More

I awaken to the twittering of the birds.  The sun isn’t even out but they know it will be soon and they sing for joy.  I roll out of his arms and flip the covers back.  Quietly I look at him.  Sleeping.  Snoring, but it is barely audible.  I caress his face and feel the morning stubble and then walk softly out.

I stumble into the bathroom where I look at myself for the first time.  My hair is topsy turvy so I run my fingers through it trying to calm it.  My bladder is screaming so I sit and relieve it for the 3rd time that night. 

I splashed warm water on my face and wipe the sleep from my eyes.  I try once more to calm my hair and it starts to give in.

I pad into the kitchen to put on the coffee.  There is nothing like the smell of coffee brewing.  I wish it tasted like it smelled.  That aroma is heavenly.  I ready my cup with the cream in anticipation of that first cup when I hear her.

Just stirring.  Then babbling.  I pour my coffee and tip toe to their room.  I peer inside and see her sitting up.  Her thumb in her mouth.  The other hand twirling the tiny curls over her ear.  The door squeaks and she looks at me.  Recognizing me, she smiles.  Those beautiful white teeth and bright blue eyes make me smile back.  She reaches her little arms up and I take her. 

Instantly her arms are around my neck and her head is on my shoulder.  We cuddle for a moment.  I smell the night time on her.  Another aroma I love.  I peer past her and see big brother sleeping peacefully.  All curled up in the fetal position and snoring.  Barely audible like his Pappy.

I walk back into the kitchen with her still on my shoulder.  I pick up my coffee and we walk to the deck.  The sun has started to appear at last.  The bright orange glowing off the water. 

The waves crash and I get a smell of the sea.  An aroma that lives somewhere in me when I’m not here.  She raises her head and squints as the light becomes brighter.  We sit in the rocker.  Neither of us says a word.  Thumb in her mouth.  Hand twirling the curls.  Waves crashing and the sun rising.  The heat on my face and everything glowing. 

I want more.

© June 2011 Bonnie McGlumphy