Monday, July 26, 2010

Becoming Butterflies...

Well, it happened on Saturday... those adorable, stinky little caterpillars  finally decided they were ready to break free and fly away.  Jack and I took our pot of parsley outside and gingerly opened the netting...
Isn't he beautiful?  I coaxed him onto my finger without touching his wings and he hopped happily to Jack's finger from there.  We spent a few minutes admiring his beauty and marveling at the incredible transformation that took place in just a couple of weeks.
They must have eclosed quite a while before we realized they were out because they had already aired out their wings and had gotten circulation going to them... He only tested his wings a few times while we were holding him.
He fluttered his wings ever so slightly as if to test the wind... he delighted Jack with the display of his gorgeous colors...
... and Jack could hardly believe this had been the 'pillars we had so dutifully been guarding in the entryway of our house.
Jack kept giggling about how the legs were tickle-y and that he was so pretty.
But this little guy was ready to go out and explore the world in flight.  Without warning, he took off, surprising both Jack and I with the suddenness of the departure.  He danced around us for just a second before disappearing into the afternoon sun.
Jack watched him go, in disbelief.  He didn't understand why Fluffly had to go away.  He didn't understand why we couldn't keep him.  So he watched with sadness as the second butterfly followed his companion.



To be honest, hot tears stung my eyes as well. 


But it was beautiful to have been a part of something like this. 


So, my entryway is empty once again.

9 comments:

Kate said...

What a gorgeous butterfly!!! Last year my butterfly bushes attracted some beauties, but I think this year's been too hot or something because I haven't seen many... But what a wonderful science/nature lesson for Jack!! He's lucky his mama let his bugs live inside for a little while!

Katie said...

Wow, how cool, and what a great moment to be a Mom, right? You got to see it with amazement through both your and Jack's eyes, that's awesome. Loved the VLOG too, you seemed so...you! Maybe I'll try it sometime...

Julie said...

Ah..so fun!! I have always wanted to do that. My kids always did one in pre-school. What a gorgeous transformation!!

Tanya said...

Maybe he came up this way to visit us! ;o)

Sherri said...

Wow, so beautiful! It seemed like a lot of work in the beginning I'm sure, but that was SO worth it to see the look on his face! He's always remember that...

Christine:) said...

What a beautiful moment between you and Jack. I love how you capture these kind of moments with your kids, and you are able to phrase them here so wonderfully. Thanks for sharing, and your pics are awesome. I need some pointers! ;)Hope your moving transition is going okay and that you are feeling "home" once again:)

blunoz said...

Those are spectacular! What an amazing experience for you and Jack to share!

LeighAnn said...

i love these pictures melissa!!! so adorable!

Kate said...

What the heck is with all your friends named Kate??

This post made me so teary. Jack looked so precious holding that butterfly so gently on his finger.

I thought it took callapidders a lot longer than a couple of weeks to become butterflies.

Where do the wings come from?

Oh how I wish I paid attention in school.

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