A Great Quote

Garrison Keeler read a great quote on The Writer's Almanac today, a quote from Barbara Kingsolver that is so good I want to share it. She once said: "It is harrowing for me to try to teach 20 year old students, who earnestly want to improve their writing. The best I can think to tell them is: Quit smoking, and observe posted speed limits. This will improve your odds of getting old enough to be wise." 

His father's son

The hat, the tomato.  This little man is an Eichelberger.

(sorry you have to turn your head sideways... we always forget when videoing).

A little bit of Mamaw for your day.

Here she is telling me about "the old days" and clearing off the hill on our land.  Below it a picture of the hill NOT covered in mist. And some cuties.

6 months and some

Alright, alright.  Someone is PAST six months now, but here are his half-birthday portraits.  I really just had no idea what mom-hood was going to be like seven months ago, but we are rolling along with it!  Spring coming has been wonderful.  I am so glad to see his baby toes and to meet people for walks and hikes and such.
And this boy o' mine.  He is a keeper.  Such a kind and happy spirit- such a sweet smile to add a new and deep joy to all of my days.  He loves standing and jumping (assisted, of course).  Sitting is fine and all, but he tends to take a sideways dive after a few minutes.  
Six months has also found us leaving Bryce and Eli for more boy time.  It was like all of the sudden I started to feel attached and a bit crazy (just ask my mom- after I had way too much fun riding a four wheeler in Kentucky, she seemed a bit concerned for me.)  A few hours out here and there has been just what I needed.  Bryce loves adventures with a baby to the grocery store, so I am blessed in that way.  In so many ways!
Oh, and eating.  We are eating a bit here and there... and Eli likes food just fine- just like his parents.  Just wait until he finds out about hamburgers. And Kettle Chips.

East Nashville Co-op Garden

Some pictures from last Sunday:

What a crew.

Those girls can shovel.

I'm supervising.

They said it could never be done, but Andy and I ripped this screaming chunk of concrete from the bowels of the earth. Good job, Andy.

Filling the tire compost pyramid.

Our neighborhood group has adopted the East Nashville Co-op garden for the summer. We are collecting compost matter for their extensive compost system, and we had a good time gardening last sunday. Thanks to everyone who came, and I look forward to doing more work in the garden as summer comes on! 

Nobody Likes Me

Eli and I went back to the farm this week for a quick visit.  One of my favorite things about my stay-at-home-ness so far is the freedom to go see Mam-maw more often.  This video is a teaser.  I have more pictures and videos and thoughts to share, but thought y'all might like this in the meantime.

Mimosas with the White Stripes

Oh my, I forgot about some fun little pics I had to post... when was this?  Maybe two weekends ago, we went to Marche to celebrate Amy's birthday.  Blood orange mimosas for all (except Eli) and Amy just as lovely as they come.  At one point I told her that "her friend" was here and she turned around all excited, but it was Jack White instead.  I spent the rest of the brunch trying to think of ways to take pictures of him without seeming to... much to my sister's chagrin.

Here, Katie is letting me know just what she thinks about my ploy (If her head is a clock, check out 11).  So sad I couldn't get Eli in it... I could save it for posterity. He will be so impressed when I play "Little Ghost" for him later in life.

This picture is the best, because I was taking one of the whole table and the waiter offered to take it for me.  I said "Sure, just make sure you get Jack White in the background."  Did I mention that Katie was embarrassed?  What are little sisters for?

That same weekend some friends from Atlanta stayed with us with their 2.5 year old, Staughty.  He is, quite simply, the coolest little bruiser ever.  He will have a new sibling this summer, and was so sweet with Eli.  

He found Bryce's bin of warm clothes for bike commuting by the front door and loved a pair of gloves.  LOVED them, as you can see here:Thanks for coming to visit Katie and Clay!  We will keep trying to convince you to move here!