I’ve been meaning to write a new post for a while now, this blog has been so neglected lately. My days have been full now in a whole new way than before, and I’ve been adjusting to my new life as a mother. I’m continually surprised by how quickly my days fly by, and by how quickly my son grows and transforms before my eyes! At first a fresh and tiny human with mostly closed eyes, new to such a bright, dry, sensation filled world. And now a huge, squirming, laughing, rolling, “talking”, snuggling four month old boy!
My son was born on the last day of August, just before the sunrise. Born downstairs, right at the foot of the ladder. And then immediately into my arms for an hour of uninterrupted snuggling and staring into each others’ eyes. I’ve never worked harder in my life than I did that night! So many people seem impressed by all the hard work and physical labor that goes into building your own home with natural materials. But I’m impressed by all these mothers out there! If you can give birth, and make a new person from your very own body, I’m convinced you can create your own shelter. We are stronger than we know!
Leo the day he was born!
After the sun came out and in through the southern windows, allowing me to fully see and study every part of my perfect little boy, I also had an appreciation for my environment at that moment. The first face my son saw was my own, and the first place he knew was the house that I, along with many other people, had sculpted by hand. When Leo was born he cried, but only for just seconds. After that he was calm and alert, quietly taking in his new world. What a special place to be born, in a home whose walls radiate out all the love with which they were built.
Leo and I hardly left the house for a couple magical weeks as we got to know each other more deeply. Sadly, for the most part we have now been living about an hour away from our sweet cob house, to live where my partner is currently working on a building project. I miss my house, and look forward to spending more time there some day soon. And I have plans to finally complete all the unfinished tidbits come spring – finish the exterior plaster, the final layers of roofing for the small eastern roof…install a front door! I’m definitely craving some creative time spent building, and have even been dreaming lately about some additions to the house. A bedroom to the east? Small kitchen to the north? Oooh, the possibilities are endless. But right now my time is not! Soon enough, soon enough…
My son Leopold, born at home August 31st, 8 pounds, 4 ounces and oh so perfect:
4 months old!
earthen acres 