We get up early while the day is still quiet (Bill is more of a night owl). Sometimes I wake on my own, but on sleepy days Boo gets fed up with my laziness, puts his face right up next to mine, purrs and tickles my face with his whiskers. He’s tried this tactic on Bill a few times, but Bill sleeps right through it. Me, on the other hand, I’m a light sleeper so this wakes me instantly. We have a bit of a cuddle and then I get up.
Boo, excited to start the day, meows and dances around while I grope around for some socks or slippers then follows in my wake as I stumble to the bathroom for a morning pit stop. Boo has a long drink from the bathtub faucet while I have my break and put in contacts. When we’re both done, we head to the kitchen.
I start my morning tea (decaf for now) then head outside to fill the bird feeders which include a ground feeder for rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, doves, deer, etc. I leave the patio door open (screen in place) and Boo sits himself down - nose to patio screen - waiting for his morning's entertainment; watching the wildlife come to the feeders. I sit down in the living room with Gertie (my laptop) check email, the news and weather and wait for my morning’s entertaining – watching Boo and the wildlife.
It doesn't take long for the wildlife to appear. They know the morning routine as well as Boo. Squirrels and chippies are the first to arrive and the show begins. Squirrels run around, fighting over feeder rights. Devilish little chipmunks run up and over the patio steps, an inch or so from Boo’s nose, on their way to and from the ground feeder. Boo forgets himself and tries to pounce them through the screen door. He hits the screen so hard that it rattles on its track. Later, the Blue Jays come to collect peanuts. Boo, who is particularly fond of Jays, chats away to them in strange little chirps and – of course – tries his pouncing moves once again. Sometimes the deer even make a morning appearance. Boo thinks they're his playmates. He rolls over, exposing his belly, and tries to engage them in a round of play scaring them away in the process.
Eventually, Bill, the “spoiler of morning fun” gets up for the day and comes to close the door. Or, if it’s cool enough to leave the windows open, the birds and mammals clear out the best of the bird food and move on to other feeding grounds. Boo begins to loose interest and moves on to other activities; like pouncing me as I do some housecleaning. At least I’m a target he can hit.
I love this morning routine. It’s a nice serene way to start the day. And I know, without a doubt, it’s going to change in just a few short months (60-ish days or less, in fact). Sure, I’ll still feed the wildlife and Boo will spend his mornings watching them. But the quiet will be a thing of the past and my time watching Boo’s antics will be limited. I think this is the only bit of my current life that I’ll be sad to let go of - these beautiful, quite morning with the wildlife and Boo. Unless, of course, I can convince Bill to take early morning baby duty. Do you think that’s possible? Would bribery help?
Now for a quick baby update:
- I’m in the third trimester - 31 weeks and a few days
- I’m still measuring one week ahead
- My blood pressure and glucose levels are low and normal respectively. These are both good signs as the risk of high-blood pressure/pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes are significantly higher for women pregnant in their 40's. Actually, if I have any problems at all it's having too low blood pressure (light-headedness/faintness) and too low blood sugar (shakey, sweaty, urgent need to eat). I'll take the lows over the highs any day!
- The baby is very strong, active and moves enough to shake my whole stomach.
- Bill and I are still having a hoot with the pregnancy and are enjoying every momement. Sore ribs and back aches, and low blood sugar crabbiness included.
