Wrinkly Chlorine Toes

Baby,
 
It was your first time swimming at the pool tonight.  This spring has been so long in arriving.  I piled you and the big kids into the minivan after school, and figured I'd take my chances supervising the rowdiest four kids in town.  I didn't expect you to be terrified!  I just walked into the water with you in my arms, and your arms wrapped around me for dear life.  Your face collapsed in tears, and your siblings and I didn't know what to do.
 
After about 15 minutes, we climbed out of the pool and watched from the sidelines while your teeth chattered and you warmed up in a few gym towels.
 
Later, we tried again.  This time, you started sitting on the sidelines of the zero-entry area, getting used to the idea of the pool.  (Apparently a professional mom should have figured this was the best approach.)  You were much happier.  You smiled cautiously, and wandered about with a dive-stick in your mouth. 
 
I can hear you peeping in the crib upstairs right now.  I guess it's time for real instead of virtual parenting. 
 
Thanks for today, my little Frank.  You are such a sweet, sweet part of our family.
 
Love, Mama

The End of Winter

It is one of those weeks when I can't seem to stay on top of what I need to get done around here.  Every time I think I'm making headway cleaning a toilet, the kids are busy dumping tiny legos out in a fury of creation in another part of the house.
 
I keep trying to chill out and understand that this phase of my life will not last forever.  But it has been a long time.
 
Truly, I often dream of a week in which I can clean the whole house for a day (or even two!) and then just sit in a clean house without one additional thing breaking or tumbling down the stairs.  I guess everyone has a dream, right?
 
It's been a long winter.  When I look back on my adult life, it surprises me to realize that the times of great joy have almost invariably been times also of great challenge.  Every birth and infancy in our home has been that way.  I suppose there is a euphoric elation that accompanies challenges, allowing us to see our blessings even when we are entrenched in a trial.
 
Frank is asleep, and there are about a hundred things I wanted to accomplish in the the short window before he is crawling around and stick fingers in outlets again.
 
Back at it, I guess.    Friday Funday.