Not Just Me

A couple of weeks ago we finally pulled the big Graco swing out of Maddox's room.  About a month ago it stopped working...the motor was trying - you could hear it - but it wasn't moving.  After three kids...and almost to the point of Maddox being out of it....it conked out on us. 

Chris was going to investigate and check it out; make sure it was not fixable before we put it to the curb for this morning's trash pick up.  After careful examination, we pronounced the swing dead.  I was sad...not very surprising for me.  Was I sad because the swing was dead broken?  No, not really.  I was a little disappointed as I would have liked to pass it on to someone else when we were done with it.   I was sad because of what the swing represents.....all three of my sweet babies have enjoyed the swing.  There have been millions many naps in that swing....especially for Brady who would not nap in his crib FOREVER!  I remember stressing out when he was little that he would still be napping in the swing when he was 5 years old.

Chris took the swing outside and then when he came back in he said "I am really upset."  I asked him why he was upset and he said that he was sad about putting the swing out for the trash.  I could tell by his demeanor that he truly was sad.  I was surprised that something inanimate like a swing did that to him.  At the same time, I found it very endearing and was glad that it was not just me.

He went back outside to take the rest of the trash out, when he did he informed me that he had to take the swing apart and put it in the can because if he woke up and saw the intact swing sitting there it would really sadden him and he might grab it and bring it back in, unable to let it go.  Then he pulled something out from behind his back....the seat cover and headrest where our lil' angels sat.  He looked at me and said: "I couldn't throw this part away."  "This pattern, this material...I can't throw it away."  Of course I could understand.  It has nothing to do with the material or the pattern but - again - what it represents...that blue and brown plaid is our babies infanthood...their swing, their pack-n-play.  I picked up the headrest and smelled it....awww...smells like our sweet Maddox. 

So no more big swing in our house - and with Maddox being the baby - there will not be a replacement.  This is the end of an era.  I am just so happy - and touched - that it is not just me.

Brady at 3 1/2 months

Evan at 3 months

Maddox at 2 months old