Spring Lyrical

What an odd spring this has been, much colder than usual and very wet. Quite a relief, actually, from last summer’s drought and record-breaking heat. Everything outside is brilliant green and blooming; Monday was a perfect spring day, with the thermometer soaring to almost 90 degrees. Today is cooler and overcast, but now there’s a prediction for colder air moving in on Thursday night, with a chance of snow. I’m so confused…

(Flowers and my new fence, built by my friend Brooks)

Chuck and I had coffee together early this morning, before he left for work at 5am. I had scrubbed the front porch and the rocking chairs earlier this week, thinking perhaps we could move our morning time out there as the weather warmed up. But maybe not.

(Azaleas in full bloom)

Now my morning chores are done, and I have wandered aimlessly around the house for the past few minutes. I normally keep Emmi from Wednesday morning straight through until Thursday evening, but that might not happen this week. I just got off the phone with Summer, and she says Emmi had a rough night, and so far a rough morning. 

 

(Emmi with her Nini)  

                                                              

(Storytime with Pawpaw)

She had her 2 month check up yesterday, and received her 2 month immunizations. She ran a low grade fever last night, and is still cranky and fussy this morning. "I hate to send a cranky baby home with you," Summer told me; I could hear Emmi fussing in the background. "It’s OK," I told her. "You’re her mom, you decide. I don’t mind a cranky baby, but I understand if you want to be with her." So we agreed that she would check back with me this afternoon, and if Emmi is better we can go ahead with our usual plans. If not, then Summer will take off work tonight and just stay with her. I hear the tiredness in Summer’s voice, and I am instantly transported back almost 27 years.

I remember how it feels when your baby is sick or just having a rough day. I remember the holding and rocking and comforting like it was yesterday.  Chuck and I had no immediate family nearby when Summer was a baby; no one to help out on short notice.  Both of our parents, and my beloved Sissy were an hour away, so I especially remember the utter exhaustion. I remember how it felt to function on auto pilot for days. I am so thankful that Emmi’s extended family members are only minutes away, and can step in to help at a moment’s notice.

(My blue-eyed Emmi)

 

I am so thankful that Summer has blossomed into a wonderful and loving mother, and I am so proud of the wisdom that she has shown. I am so grateful, as I watch her and Tay working together seamlessly to provide the best care for Emmi; it is a joy to witness the love they share for that precious little one.

(This girl loves her some binky)

And so, I think I will venture outside into this cool green morning and do some yard work. Perhaps I can clear a couple of flowerbeds, before the snow arrives on Thursday night! Or maybe little Miss Emmi will decide a trip to her Nini’s house is exactly what she needs on this overcast day. Whatever this day holds, I am off to explore it.

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pan style=”font-size: medium”>And wherever you are, we are one day closer.