Life's Little Miracles

Last week, our sweet elderly neighbor invited us over to her garden to take a look at three beautiful Monarch caterpillars living on her barren plant. Knowing that my son, Max, loves to raise caterpillars, she asked if he would like to take them home to care for them. Max excitedly accepted her offer and raced them home. After researching what Monarchs eat, we went to the nursery to buy a potted milkweed plant so the caterpillars could continue to fatten up.

A week later, two of the three caterpillars began to transform into a chrysalis. Here are a few pictures of the three caterpillars in their different stages of transformation.

The first caterpillar currently is encased in a gorgeous green chrysalis speckled in gold. It's absolutely amazing how spectacular the colors are!

The second one began to hang in a J-shape yesterday and when we awoke this morning, it too had transformed into a gorgeous green and gold speckled pupa.

The third caterpillar has not quite fattened up enough, so we had to run to the nursery to buy another potted milkweed plant. I'm sure he'll be ready to change soon.

We're anxious to see them emerge into Monarch butterflies. I'll be sure to share the news once they arrive!