Calder's Swimming Lessons

Hugh and I have put Calder in swimming lessons this week. I am sure there is research out there advocating that parents get their kids involved in activities at a very young age, but Hugh and I believe there is plenty of time for organized sport. So for us, swimming lessons are simply an opportunity for some Mommy-Son time at the pool while Daddy is working (he adjusts crops for hail insurance in the summer). If Calder picks up a few things while we are there, great. If not, who cares! We are in the pool on a daily basis. What is better than that?

Calder is in a group with three 3 year-old girls. Since Calder is only 2, I have to go in the water with him (the 3 year olds go in by themselves). Calder has actually been quite shy and reserved around these three cuties. I am thoroughly enjoying being in the water with him. It is fun to be led through activities and I have learned a few new songs that I am going to start to sing with him when we go to the pool as a family and at the lake in his paddling pool.

The mothers of the 3 girls all have 2nd children. One has a daughter who is about 1.5 years-old, one has a baby who is a couple months old, and the third has a baby about 5 or 6 months old. Monday was Tripp's 5 month birthday. It was hard to see those woman at the pool with their kids. They all knew each other and were sitting together visiting. I felt on the outside. I was thankful to have to go in the pool with Calder. I find it difficult to make small talk with people I don't know, especially with mothers of babies. Some days it is hard enough to talk to the mothers I actually know.

Seeing these woman has again brought up the question, "what do I say when someone asks me if I have other kids?" I still don't have an answer, so we shall see how it plays out. Maybe I won't be asked? