The Joys of Motherhood

Last night was a bit of a chilly night for brand new little ducklings, and I honestly felt a little nervous about them being outside. I did what I could to ensure their warmth by adding hay, a small shelter and a towel over the shelter to insulate as best as I could. This morning, as I woke up bright-eyed and busy-tailed at 4:45, I was worrying about my babies. I got up and called out to the window and heard a hearty chirping in reply. When it finally got light outside, I went out and one by one, the little ones marched out of the shelter to greet me and devour some breakfast. What a relief!

Today, my mom spent the day with my baby cousin, 2-month old Elizabeth. Mom, who has not spent a whole lot of time around a baby since I was one, came by to see me this afternoon. She told me about how much she enjoyed just holding and watching Elizabeth, her every little move. Her stretches, her yawns, her smiles and the way she wrinkles her face. Although I know raising a child is incredibly different than raising baby ducks, I too can just sit and watch them for hours. I hope that I get something productive done over the next few weeks! Every little thing they do is just so cute and so funny!

The personalities are coming out more and more, although, getting to know 15 at one time is pretty tough. The crested ducks definitely don't have extra brains in those little caps. They sure are cute, but they seem to be the slowest ones by far. They are often the ones still in the cage, eating while the others are out running around. One of them fell as he was running out of the cage today and was rolling on his back kicking his feet until another one ran into him, giving him enough umph to turn right side up again. The other one was jumping out and did a somersault somehow. Oh, the laughs these little ones can bring to me!

This afternoon they napped more than they did yesterday - I guess they wore themselves out more today. Of course, when I say napped, it is for all of about 15 seconds. Imagine if you will, trying to put a room full of two year olds to sleep at the same time. Add together the fact that all the two year olds will be sharing the same bed, so that the instant one of them moves, so do all of the other ones. And of course, remember the constant pecking. Today, just as all of the others had fallen asleep, one of them noticed that the eyelid on his neighbor looked different - so what does he do? Peck at it, of course!

Romeo also had his first interactions with the ducklings today. Although he would much rather them disappear, he was very good. Again, I still don't trust him enough to leave him alone with them, but he was very good as long as he got some of the attention as well.

I have taken tomorrow off of school, so I have the next four days as home to share with them and to try to get some things done, although, I imagine I will end up spending more time with them. If you are in the area - come meet the little ones!

More pictures at rascats.shutterfly.com