Oh, Lily, you must write more of these! They are so heart-warming and sweet, and I mean that in the most complimentary way. I loved the image of Bilbo holding Frodo and already filling his head with tales of adventure. How I would love to see Bilbo come to the house and see the first celebration of their shared birthday. The comment about little Frodo's stubbornness was delightful, as we know how very stubborn he grew up to be. Surely there are more chapters waiting to be written!
Author's reply
Initally I thought to stop about 6 months after Frodo's birth, since mommy definitely will lack time with every day Frodo gets older, but the picture of a shared birthday needs to be considered. I will add that to my notebook of chapters-to-come.
Again, thank you so much for your sweet words! They mean a lot to me!
This chapter reminds me so much of another extraordinarily well-written story in this genre, AngieT's "Mother Love Primula." A chapter on how glad Primula was to have her son here at last was certainly needful here, and I loved the comment on baby Frodo's eyes. The comparison to the first spring morning was perfect. The tenderness that you manage to imbine these chapters with just amazes me.
Author's reply
Frodo's eyes are so amazing, they had to be mentioned! The tenderness is there without my doing. It's just the love I see between Frodo and his mother.
I guess, I will have to have a look at AngieT's story too!
I have to admit, I was disappointed that there was no chapter on the actual birth, either through Primula's eyes or told in third person. Perhaps you will write one and add it?
That said, this was a wonderfully heart-warming chapter. Your description of baby Frodo - the baby's damp, discontentedly furrowed brow - so perfectly summed up every newborn infant I have ever seen. They never look happy, do they? I can't imagine how adorable a baby hobbit would be, and this one above all. We Big Folk would be just as besotted as Frodo's parents.
Author's reply
I definitely would be besotted! Just the thought of baby-Frodo makes me smile and feel fuzzy inside.
I doubt I will ever write the actual birth. This chapter gave me more sleepless nights than any other so far has. Since I never have given birth to a child I would not have been able to write it believably - no matter how much I would have researched.
How wonderful that you brought Bilbo in! I loved the comment that Bilbo wanted to go on adventures with the child, and what his (the baby's) mother thought about that. The comment about screaming at the sight of a ball of wool was hysterical, true, and just the right note.
Author's reply
I doubt that Frodo would have gone on any adventure further than the next town if Primula could have prevented it.
I am so enjoying the 'countdown.' Every mother must count the days, worry and anticipation, excitement and dread. I love that Primula frets over being confined to bed, and the idea of Drogo annoying her by checking on her every few minutes is so endearing.
Author's reply
Dear Drogo is so very concerned about his little family. One cannot even be mad at him.
What a delightful note of humor here, one universally shared by every set of expecting parents. I have to confess, though, that use of the word 'crazy' instead of 'mad' startled me a little; your use of British 'voice' has been so consistent. Loved this and the previous use of the word 'marigold!' Sweet, sly humor, entirely in character.
Author's reply
I will change 'crazy' to 'mad' right away. After the angst the story needed a bit of humor.
I was looking for this episode, and am delighted you included it. There must be angst somewhere, or the story doesn't ring true. I love how you tied Drogo's fears to the river, being by the river when he speaks - it makes you wonder if his son's precognitive dreams might have in some part come from his father. The foreshadowing is skillfully done, and diverting it into fear from a miscarriage brilliant.
Author's reply
To be honest, I have never thought of foreshadowing in this chapter until you mentioned it. I always wondered where Frodo has his dreams from and so far I'm still convinced that both his parents gifted him with this ability.
You have a positive gift for writing intimate moments between your characters that the reader can picture so clearly. I am impressed. Your combination of descriptive detail leaves just enough to the reader's imagination that we can see the scene, which leaves our hearts free to enjoy the emotion. Being able to write love and affection between your characters truly is a gift.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Budgie! I often fear that my love for description and emotion will frighten off the readers. Your words definitely encourage me to write on and not feel unsure about my stories.
Ah, so sweet! I would love to know, Lily, if you write these diary entries from personal experience, or if they spring entirely from a wonderfully creative mind. They seem to true, so real, that I cannot believe that you do not have first hand experience in what you write.
Author's reply
These entries, my dear, are the outcome of a stubborn mind with mad ideas :)
I am 20 and am not going to have children until I am at least 35. Two years ago the thought of a child of my own would have freaked me out. I never saw myself as a mother and when this plot bunny jumped at me one night, I was terrified to write since it has to sound believable and I wasn't sure if it would do that.
I have the advantage of being able to empathise and of a mother and a wonderful beta who are willing to answer my many questions.
I'm glad you find everything believable so far.
