On the Wings of a Mallard (A love story)

There is a place, tucked under tall pines off the shore of Schroon River, that is home to your parents' love. Nine years ago they came here together, and found something neither of them expected. A friendship, a bond that blossomed there in the sun dappled shade. A whisper, a promise of the truest commitment.

Each summer they returned here and hid themselves away in their old yellow Mallard. They laughed and they played, they loved and they lingered. Wrapped in the warmth of sweet sappy breezes, snuggled close on the porch, by the fire, in the bed. Never bored, never restless. Content with the peace they could find only here.

It was this place that marked the start of their journey, as partners... as husband and wife. When your Daddy asked Mommy to finally get married, they went back to the old yellow Mallard to celebrate the engagement, to honor the roots of their love. They cradled each other in their most favorite spot, looking out the small windows up high into the tilting and swaying tall pines.

And so it only made sense that when the time arrived to create you, little one, this was the beginning of that journey, too. To escape from the mess and the chaos of real life, to return to the dream state of summer romance, hands held tight together with tenderness and glee... to capture those glimmers and sparks of true passion. There was no better place they could be.

Despite all of their efforts, you were not conceived here - not in the biological sense, anyway - but in their hearts, you've been here all along. So when they opened that old yellow Mallard once again this season, your parents couldn't help but feel proud and completely elated to have you there with them for the task.

The waters are high from a very rough winter (your Nonna says there hasn't been one like this since the year your Daddy was born), and the porch of their little camp is in need of repair. But as far as your Mommy and Daddy can tell, life couldn't be more perfect. You wiggled and kicked inside Mommy's belly and waved hello to the outside, to the world you'll be a part of real soon.

In the details.

Peeking in through the doorway of your room, 

even before we had paint or bedding... 

just seeing where you'll sleep one day made us happy.

Getting this room ready for you is easily our favorite task on the to-do list. There's the painting, sure, but we plan to refinish the dresser and Daddy's old red rocking chair from when he was a little boy. Not to mention that pink bookcase. We have lots of ideas for storage and decor and we can't wait to go wandering this summer at shops and flea markets and yard sales for all the details that will perfect this special place and make it all your own.

The walls in your room were only primer when we started, but now there are fresh coats of "Vermont Cream" and "Jalapeno Jelly" (you can call them "white" and "green"). 

A dreamy spot, a dream come true... we stand at the side of your crib and imagine you there, peaceful and asleep. The fuzzy hedgehog, the friendly owl... Mommy's "fuzzy wuzzy" bear she's had just about her whole life... so much love here already.

A tiny toy piano from Mommy's grandma, yours now to make music (or noise) with until your little heart's content. 

All of these details are only the beginning.