Come on In! The Water's Fine!!

Day 143:

When I was just wee lad Conor, my Mom had me in the pool upon arriving to the steamy hot summers in Chicago.  I couldn't have been 5 months old; about the same age you are now...  Several weeks ago Mommy signed you up for "Baby and Me" swimming lessons at Oak Mar Recreation Center in Oakton, VA, and I have to tell you I'd been looking forward to going ever since.  Today was my turn in the water with you, and next time will be Mommy's.  None the less the idea came to her based on how you've always reacted to the bath; and that's to say, quite positively!  Well, you sure didn't disappoint today, Son.

The instructor immediately bee-lined to us and said something about your being so small; clearly doubting the abilities of the Lion Heart.  I paid her no mind at all and we got into the circle with the rest of the parents and their children.  We went around the circle, each parent pronouncing the name of their little one, and then began the lesson...

Not surprisingly to me though perhaps to every other parent- and for that matter about a dozen other people simply walking by marveling at the little dude swimming like a big kid- you did AWESOME.  On your back, head against my chest, your arms splayed out naturally and your little legs kicked and kicked... Then, when it came time to turn you over on your belly while keeping your head just above the water, you did even better!  The water would hit your face and you would shrug it off, legs ever kicking.  Just a great introduction to the pool, Boy'O.  And as I said, among the 10 or so kids and their parents in the pool, you never even gave a fuss.  Meanwhile others were crying, kicking, screaming... But not the Lion Heart... No sir.

And all that was just to START the day, Boy'O!  After getting home I gave you a bath while Mommy ran an errand or two, then we geared up and headed out to Little Nelson's 1st Holy Communion party... And from there it was off to Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Paul's house to see Nate and Drew for Drew's little welcome party.  And talk about a place I never thought I'd see myself, Boy'O??  There were about 20 adults and around 30 children... Outnumbered and outmatched, the mayhem of the later afternoon and screaming toddlers gave way to a rather peaceful evening... That evening culminating now, Boy'O.  It's off to the rack for me, Son.  And you're already there.  Sound asleep following your big, big day.

I love you so much, Conor.  You make me and Mommy so incredibly proud...
-Dad