These glimpses into Primula's life and thought-processes are delightful. I especially enjoyed her musings on the mother-child bond, and the idea of having Drogo watch her examine herself in the mirror was perfect! As with everything else you have written, entirely believable. The last two paragraphs were delightful - who wouldn't love to cuddle a hobbit-baby, and one especially as beautiful as this one will be?
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Budgie! Your reviews made my day!
What a logical procession of the story! I was delighted to see Gilda and it made me realize we really are talking about another generation. The shift from first person to third person surprised me at first, then I realized it really was the best way to tell this story. I love how you are making us care about Primula, and wish the best for her and the child.
Author's reply
Believe me, I wondered long how I could put this scene into a diary entry. It just wouldn't work and so I started to put in tiny scenes from Primula's life as well. All the things that are better "shown" than "descriped".
I have come to love Gilda in this story!
Oh, wonderful! I love Primula's self-questioning, and the realness of the little episode with Drogo. We see so little of Frodo's father in fanfiction - it is a delight to have him cast in such a role. We will be watching the advancement of her pregnancy as much as Drogo!
I have waited a long time to have a quiet morning in which to go through your "Dear Dairy" without being rushed or pressured to do something. I have only read the first chapter and love it already. Primula's 'voice' is lovely and just what I would expect from her, and the idea of committing the stories to a diary is inspired. You have managed to capture her hope and her fears, and already I feel her emotions. This is beautifully written.
Author's reply
A diary just seemed the best way to write a story like this one. I doubt Primula's voice would ring in the story as clear if it weren't written in first person. I'm glad you found the time to read.
Another great chapter, or should I say entry. I love the way Bilbo takes care of Frodo, and that he is already telling him stories, even though he's just a baby. Please update soon!
Author's reply
I cannot picture Bilbo doing anything else than filling his young nephew's head with adventures.
Such a sweet scene! I love imagining Primula with her son! I also like how Gilda jokes about telling Drogo about the name. *laugh* I had a suspicion that "Frodo" was just the name that came to her mind when she saw him. Fitting for such a child.
Author's reply
Primula and wee!Frodo ist something I can never have enough of :)
Happy Birthday, Frodo Baggins! :) Good idea to do that chapter from Drogo's POV - which was very well done, like using Gilda's full name and describing his love for Primula and his joy.
I love how he talks about Frodo's eyes.
Author's reply
I wouldn't have dared writing this scene from Primula's POV. It's hard enough to write about pregnancy and being a mother without ever being it yourself. A birth would have been far beyond my imagination - and far beyond what people would/could tell me :)
I'm going to review chapter 9 and 10 together because they are somewhat similar in plot. I like how you describe the long waiting and how everyone cares for Primula. Knitting scarves was a good idea and how she said she'd scream if she saw another ball of wool. I can understand her impatience and worry. But I'm sure she'll be a great mother.
Squeeeeeeeee! Oh, this is so lovely and happy and peaceful! I want to curl up next to them and share in the joy.
Author's reply
It is always a pleasure to see you squee over one of my chapters :)
The two of them certainly deserve a bit of peace and happiness together.
Andrea
· 10 June 2005
· Chapter 11: 22. Halimath 1368
Wonderful chapter, Lily!
"Frodo Baggins. That was a name that would stay in the mind."
It will stay in my mind for the rest of my life :)
Now, that we've seen Drogo's point of view, may we expect Primula's in the next chapter?
I would like to read more about her final choice of the name "Frodo".
BTW, tell Shirebound to deliver my best wishes to little Frodo, when she comes for tea ;-)
Author's reply
I shall never forget that name either. And yes... there will be plenty Primula POVs coming - but no birth, I fear.
I shall see to it that Frodo receives all the good wishes.
Finally! The baby is born and named. Bet Drogo and Primula are now happy campers. Now, they enter parenthood. Which I bet was interesting. Great chapter though! Can't wait for the next, if there is one. :D
Author's reply
There are several still to come :)
Won't leave Primula's side now.
I wonder if we would still love it as much had Tolkien stayed with his original name of Bingo Bolger-Baggins. I find I am very glad he didn't. Lovely name and lovely chapter. Drogo is so typical a father!
Author's reply
Bingo Bolger-Baggins! We would still have had a Frodo in LotR but somehow I can imagine Primula being very unhappy with the name of Bingo. Sounds more like a choice of Drogo's :)
Thanks for reading!
AH!!! THIS IS WONDERFUL!!! What a great way to wake up in the morning, with this...I love the way you capture everything from Drogo's point of view, it is just lovely...thank you so much! ^.^
I came upon Primula's Diary only now, but my own pregnancy hasn't been too long ago, so this is very interesting. Everything is just as it should be, it's unbelievable how much insight you have. Well done and well written !
Author's reply
Thanks a lot! To be honest, at times I am surprised at how well this story works - still, I am very glad to have my beta if any mistakes occur :)