Beatrix’s little bunny, Splotch, died suddenly and unexpectedly last week. Bea chose to bury her in her “secret garden” in the woods. Secret Gardens have been a recurring theme these past few months, as both girls created them early this spring and then moved them repeatedly as they were inevitably discovered by little brothers.
We had a good distraction from the sadness with our annual children’s market over the weekend. Both girls spent many months preparing for what is one of their very favorite events. Beatrix spent hours picking wild black raspberries to make jam, and Larkspur made needle felted wands. Those were only a couple of the many things they offered at their little market stand. It was a fun day, but I’m glad it’s over (till next year!)
Mabel has been seeming so grown up lately, and next week she will turn two! We decided to convert her crib into a toddler bed after she took a dive over the rail last week. That seems like a big step, no matter the fact that she still wakes in the night and gets in bed with us. Yesterday I worked on her birthday quilt, using the “stitch in the ditch” method of quilting that I learned from (afflink) Amy Karol’s Bend the Rules Sewing. All I have left to do now is sew the binding down by hand. I shouldn’t say “all.” I know that will actually be a lot of work! I was very tempted to just turn the quilt and not bind at all, but I’m glad I went this route in the end. I’m following the tutorial for the binding in QuiltEssential. Mabel’s birthday is next week and the only other gift I have planned for her is a Juniper Kitty. Do you have any other ideas? I feel like I should get her something else, but I can’t really come up with anything that I think she will love. She loves baby dolls, but I know from experience that she only loves baby dolls that belong to her older sisters. I can buy her an identical doll to one of theirs that she likes, and she will reject it and cry for the doll that doesn’t belong to her.
That little hummingbird trapped itself in our garage, and by the time Seth was able to capture it so that he could release it, it was so exhausted that it just sat in his hand for awhile. Mabel was desperate to touch it! I was too, but I resisted.
I posted the following photo on Instagram and Facebook over the weekend with the silly caption, “She worries that her ears are too big. He tells her she’s beautiful just the way she is.” My older boys thought it was ridiculous and were mildly horrified. I laughed and told them that they just didn’t understand. I told them that other people got it, as it was shared on Facebook SEVEN times. Practically viral, I told them. Either way, these bunnies are cute and I’m glad they seem to be doing okay despite the loss of Splotch.
I hope you all had a good weekend! Please do share if you have any good gift ideas for Mabel! Book recommendations are welcome too!
Helena says
What a neat experience to hold a hummingbird!
Also, I thought the bunny photo with the silly caption was adorable. 🙂
Rebecca says
I always LOVE your photography. You capture nature so well.
I have a just turned 2 year old daughter also, my third child. She loves kitties so she got a stuffed Kitty for her birthday. And a toy broom. And a little purse that looks like mommy’s…I just put chapstick and sunglasses and an empty bottle of lotion in it, and other random people treasures, etc. She LOVES it!
Rebecca says
Little treasures*
Sara says
Totally unrelated comment to your Hand post which is lovely and why I visit here.
We purchased the All About Reading program. . .it’s great! What about math? Anything similar in esthetics and scripted that you can recommend?
M. Van Vilsteren says
Hi Ginny, I’m sorry about the lost of the bunny.
You have had so many suggestions for Mabel that I will not add anything anymore.
I loved reading your post again and your pictures are beautiful.
Have fun with Mabel’s birthday, I’m sure she will love the presents.
Regards from the Netherlands. Marianne
M. Van Vilsteren says
I live in the Netherlands and I have 3 Tasha Tudor books from the US. I adore her and the books are awesome. She was a very interesting person.
Tegards, Marianne
Flyingkids says
Beautiful photos! The kids had so much fun!
Lana says
A classic red tricycle is always my first choice at that age. We also love Green Toys little wagon for the grandchildren for outside play.
kim says
“in the forest” by marie hall ets
and this book is great if you can find it used somewhere (out of print) soft book..
https://smile.amazon.com/God-Loves-Baby-Playtime-Blessings/dp/0784711879/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_y1405964225?_encoding=UTF8&%2AVersion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0&ie=UTF8
Kathie Gray says
So sorry to hear about the loss of Splotch. We lost our own bunny about 3 and a half years ago and my daughter, who was only 3 at the time, still misses her and talks about her often.
Cathy says
Hiya, Ginny….how about a book. Never an occasion goes by without one in my home…and my girls are 29/26!
Mabel Murple by Sheree Fitch
Hairy McLairy (forget the author)
Are bith fabulous and funny!
Amy says
You have probably seen the mouse in the Altoid tin? I made one of those for my daughter years ago. They are adorable!
http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/02/wee-mouse-tin-house-pattern-available.html
Melody says
I think that’s two lovely presents and she will have a great day. The mouse is so cute! We try to keep our kids toys pared back to the things they use and love (otherwise it gets out of control and drives me nuts) and want them to focus on other things. So they usually only get one (really good) present. When they are old enough for parties we will request no presents for as long as we can.
sophie says
I like your perspective Melody.
Blessings to you,
Sophie
GretchenJoanna says
I am so sorry about the bunny! When my children raised rabbits for a few years this sudden death among rabbits was so disheartening.
Do you know what type of milkweed you have? I am getting excited about my Showy Milkweed forming flower buds this year. They look similar, but not pink – so far.
Grace says
I love reading your posts, Ginny. I’m so sorry to hear about Splotch, it is always hard when we lose a beloved pet.
A suggestion for Mabel: Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell is a lovely read and this years Caldecott winner.
Marilyn says
Sorry about Beatrix’s rabbit. As far as book suggestions for Mabel, the Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy books are cute. Any of the Golden books are fun reads with a lot of nice pictures.
Marilyn
Melissa says
What a lovely post ? I was so bummed that I couldn’t make the market. It looks like so much fun. Next year!
Marion says
Sorry Beatrix about your bunny Splotch. You and Larkspur had a nice display for children’s market. Mabel is a cutie.
Mrion
Joan says
Love the post. All the flowers that Beatrix has in her arms are some of my favorites. Especially the Lily Of The Valley .
Joan
Karla says
So sad about Splotch. I have many memories of pets growing up – cats and bunnies – and I would take it very hard when they died.
Some things I’ve made for my girls in the past: tea set (given in a handmade drawstring bag with handmade teabags… you could use this idea with other play kitchen stuff), doll and/or stroller, carrier.
My kids also love building stuff – Legos, magnet tiles, etc. Schleich fairies and other figurines are another favorite.
The book The Big Green Pocketbook could go along with an actual purse and the things to put in it. That’s a fun one!
C Wiitala says
The Snail House by Allan Ahlberg was one of our favorites. When I read about your little ones I think of that book.
https://www.amazon.com/Snail-House-Allan-Ahlberg/dp/0763607118
Rachel Wolf says
What about a big magnifying glass? I’m pretty certain I gave Lupine a pair of mittens for her second birthday that I sewed out of an old cashmere sweater with bluebirds appliquéd on the back, but we tend to be super low-key about gifts over here. Someone gave Sage an unpainted birdhouse for a gift when he was really young. He decorated and then we hung it up outside. I thought it was pretty sweet…
x R
P.S. Your Instagram caption totally won the internet for me that day, for the record.
Andrea G says
The Cozy Classics book series by Holman Wang and Jack Wang are wonderful. The books are toddler versions of classics like Pride & Prejudice, Oliver Twist and other old favorites. The pictures are photos of needle felted people and scenes.
https://www.amazon.com/Cozy-Classics-Prejudice-Jack-Wang/dp/1452152446/ref=pd_sim_14_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1452152446&pd_rd_r=1V1RFYX3DMRWWXBZ89QY&pd_rd_w=Ynw0A&pd_rd_wg=ceoNK&psc=1&refRID=1V1RFYX3DMRWWXBZ89QY
Paige says
I have 2 year old twins and one is a baby doll lover. She loves using a little sling to carry her doll in. They also love measuring cups and spoons. Good for playing in the mud. Can’t wait to see the kitty. I would love to make some of Alicias little animals one day. Happy bday Mabel
Ivona says
So sorry to hear about the bunny, the quilt is beautiful and the kitty is sweet. Maybe you can make her a small over the shoulder bag so she can put in all the treasures she finds in nature. My kids are big now but I remember they loved “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein.
Martha says
I liked the lacing beads and also the natural wood blocks from natural earth farm’s etsy shop, but maybe you already have similar items for your older kids?
Connie Harrington says
Hmm… I’m not sure that she needs anything else?. That said, I think you might like the Tasha Tudor books. She’s a very interesting person to read about as well.
M. Van Vilsteren says
I live in the Netherlands and I have 3 Tasha Tudor books from the US. I adore her and the books are awesome. She was a very interesting person.
Tegards, Marianne
Sandra Davidson says
Happy Birthday Mabel I can’t believe that you are two where does time go. I am so sorry about your bunny?. I think a purse is a lovely idea. Ginny you are always so creative in what you get the children for their birthdays.
I hope you will bind that quilt by hand it makes a beautiful finish and I am sure she will always cherish her quilt.Blessings to all Sandra
Myriam says
My little girl will be 2 next week too, so these comments will be useful, ha! I think I’ll get her a tiny little bicycle that she can use. She’s been trying to get on her big sister’s bike lately, unsuccessfully. I’m in the process of weaning her, so right now it’s all about distractions! All the best to you, Ginny.
