Exterior & Garden Parenting

Swing!

Last summer, I was thinking about adding a porch swing out front. I searched out my favorites and was getting ready to make a purchase, but added expenses with our second floor remodel put decorating on hold. It got pushed back a year, but we’ve got a swing chair now, and it is wonderful.

There was a new model out this year that I preferred the look of, but the one I chose was more comfortable. The seat is deeper, and there are cup holders and pockets along the sides for magazines.

Swing Chair on a Victorian Front Porch | Making it Lovely

When I was pregnant, I would imagine how nice it would be to swing gently on the porch, baby in my arms. The reality surpasses the expectation.

Calvin sticks his tongue out!

Nicole and Calvin Balch on their front porch| Making it Lovely

We could have found a stud in the porch ceiling, but with the added height, the swing would have had room to bang into the house or the railing. The kids and their friends spend a lot of time playing on our front porch, and that seemed like an inevitable cause of injury, damage to the house, or both! I bought the matching stand so that the pivot point would be lowered, and the swing didn’t have as far to move. It gives us added flexibility too, so if we want to rearrange the porch or move the swing somewhere else (like the backyard), we could.

Nicole and Calvin Balch on their front porch| Making it Lovely

Nicole and Calvin Balch

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  • Kelly
    July 17, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    I feel relaxed just looking at the two of you. What a sweetie you’ve got there! He’s just adorable.

  • Lindy
    July 17, 2015 at 2:14 pm

    Aww… He is such a cutie!

    I have a random question for you, how is your new rug holding up in the parlor (West Elm Parallels Wool Rug – Macaroon Pink). Do you still like it? I’m thinking about getting the same one for my bedroom but I wanted to see what you thought of it now that you’ve had it a while. Our dog likes to sleep in our room at night on the rug and I’m wondering if it will show dirt easily. I also remember seeing a comment on your post saying that it wears unevenly. I really wish West Elm would allow you to post reviews on their products.

  • Alyssa @ Sweetly Tattered
    July 17, 2015 at 2:36 pm

    I love this swing! I have been wanting a swing as well but wasn’t really sure which one and whether or not to get a stand. I love the look of this stand though! It looks really nice in that spot on your porch! And the cupholders?!? That’s awesome!
    http://www.sweetlytattered.com

  • Chhavy
    July 17, 2015 at 2:37 pm

    It looks great there! And this swing works so nicely under a covered porch. I brought it into my house and now lives in my living room. Love it!

  • Hally
    July 17, 2015 at 4:27 pm

    I would die to have a photograph like this with me and my mom. Keep a hold of that one, he’ll love it when he’s older. :) Happy swinging.

  • Lora
    July 17, 2015 at 4:30 pm

    we bought the Santa Barbara model of this chair a few weeks ago. Everybody loves it. Even my dad has spent time swinging and bouncing in!

  • Patty
    July 17, 2015 at 5:21 pm

    I feel calm and relaxed just looking at these photos. You are so lovely and baby is adorable.

  • Jen
    July 17, 2015 at 8:51 pm

    A swing that induces baby giggles! How sweet.

  • Cherie
    July 17, 2015 at 11:06 pm

    OMG, the swing is wonderful, but your baby – too cute for words!

  • Julie.
    July 18, 2015 at 8:16 am

    wow that swing chair looks great on your porch! Wonderful pics of you and Calvin. I love your outfit, as usual! Where is the skirt from?

  • Kristi
    July 18, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    Love the swing!

    Kristi | Be Loverly

  • Diane@InMyOwnStyle
    July 18, 2015 at 9:48 pm

    There is nothing more perfect than swinging on an outdoor swing with an adorable bundle on your lap. You look radiant with your little blond cutie Calvin. Enjoy!

  • Bethann
    July 19, 2015 at 8:25 am

    Looks lovely on your porch and lovely photos…definitely shows you’re in your happy place! I too love when a dream and reality match up!!!

  • Kate
    July 20, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    This looks so wonderful on so many levels!!

    OFF TOPIC: You are making me want another baby. What’s life like with three… really? We have two sons (3 and 1), they are sleeping through the night, we are both employed (I’m freelance and part-time so I get a lot of time with the boys) and we have the room for another in our home. But we worry about rocking the boat because life seems good. But then I think about how our boat was rocked for the better when Baby 2 was born, wouldn’t 3 be just as rocking and wonderful? Did you always know you wanted (at least?) 3? People say we should “go for a girl” but the truth is, I just want to experience all that newness one last time, and I want one more in my tribe for the long haul. :-)

  • Mary Rose
    July 20, 2015 at 6:14 pm

    Enjoyed the swing photo and mom and baby in a beautiful place! I am in a different place as I retired last summer. My retirement statement was a wicker rocker for my balcony. Think I would go for a swing after seeing your post! Enjoy!

  • judy
    July 20, 2015 at 8:28 pm

    I always feel that you and Daddy Balk must have wonderful, calm loving temperaments because your Children are not only beautiful but beautifully happy. If I had that little darling I don’t believe I could bear to put him down, and he would get way more hugs than any kid ever wants.

  • Sarah W
    July 22, 2015 at 2:15 am

    Calvin’s smile in the last photo is so adorable!

  • Sarah
    July 25, 2015 at 7:45 am

    So glad you finally got it!!! Where did you get the elegant necklace? It’s adorable!!

  • emma
    August 4, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    That little guy is adorable!