Following a string of typical July days in NYC--hot, humid, sticky, frizzy--Sunday was a gorgeous reprieve. It was sunny, bright, and crisp, with a crystal blue sky specked with just a few white clouds, the kind you'd draw at the top of the paper when you were 6 years old, just to make it clear: this is sky.
After an early morning filled with squeals and giggles and little feet slapping enthusiastically all over the apartment--not to mention 30 minutes of blissful quiet when TT and Belly went running by the water--the three of us took off for one of our favorite places in the world, Central Park. Armed with some toys, a blanket, plenty of snacks (for Belly) and yummy caffeinated drinks (for us), we walked a long time, people watching (Belly) and having a great conversation (us). Before hitting the grass for playtime, we stopped at one of the many places we've never visited until Belly came along, the carousel. First Belly and TT rode together, smiling and laughing, as I whooped and waved frantically, endangering our camera and those around me every time they passed.
Then it was my turn. I carried her--my perfect little bundle in her pink flowered dress, slightly squirmy, wide eyes taking in everything, arms and legs sticky with sunscreen, soft hair warmed by the sun--to a colorful horse and strapped her in tight. I stood close and stroked her back as she continued to look around from this new vantage point, utterly absorbed watching people moving, climbing on horses, gathering tickets. When the bell sounded and the wheels creaked into motion, I ran my fingers lightly through her apricot curls and spoke quietly in her ear, talking to her about what was happening. As we began to turn and passed TT for the first time, smiling and waving frantically at us, camera flying, the following song (below) began to play in that loud, glorious organ music.
The next time we passed TT, I held on to her chubby leg with one hand and waved back at him with the other. I could barely see either of them through the tears that suddenly welled in my eyes, and joy washed through me as I heard the words in my head, the perfect song for a perfect moment.
Top of the World
The Carpenters
Such a feeling's coming over me
There is wonder in most everything I see
Not a cloud in the sky
Got the sun in my eyes
And I won't be surprised if it's a dream
Everything I want the world to be
Is now coming true especially for me
And the reason is clear
It's because you are here
You're the nearest thing to heaven that I've seen
I'm on the top of the world lookin' down on creation
And the only explanation I can find
Is the love that I've found
ever since you've been around
Your love's put me at the top of the world
Something in the wind has learned my name
And it's telling me that things are not the same
In the leaves on the trees
and the touch of the breeze
There's a pleasing sense of happiness for me
There is only one wish on my mind
When this day is through I hope that I will find
That tomorrow will be
just the same for you and me
All I need will be mine if you are here
I'm on the top of the world lookin' down on creation
And the only explanation I can find
Is the love that I've found
ever since you've been around
Your love's put me at the top of the world
