All my peeps

We'd been keeping vigil for twenty-one days when we heard a muffled peeping coming from the incubator. A tiny hole appeared in each shell. Then a long crack in one, methodically chipped all the way around. A wet orb emerged, unfurling into a dark chick. We ooohed and cheered and squealed at the magic of it all.

Bedtime came, and we peeled ourselves away,one tiny chick's eyes following us from inside the incubator. I slept fitfully and finally slipped down to check on them in the wee hours. Hooray! Seven new baby chicks fully hatched and smushed together.

We made a morning trip to the local feed and seed for a heat lamp bulb and fresh bag of pine shavings, then moved the chicks to their new home. Once they'd dried and warmed, they mulled around pecking and scratching like pros.

These are the best days--cuddling their soft fluff , noticing the changes day by day, playing silly chick games. The best!