Mary, or MaryBeth if you see her at the library, was the first to actually invite me to stay with the group. She is sharp as a tack and was working on a beautiful white mohair scarf. Light, frizzy, and little curly just like her long hair. Mary B (I've decided to call her) has a twelve year old son named M who is currently finishing up fifth grade. "We held him back a year" she explained. She works at the local library. I actually recognized her right away. A few weeks after Escher was born my mom decided it was time to get Lea over to the library for Storytime. When we arrived Mary B was sitting in an arm chair circled by ten or so small tots, some on stools, some on the floor, singing the "clap your hands" song welcoming each participant that day. Lea was enamored. When they got to her name she sat in disbelief. All these people were singing a song about her? What magic! My mom and I were thrilled as well. Finally, a huge smile on our girl's face. It had been a while. This was her first "post-Escher" smile.

The day's theme was the farm. Mary B read aloud several books related to the subject: ducks, horses, farmers, pigs, chickens. Some were sang-read, some were acted out. Between each book there was a small song or rhyme the whole lot announced together. Lea was in bliss again. At two and a half she was finally seeing how it was to live outside the walls of our rented home. Other children were around who knew the same songs and loved the same things and all seemed generally excited and upset all at the same time, just like her.

"What are you working on?", Mary B asked as I unravelled my sweater from it's tied scarf package. As I showed her Julie turned to take a look. Even though she didn't recognize me, she did the yarn. The Malabrigo!