Summer lovin'

Summer has always had a special place in my heart. It holds memories for me that are hard to put into words. The smell of the warm breeze, the freedom to run free, walking barefoot, seeing the sun shine from 6am-9pm & pretty much playing the entire time, many summers walking through the streets of Italy, & many summers at my grandma Lula's home in Nauvoo, Il walking creeks, picking apples, playing with cousins & so much more, driving the river road, crickets, tree frogs, pools, more time with friends & family, swinging on a front porch swing watching the world pass by...oh, this list could go on & on, and I always wish I could bottle up the smells & laughter of summertime.

The latest memory for me, which takes me to my front porch swing, involves the biggest life changing event; my daughter being born May 5, 2008, not summer yet, but it was the most beautiful spring I had seen in awhile.  I remember the perfect blue sky, the perfect 70 degree temp., & the cardinal singing (almost like he was welcoming us home) in the tree when I walked her into our home three days later.  I remember feeling my hormones start to crash, so everything was in a heightened state for me.  I have to admit, it was probably one of the coolest feelings ever (although, not so much 8 hours later).

By the time June 21 rolled around that year, she was a little over one month old, we were still getting to know each other.  I was a horrible first time Mom, but one thing I got right, was the peace we both found when we would sit quietly together on our front porch swing.  I craved fresh air, & my newborn child needed rocked & set into an upright position at all times (she had digestive issues). This swing was our saving grace!  It now holds 5 years of memories for me, & this morning when I went out for my dose of fresh summer morning air, the nostalgia hit me like a smack in the face. 

In five years Ava & I have grown in our own ways, for the better I might add, & as usual, it's my beloved summer to remind me of all the joy she has brought me, AND how much time has passed so quickly.  Today, we will take it slow, enjoy the moment, & probably swing a little for old times sake.  I did it growing up, now she gets to as well, & that makes me smile.

Happy summer all...you will find us here.