Introducing Nutella

Jonah made a Lego Shadow memorial sculpture

Sad news from the equator: we lost our chickie Shadow yesterday. We are sad. Shadow had been the smaller and weaker of the two chicks since we brought them home, but she did seem to be  growing. The day before yesterday, however, she had some trouble walking and over the course of the day grew progressively weaker. Despite some attentive nursing on Dillon's part, she died peacefully yesterday afternoon.

Yes, there were tears.

After the tears, the kids were willing and interested -- for Sherman's sake -- to get another baby chick from the same hatch. 

And so, we introduce you to Nutella. She is not quite attached yet but is surprisingly snuggly and permissive of Brynna's displays of affection (i.e. squeeze hugs). 

Brynna snuggling Nutella
Nutella in Dillon's hand

In related news, Sherman seems non-plussed by the loss of his little sister. He continues to be curious, a little hypomanic (dare I say) and extremely attached to all of us. This afternoon, he came racing across our backyard at full speed chirping at full volume when he thought we had left him behind. 

Oh to feel loved. 

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