Diary of a Country Girl

Chapter Fifteen:

Dear diary, 

I never knew life could be so crazy and loaded with so many sweet little moments at the same time. Tre and I are still finding our routine as parents. No surprise, the first few weeks were really rough. Thank god for the internet and cellphones. We can always turn to our parents for advice. We did a few times during the first couple weeks. They gave us so much good advice before Kya was born. Still nothing really prepares you for what happens when that sweet little life is actually in your hands and depending on you. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to be a parent in the old days before technology. Especially out in the country like we are. You had to pretty much figure it out on your own as you went along. 

We got through those early days and now we feel like we're getting the hang of it. For now at least. Once again in my life I’ve been blessed. I’ve heard other women saying how their husbands don’t pitch in with the baby duties. Tre has been right there, doing his part and I haven’t had to nag him. I figure if he can keep it together through those stinky diaper changes he's a keeper.

We have occasionally played those little games of chicken at two in the morning. Who can pretend to be sleeping the longest hoping the other one will be the one to get up and check on Kya. Once, just once, I did roll over and put my feet in his back and nudged Tre out of bed to go check on her. Alright I admit it, I pushed him out of bed, and then finished it off with a fake snore as I rolled over. It had been a really hard day in the garden and I just couldn't find the energy to get up. I didn't have to push very hard. Tre is totally smitten with Kya and he loves doing daddy duty.

 I’m working in the garden again. I eased back into it at first. Allowing myself to heal and not wanting to get too far from Kya. Now that she’s big enough I put Kya in her little backpack and bring her with me.

 I talk to her the whole time. She doesn’t understand any of it, but I enjoy sharing my love of nature with her. I tell her all about the plants, the trees, and the animals. She coos and burbles in my ear and the chores seem more fun than before. She even tries to help out.

I even got Kya her own little cowboy hat. I seen it online and thought it was just the cutest thing. Now she can be just like mama, and daddy, and I can protect her little head for those short trips outside.

We have tomatoes, carrots, green peppers, lettuce, and onions in the ground for the farm shop and the Oak Barrel. Next, I'm going to plant some sweet corn. That should make for a nice variety of staple veggies for the shop. Add that to all the berries and fruits and we'll have a nice selection. We're still trying to work out the logistics of running a shop, farm chores, and looking after an infant. The shop is the least of our concerns right now. We're doing good supplying the Oak Barrel and a few other customers.

We want Kya to grow up enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.  When she’s old enough, she can choose her own path in life. Whether she stays here in the country or moves away to the city like I did, it’ll be her choice. I’m really not trying to sway her. I just want her to grow up loving and appreciating nature.

I’ve been introducing Kya to all the four-legged members of the family, and them to her.

 At first Piccolo was a bit wary of her. But she’s become very protective of the baby. She often curls up by Kya’s crib and watches her sleep. She even curls up next to Kya when I put her down on her little rug for a nap.

 It’s really sweet and I know Kya couldn’t have a more loyal and lovable angel looking over her. I think Piccolo’s own maternal instincts are kicking in too. Tre and I have been talking about possibly getting another dog. Maybe. We have so much going on in our lives at some point we have to start saying no to all these ideas. I really do think though that Piccolo would benefit from having another dog around.

Tre’s parents shared something interesting with us during our last video chat. Tre and I really don't know what to make of it at the moment. For now I'll just say this, it's potentially really happy, exciting new. But it was a bit of a shock at the same time. We'll see what happens and I'll share more in my next entry.