If I could snap my fingers and move my family to VA to run a small organic farm, I would. I was really envious of how "easy" things seemed to be for my friend, being at home and caring for a newborn. That was by far the most difficult period for me, those early months. Life revolved around nursing and naps, so we were unable to leave the house much. I saw few people and going outside was awful b/c of the heat. But for Shawna, she is able to go about her normal farmer day--she just straps Ruby into her Moby wrap and when Ruby is awake she is entertained by all the animals and bugs and ponds and trees and watching mom and dad work. When she's tired she falls asleep in the wrap, or when she's hungry she can nurse while in the wrap or Shawna can walk home and nurse her/put her down there. I have NEVER seen such a happy baby. The ONLY time she cried was at night when it was bedtime.
She makes it seem so easy and wonderful---especially compared to the lonely cabin-fever experience I had. I spent hours on the floor jangling plastic shit in front of Henry, trying to make sure he was stimulated enough. Time passed very slowly. All those toys Shawna got at her baby shower are still sitting in their basement, unopened. They are so unnecessary when you live in an environment that's so naturally stimulating. When Ruby was napping in the house Shawna would make bread or go for a long walk (they live on the Appalachian trail). Not collapse in exhaustion like I used to...or clean. I feel like all I did was clean. The most I saw Shawna clean was sweeping the floor or washing dishes. They have hardly any "stuff" besides books and records, so they have this open/light house that never looks dirty.
Did I mention they get like 4 months off during the winter season?
Yeah, I'm jealous.
This sounds like heaven to me.
ReplyDeleteNot to mention all the natural immunity-boosting Ruby's getting by being around all those animals.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm jealous too.