11.07.2007

An Interesting Fall Morning With Baby Thoreau


This morning was interesting. We woke up at the crack of dawn to find Andrew already gone... another big test today (good luck honey! ;) Looking at this pillow I don't think he even made it to bed last night, again. I will not miss fifth quarter at all when it's over. We made Erin's amazing blender pancakes and then snuggled for a while on the couch reading and giggling until we realized that we only had about ten minutes to finish getting ready and out the door before Noah's preschool would START!!! So, in a quick flurry we threw things together and got out the door. We were thrilled to find that the leaves had started to fall en-mass from the beautiful trees that surround our home. It was magical and for a split second I found myself seriously considering keeping Noah home with us all morning just to watch the leaves fall. I didn't of course, but we did enjoy watching the falling leaves all the way to school and back. When we got home we dashed to the front porch and sat on our wicker bench to continue to watch them fall. It was serene and wonderful and I decided that in spite of the cold, I really do love Autumn. I was so surprised when my giggly Ben started to fuss when I realized that I had let half an hour slip away snuggling on the porch and the children I babysit were going to be there soon and the remnants of breakfast were still in the kitchen and on the table (sad, I know!) He fussed uncharacteristically all the way through the morning dishes-- usually he loves to sit and watch me work and giggle at the bubbles-- he even fussed when I vacuumed up the remnants of the pancakes, one of his favorite tasks lately. He seemed so upset, but I just couldn't figure out what the problem was. He was jerking and jiggling and trying desperately to make me understand what it was that he was trying so hard to say. And then it hit me-- he wanted to continue to watch the leaves! I moved the porch bench away from the window and positioned him on our leather bench at the front window so he could watch while I worked. He googled and giggled and stared the morning away--literally. He sat there for a good hour, until the arrival of some of our friends finally distracted him enough to pull away. I've got an Autumn boy-- a miniature Thoreau... what a treat! I look forward to indulging his new interests and learning a lot along the way. Thank goodness for interesting morning and thank goodness for little friends who help us stop and remember that it is the little things, like a magical fall morning, that make life so very wonderful indeed.




Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.
Henry David Thoreau

13 comments:

Melissa said...

Ben is so cute. It is amazing that at such a young age they know exactly what they want. It would be frustrating no to be able to talk though, poor kid. You are such a good mom, you knew what it was that he wanted!

The Posse said...

Never EVER say that you're not an interesting writer again! I loved reading this post! Your imagery was amazing and it makes me appreciate Autumn and slow days myself. And it makes me fall in love with your adorable kids, too!

TerriLyn said...

I felt the same way this morning. Usually I head over to exercise group in the mornings but this morning Tabi and I stayed home and just giggled and played together as we ate a slow breakfast and lounged. It has been a wonderful day. I love the leaves. Your post was awesome. Thanks for sharing.

Rebecca S said...

I love the things you have written about your kids Ruth - aren't they amazing. You capture the thoughts of a mothers heart so well, thanks for the invite to your blog.

Unknown said...

What a glorious morning! Your baby is brilliant!

Randomanda said...

hey ruth! i'm so glad you have a blog now! it's nice to know whats going on in your life, without having to try to get a hold of you. haha.
love you tons!
Amanda

nhansen said...

That is such a wonderful picture of Ben. It is so amazing how the world just fascinates the little ones. Good for you for understanding what his fussiness was all about.

Shuldberg said...

Okay Ruth, when I saw him sitting there like that this morning, I thought to myself "that would make an amazing picture", but it turned out so much better than what I had in mind!! Awesome!!

DeGooyer Family said...

Ruth, you are a great writer, and a super mom!! I look up to you in so many ways.

Laura said...

Too precious! It's good to appreciate nature every now and again-- too often are we caught up in the industrial world.

Katherine said...

You're a great writer, Ruth. I love the Thoreau reference. I am so glad you are updating your blog now!

Elsie said...

Ruth you are an amazing mom! I don't know why...but reading your post made me cry! My mom always gets excited about the leaves and the little things in nature...and your post reminded me so much of her. THank you!

Sarah*MK said...

How Precious!