Our seeds are in! This year my most curious helper is Charlie. I remember Frankie at just over three completely engrossed in the wonders of the garden, and now it's Charlie's turn and I couldn't be happier. We've been spending our days together in and out of the house when the sun comes out, poking holes in the dirt and dropping seeds in with careful little fingers.
I'm planning the garden carefully this year, as our tiny yard simply can't hold my big dreams and I'm now trying a better hand at succession planting, hoping to gain full spring, summer and then fall crops from the same boxes and beds.
The windows are once again filled with gathering trays of tiny seedlings, and while I am still not that technical of a gardener, I do believe I am ready for a few simple grow lights. Still, the early spring sun has coaxed a few trays of wonders from the dirt, much to the delight of my little boy. Every morning I find him perched on a chair, peeking at the tiny victories he had planted.
Teaching him about the cycle of the seasonal vegetable, flower and herb and seeing him really listen, really ask, and really observe is one of my favorite parenting moments. I knew it was truly sinking in when I found him outside on his hands and knees looking curiously at the garden. He had found the very beginnings of our peonies before I had even discovered them myself.
It's going to be a good spring. I can see it in his smile.