Emily DeArdo says
Go Dog, Go! Is my favorite book to give small children. I love it. It’s all in the voices, though. I also love The Monster at the End of This Book, and Green Eggs and Ham is always a winner, but you probably have that one. 🙂
I love the rabbit photos so much!!
jodie marie says
Please….what s that plant in your background picture. (Also within your post just after the milkweed.)
Thank you!
jodie marie says
Curly Dock? I think I figured it out.
Katie says
We love the baby magazine Babybug, from the publishers of Cricket and Ladybug. Sturdy little pages but no guilt about tossing in your bag/ car/ and finally the trash. It says ages 1 and up, but even my five year old still likes some of the stories.
Lou says
Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg was a favorite of my children. It’s an interactive board book that is fun for us adults too. I must tell you Ginny that we had a dear bunny who passed suddenly too. They do that I’ve been told. My daughter misses her to this day and that was several years ago now. And on another note, I love the yarn you made—just received it yesterday and can’t wait to start a project. Thank you so much and Happy Birthday Mabel!!
sarah says
maybe a matching something (kerchief for her hair?) to match her stuffy’s dress? or a matching dress, if you have time/available fabric?
for a book… ‘the lost picnic’ is really beautiful, and fun…
Bianca says
When our daughter was two I got her those German rubber- like farm animals that are at our local Agway and toy stores. They were a big hit and we still have them 25 years later and bring them out when small children come to visit. A wagon or truck would be fun to go with them and a fence.
Molly R says
One of our favorites is A Mouse Told His Mother, by Bethany Roberts. The pictures are so imaginative and gorgeous, and the text has that just-right rhythm.
Joy Blaser says
I thought what you wrote about the bunnies was funny! My kids are mildly horrified by nearly any attempt at humor by me so I understand. 🙂 Sorry for the loss of Splotch. Glad it wasn’t too traumatizing.
Nathana Clay says
I love that the girls worked so hard on their table. Blackberry jam is a lovely idea! I’m trying to remember what Rebekah loved when she turned two. She loved the book When God Made You and anything that allowed her to imaginative play or get messy with an art project.
Bee says
I’m sorry about Splotch 🙁 I’m glad you guys had that market as a distraction. I wish I could’ve gone!
As for book recommendations, have you read “The World-Ending Fire” by Wendell Berry? I think you’d enjoy it! It sounds less terrifying than it is: Berry is a renowned poet but also a farmer and environmentalist, and “The World-Ending Fire” is a collection of some of his best essays on nature, farming, respecting the environment, and self-sufficiency. I’m about halfway through, but I’m thoroughly enjoying it.
Bee says
Just after I hit “publish” it dawned on me that you probably wanted book recommendations for Mabel instead of yourself! 😀 Oh well! Bonus book rec for you 😉
Jan says
I love your posts, they bring me back down to earth and ground me after a trying day. My feet hurt, my head is spinning and I have no idea what to cook for dinner. I’m sat down for five minutes of relaxation. Up pops your facebook page on my feed. I love the calmness and serenity of your pictures, your words are soothing, your children and animals antics are amusing and heartwarming. All is now right in my world.
Shelly Cunningham says
We love The Quiet Book. It’s really cute and I think you’d like the illustrations. Plus it comes in board form which is great for those toddler years!
Elizabeth says
lovely pictures! so sorry about the bunny Splotches ! I had a bunny named Patches who died when I was a kid (severe worms poor thing) and I still have such happy memories of this wonderful pet!
My godson is going to be 2 soon and his Mother reports that he loves this book I got him, a simple board book in the spirit of ‘goodnight moon’ but saying ‘goodnight’ to Jesus and the Saints. It’s sweet and apparently my godson loved kissing it, which is so wonderful.
http://store.ancientfaith.com/goodnight-jesus-board-book/
Sheila Borowski says
How can it be two years already?!!
Little Blue Truck is a popular book at our house. Bear Snores On has been taped back together many times also. A simple doll house with wooden peg dolls painted to represent each family member may be a step towards imaginative play….if Mabel doesn’t put things in her mouth. ?. Enjoy your baby girl ♥️
Elaine says
The best present I can think of for a little girl that age is a purse and some big jewelry to put in it. Nothing she can swallow of course. My daughter loved hers. Also a key ring with unused keys, fake phone, etc.
You take the most beautiful pictures, Ginny. Thanks or sharing with us.
Carly says
The humming bird picture is awesome. For Mabel…The board book…Press here by Herve Tullet. Fun and interactive. My daughters loved it. It was fun to read too. I would make funny voices as the dots move with the turn of the pages.