One of Baby Bird’s most cherished possessions is her Very Hungry Caterpillar, and his story (by Eric Carle). She loves to read about how he started off so small and then ate and ate and ate his way through everything in sight, until he was transformed into a beautiful butterfly.

Recently she’s started taking him in her little hand and helping him eat his way through the the book. It’s a joy to see her show care toward him, and if she grows up to love and appreciate the animals in her world, I will be a proud and happy mama.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar also holds a special place in my heart because this gift is from my sister’s daughter, her cousin, who is also adopted. It was her favorite book too so she sent it to Baby Bird when we first came home, now nearly four months ago. Her cousin is 13 and, like the Very Hungry Caterpillar, blossoming into a woman before our very eyes. But I still remember when she was Baby Bird’s age.

Sometimes the simplest gifts are the most memorable. And it’s moments like these that make me hungry…for life.

Still hungry? Check out Wanderfood Wednesday!