Swimming Lessons

My daughter was never into the water. Even has a newborn, she would scream as soon as I set her into the little tub on the kitchen sink. Some people just have an aversion to getting wet. I've learned to respect that. She at least trusted me enough as a youngster to teach her how to float on her back. I know if she needed to, she can float until help arrives.

My son is a whole different book. We nicknamed him "Tadpole" when he was an infant. He never could get enough of the cool, wet stuff. His lips would be blue and still he would insist that the bath go on (and on and on and on). So, as soon as he celebrated his first birthday, we took the plunge and started swim lessons. All told, he has had about 6 months of lessons over a period of 2 years. Later this summer, he should graduate to the next level of swimming without mommy in the pool. He loves it and looks forward to it every week.

Yesterday, we had our first scare. Well, it was scary for me, anyway. Little R was getting ready to jump into the water. I was waiting for him about 18 inches from the wall, ready to catch him. I had just given him the signal that I was ready, that he could jump, and he lost his footing. Now, jumping into the water is nothing new to him. As a matter of fact, it's his favorite thing to do. But he's always had the safety of Mom's arms to land in. He had the common sense to at least try to get out away from the wall (or his guardian angel pushed him). He went into the water about 12 inches from me. He went under the water. I scrambled to get to him, my heart stopped. I absolutely hate how you move in slow motion in the water. I got to him and he was already kicking and scooping his way to the surface. I reached out to him and he was twisting his body to swim back to the wall. When he was safely back in my arms he smiled at me and said in a super-happy voice, "Swim underwater!"

Yes Baby, you did. :)

Weight Loss And The Toddler

Or ...."How Does One Exercise With A Toddler"

I started a new challenge this week. I'm always up for a little friendly competition (just the testosterone speaking). On June 1, I joined 13 other women to see who could lose the most pounds, the most inches, and who could exercise the most in a 3 month period.

I figured that this would be a little difficult with it being summer and the Ice Cream Man coming by every Thursday night and sometimes on Sundays. But with that "fat person" swimsuit starting to show its age, and a new one in my future, I figured I could do it!

What I didn't anticipate was the big huge road block named Little R! Obviously I can't exercise with him around as he will just want to "tackle" me or jump on my back. So, June 1 I made the decision to work-out with my "Jillian Michaels 30-day Shred" DVD (brand new never been used) while Little R napped. "FAIL" I have no idea where I've put the DVD. So, that naptime was wasted looking for a DVD that has literally disappeared.

I decided that we would go for a walk after the nap. Nope. Little R says that he is a big boy and refuses to ride in his stroller. Then, as we are potty training, we go 2 houses away and have to hurry home for the potty.

June 2 came, another nap wasted looking for that DVD. I'd say the dog ate it, but I don't have a dog. Oh well, I'll work-out after he goes down for the night. "FAIL" again. I was too tired and in bed an hour after he was.

June 3 (today!) I came to the decision that I WILL not waste time on that DVD. It's gone. I'll see it again when I'm a size 10 and can see my toes. Instead, I'll go high tech and work out with my Wii Fit.

They say that the best of intentions...yada yada yada.... Of course, Little R didn't nap. So another day is done and I still haven't exercised. At least I can say that I resisted the siren call of the Ice Cream Man.

Maybe tomorrow I'll hire a babysitter while I work-out. Hey Big Sis!

A Good Cry

Some of my friends posted this on FaceBook today. Kellie Coffey's "I Would Die For That"

I will admit. I was afraid to listen. But I gave in to my curiosity. Throughout the video there are women holding signs. I don't know what brought back more bitter-sweet memories. The words to the song or those signs.

The 1st few are about teen pregnancy...How many times did I hear my teen-aged daughter come home to announce "So and So's water broke in Chem today," while I struggled to become pregnant? How many times did I hear "So and So had an abortion." And asked God "Why them and not me? I would have kept him/her."?

Then came more signs..."Would be a great mom." (Again I asked why, as I learned of women drowning their babies on purpose or forgetting them in the backseat of the car on a summers day.) "Trying for 4 years." (Try 10 years.) "InVitro $10,000-$15,000 per attempt." (And insurance doesn't cover enough, if any.)

The end of the song shows signs of joy..."Going to tell husband I'm pregnant" "Heard baby's heartbeat for the first time" And my personal favorite, the one I can most closely relate to, "Adopted a child with AIDS".

My little slugger doesn't have AIDS. As a matter of fact, I am blessed with an extremely healthy child who was adopted 2 years ago and who is the light of my days. My TREASURE! My blessing from God.

This song is sad to me in so many ways. It brings back painful memories. But it reminds me of all the joys I've got.

Welcome

After much thought and deliberation, I've decided to join the world of Bloggers.

Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother) was told that blogs are so last season, but I agree with him in saying "Nah Ahh!"

So, why do I call myself a mother of two only child(s). My daughter was 20 when her baby brother was born. She was married and living away from home. So after having raise my little girl and seeing her off into the big world, I am now raising my little boy.

This will just act as my place to relax and reminisce as I raise my 2nd only child. I hope you enjoy my travels.