Why are you swaying? You know you’re not holding the baby, right?
I laughed and stopped moving.
But only for a minute. I found myself watching my oldest son dig in the dirt in right field rather than watch the boy up at bat. As I bit a nail and tried to telepathically tell Eddie to stand up, I realized I was swaying again.
I do this a lot–the swaying with no baby in my arms. It’s like my body has become accustomed to a small one being there.
Charlie Bird
If I am standing, I am swaying.
If I am sitting, I am rocking.
When we stand to sing a hymn in church, I sway or bounce regardless if Alice is in my arms or not; it has just become habit.
During “wait time” in my classes, I sway back and forth in front of the room. I have a bounce in my step when I am walking around reading.
I bounce my leg or shake my foot when I am in meetings.
Something is always moving.
Something is always looking to soothe.
Eddie Bear
The other night I found myself stroking the blanket next to me because I was used to Charlie’s arm or head nuzzled next to me during before-bed-shows.
When no one is in my arms or in my care, I find my eyes wandering to find my children. Where are they? What are they doing? I do this even when I am somewhere without my kids. It’s like a reflex. No one in my arms or hanging on my leg? Find them.
I smile more at other moms and other children in stores.
Alice Beans
All of these movements are new to me since I became a mother six years ago.
I used to actually be able to stand still.
I used to be able to sit without leaning in to each sound or bouncing a baby who is not in my arms.
Not anymore.
Now I move to the motion of motherhood.
Because my children are always with me.
About Katie
This is so beautiful and while reading it, I started swaying in my seat. I know just how it feels, that motion of motherhood.
Such a lovely way to describe it.
Kir recently posted…Pour Your Heart Out: 10
Gorgeous. Love this post.
Jaime recently posted…For Now, Us Takes A Back Seat
I love this! It’s so true, all the movement and the swaying. Now my movement is more pacing becasue you know teenagers, lol. But it’s still movement and love and my kids always being with me.
Angela Youngblood recently posted…Four Years Ago
YES. All of this, beginning to end. Ervin is four and I still do this. And always scanning for them. Love this.
Greta recently posted…Through the Lens Thursday: Serene and Car
I still catch myself swaying from time to time – though admittedly less often now – and my youngest is nearly 6. It never goes away. We are always soothing, always watching, always loving. Love this, Katie.
Kim recently posted…Open Boxes – A review
This is gorgeous Katie. I love it. And it’s so true. I still sway, especially when I see someone else holding a baby…I sway with them 🙂
Natalie recently posted…5 Tips To Get A Whiter Smile (You’ll Look Radiant!)
I know this. All of this.
Alison recently posted…5 Tips for Your Kid’s First Trip to the Movies