My aunt invited us to a friend’s gorgeous farm for a morning of country fun. Rowan was in barnyard animal heaven, and my husband and I felt our blood pressures drop as soon as we arrived. There were chickens and horses and baby ducks galore. Rowan was a bit suspicious of the baby ducks when they were up close, but bonded with the chickens like they were long lost kindred spirits. We were all inspired.

These are the experiences that I imagine make for a childhood well lived. Rowan fought sleep that night babbling about chickens and horses and ducks, just as it should be.