Another Older-Oldie

Good MORNING!  Who ever woulda thunk that MORNING would be MY favorite time of day?  HA.  Not back in the sleep-till-noon days.  Oh HECK no.

We have gone totally Oprah and purchased some of the really fancy, comfy patio furniture that costs nearly as much as the furniture in the house, thus moving the indoors OUT.   We do love to spend time outdoors in the summer and especially in the evenings.  It really is beautiful.

Several years ago, approximately 8 in fact, Olderdaddy and the Olderlittles (at that time there were only 2) bought me a porch swing for Mothers day.  The swing itself has been replaced a few times because they are sort of cheap and even though we take it in every winter, the fabric tends to rot and the whole thing falls apart. But, the swing spot has stayed the same and the enjoyment I have gotten out of sitting on that swing is absolutely wonderful and constant.

When the littlest Older was born, and the weather got nice, we spent HOURS out there swinging, nursing, napping.  The entire family has piled on the swing and swayed away hours.  I told the OldestOlder where babies come from while swinging on that swing.  I have nursed cuts and bruises and mediated fights there.  Made up with Olderdaddy while rhythmically swinging away the hurt and anger.  The view from the swing is nothing especially beautiful, I can see the neighbor's back yards and the kids walking to school.  But I have also watched our little baby trees in the backyard grow thicker and fuller.  I have watched the birds splash in the birdbath.  I have watched all of the kids make water slides out of the play structure and toss footballs, hit baseballs, shoot baskets.  Come to think of it, the view is perfect.

When the weather gets nice, I like to take my cup of coffee out there and just enjoy the stillness and quiet of the morning.  Before everyone gets up.  The steam rises from my cup and I snuggle in with a blanket while I read the paper, or maybe check my email.  Sometimes, I just swing. 

This morning, the first day of summer break for the kids, the littlest Older got a blanket from the couch and came outside, still wobbly and groggy from sleep.  Without speaking he set the blanket down on the swing and lie down on it, pulling the rest of the blanket around him burrito style placing his head on my jammie clad lap.  No words.  We just rocked.  What a precious ten minutes.  I sang his song for him for the first time in probably a year or so, and he just closed his eyes and melted into me. 

There will be much noise and commotion in the backyard this summer and the swing will see much action and activity.  But this cool, quiet, gentle morning will quite likely be my favorite summer memory this year.