We've discovered that a new family has moved in...right next to our bedroom window! A cardinal family has decided to take up residence in our magnolia tree, and we've enjoyed watching mother bird and father bird make a pretty substantial nest. Then it was vacated for two days...OH NO! But then yesterday, mother bird was back, very plump and fluffy and refusing to move from her nest. Elena was all too excited to talk to her and draw pictures of her then show them to her...HAHA!
Then this morning, we got up and Elena walked over to the window and said, "Good morning Momma bird! Did you sleep well?" Soon after I get called to the window view because Momma bird is gone, but there are 4 tiny eggs nestled inside. We're going to have chicks! So then Elena had to draw that as well for documentation, and I had the joy of listening to our sweet daughter talk to the mother bird all morning. "Why, hello there, Momma Bird! Stay still! I am going to draw you now! Ok, good girl! Now I will draw your eggs...see? 1,2,3 and 4! That's four babies you have there, Momma Bird! Do you like my picture of you?"
The bird has been back and forth all day, and Elena has been checking on her often..."Nope, no birdies yet, Mommy!" And she even thought of putting on her Minnie Mouse ears to "make Momma Bird laugh...she's bored." Oh, really?!? I had to remind her that she needs to be quiet and not so boisterous around the bird nest or Momma Bird might leave, and we don't want that. I avoided any sad parts of losing those birdies...really not wanting to talk about baby birds dying to my five year old. So she looked at me and said, "that would make the babies sad if their mommy didn't come back. I would be sad. I won't scare the birdie, Mommy." Then proceeded to carry Diva to the window and whisper, "Now Diva, we don't want to scare Momma Bird, that's not nice. We may make the babies cry. I don't like water in my eyes! So no barking at the window, ok?" Loved it!
