On the farm.

There's something special about watching your little ones hold baby animals for the first time, kind of like that first breath of Spring air all blossomy and dewed.

I guess even little boys can be tender, though they have to be taught how to hold the bunny just right so it doesn't hop away and how to gently clutch the chick without squeezing too hard...

I find myself thinking of the symbol of this in motherhood.  Timid to hold my newborns for the first time, wondering how to cradle them protectively without holding too tight...figuratively speaking.  It must be learned, sometimes through trial and error, but always accompanied with the softness that children bring with them.  And therefore, despite the difficulty of learning how to do it "right," we feel so privileged that it is finally "our turn" to hold the baby chick, our baby chicks, and nurture them to happiness.  And the uncertainty is replaced with a feeling of reverence and joy.

The line is long for the train, and my boys entertain themselves by peeking through the wooden slats and watching the train pass by again and again.

But finally it's time to board and Aunt Coco takes them for the ride while I push Maylie's stroller and Mother goes to fetch a bottle.  I am overprotective, watching them get on, hoping they don't fall off or stand up.

But their faces of delight let me know that sometimes it is okay to let go, because all of that sweet cradling will make a difference, and I wonder how I will ever let them really go when they finally do grow up.

This ride around the tracks of children-raising chugs along slowly, but it is ever so fleeting in the great scheme of things.

I hope I can treasure every second of it all.