With the birth of our newest grandchild, changes are coming to the barnyard that none of the babes have ever experienced before.

Yes, we’ve had a baby Squagon to care for, two baby dragons to feed, a tiny Lilly that flew in on a dandelion, and a passel of Moonlight Dreamers flitting above the rafters in the barn. I also realize that Brutus, himself, came to me as a tiny one… but a baby, an actual baby, has never before been experienced around the barnyard.

Osrig is so confused that he doesn’t know what to do. He just keeps looking at her with such devotion, without knowing why he feels that way. He just sits and stares at her, smelling her hair and occasionally licking her tiny little fingers… it’s actually quite adorable.

Even Peanut has taken one of the bedrooms just off of the nursery, hoping I’ll let him help with anything baby…

While I wish that I could splatter a thousand pictures of our Maisie all over the doors, windows, and walls, I must also respect my daughter and son-in-laws privacy. This is where our SugarPlum comes in as a happy little substitute…

I had to invite our little SugarPlum into the barnyard, because I’ll be caring for Maisie when her mamma goes back to work. Obviously, my daughter said there wouldn’t be any wild boat rides allowed, so who else will travel abroad with us, sailing the high seas, and all that?

Babies are so fragile, I wouldn’t dream of risking her safety out on the high seas. Just so that you don’t worry about SugarPlum, she’s perfectly magical and fluffy, and fit for sea adventures… I promise!

Welcome to the barnyard, Maisie…

and you too, SugarPlum!