~growing~

I didn't notice at first because I was just in awe that our tomato plants were actually growing and thriving. These are the plants from the seeds that were (ahem) spit out of my little boy's mouth into a cup this spring in hopes of a summer harvest. He and daddy babied these guys while I dutifully ignored them. I was sure they would end up the same way most of our plants end up... like my recent cilantro plant fiasco.

But they nurtured them, and transplanted them, and now they are on their way. In fact the tomato plants looks so good that we're not the only one who noticed. Meet Mrs. Quackers.

She's a late bloomer as far as our local mallards go, most nest in April and May. But she's picked her spot and once a day she lays.

We're up to 6 eggs this morning, and she's spending less time away with the Mister and more time actually sitting. Zach is in love. He thinks she's his pet. I am trying gently to explain. He gives her water (she takes it too) and leaves her food (who would say no to that when you're gestating? I KNOW!) And he is like an anxious daddy waiting for the ducklings. Supposedly 28 days give or take. The tomatoes continue to grow just fine. My belly swells as I waddle past each day, feeling an odd kinship with Mrs. Quackers, and slighlty envious of her mere 28 days compared to my 40 weeks. I am amazed at how much Zach is changing each day as his 6th birthday draws nearer. His questions, his answers, his humor, his long gangly little boy legs. I feel smack in the middle of all of this growth and blossoming and all I can think is... how will this impact the taste of our tomato harvest?