, I can’t imagine making it through those 6 weeks! I hope everyone stays safe and mostly warm this winter and the worst is behind you!
I hope you keep sharing your journey, it’s very inspiring and your photos are always so lovely.
Merry Christmas and hopefully a restful new year.
A belated thank you, Katrina! 🙂
Very happy that you guys are safe and sound, though you’ve had an interesting time of it! Thank you for sharing your journey, it gives others yearning after the opportunity something to dream towards! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hi Rachel! Loving your blog! I was wondering if you would tell me what camera and lens you use for your beautiful photos?!