June 17, 2016
Dear Addie,
Who would've thought that our beloved baby swing....that took far too many D batteries, would be replaced a few years later with a "real" swing that can hold a 200+lb person hanging in my guest bedroom door way? Not me!
Learning to pump your legs all by yourself was hands down one of your happiest days ever! It gave you the freedom to "swing yourself" with no need to frustratingly try and communicate that you would like to be pushed on a swing. No longer having someone else decide how high you will go was exhilarating for you & scary for dad and I!
You no longer had to deal with the unwelcome push on your back or bottom because you couldn't get your legs forward and back and the right time. Now that I think about it, you actually always preferred people to pull your legs from the front and let go (I know now that it was almost like a joint compression that you were seeking)! Just being able to feel free to enjoy the breeze! Having complete control over your own movement! I know that must feel so good for you my dear.
I think a lot of people....including myself, can relate to the enjoyment of swinging, but perhaps many don't understand why there's a calming nature to this activity.
When you were a baby I used to soothe you by gently rocking and swaying back and forth. I even catch myself swaying in church when I hear a small baby cry still today! Just a natural response I guess. When we swing it is helps us with coordinating balance and spatial awareness (vestibular senses) with a soothing repetitive motion. It also helps with the way our joints respond to movement and pressure (proprioceptive senses).
So swinging to you my sweet girl is like yoga to others. Helps you feel more grounded to your body....which is funny because you are anything but near the ground when you swing! I feel like sometimes you could grab a cloud if you wanted! Hey... While you are up there swinging so high, could you change a lightbulb, or dust the fan :)?!
Some of your best smiles have been while swinging so freely! And some of the best focus I've seen is when you are through! So keep swinging for those stars! I know one day you'll catch one and come down to tell us all about it!
Love,
Mom
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