The Big Blue Chair

A few months ago, a dear friend gifted us an upholstered blue rocking chair that she was retiring. We took it eagerly; we always need more seating, anyhow, and with a baby on the way we knew that anything that rocked would be a good use of space. Before Alice even arrived, I had claimed the chair as my own special spot because it is comfortable and did I mention it rocks?

Both of those qualities became even more important as I transitioned from pregnancy to the newborn stage. Over the past five weeks, I’ve spent what feel like entire days in that blue chair. It’s not just perfect for nursing and soothing a little one. The chair happens to be strategically located in a spot where I can survey our entire living and dining areas, as well as the bulk of our kitchen. It’s a great place for reading aloud as kids sprawl on the couch to imagine the scenes being told and also sit at the table mashing play dough into cookie cutters. It’s ideal for listening in on the goings on in the front play area, as well as for playing a quick game of UNO with someone who needs a moment of extra Momma time.

I live in that blue chair.

I have created a little “nest” around my blue chair. (Yes, I’m just going to give in and claim it as mine.) The little white side table where I’ve always staged our read-aloud books, my school planner, CC Foundations Guide, Essentials Guide, and current knitting projects (priorities!) is now also home to a bottle of Gripe Water, a bottle of gas relief drops, and a baby video monitor (affiliate links). I live my life right there, with the swirl of household activity around me.

Things are already shifting, of course. The hallmark of life in a house with a new baby is that the second things settle into a routine or seem to have found a balance, something leans to the right or the left and the whole thing is once again a work in progress. Alice is spending more and more time on a blanket on the floor right beside me, which she thoroughly enjoys. She is spending more time awake these day, and find her siblings quite entertaining. Birdie has taught her to bat at a mini soccer ball with her balled fist while she serenades her with John Williams’ classics. John Mark likes to watch her and explain the world around her. Simon thinks Alice needs to see toys in action, and also enjoys reading her board books. Jude coos, “Hello, baby Alice,” over and over. And Phin likes to ask her questions. He doesn’t seem to mind that she doesn’t yet answer. I watch these interactions from my prime viewing spot in my blue chair, and my heart is filled to overflowing again and again.

I’m quite happy to have my world reduced to a single spot. Now that the shadow of PPD has receded, and my perspective has been realigned to find joy in the limits of my current season, I’m once again satisfied in my role as primary nurturer for this single little person, and secondary caregiver for everyone else in the house. I’m at peace with my corner of the house, my big blue chair, and the smallness of my days. Like I said, things are already changing. Soon enough Alice will be less interested in nursing and more interested in playing. Then, the big blue chair will become the home base she returns to for comfort, but not our constant location. It will happen sooner than I even realize, so I will enjoy this cozy place today.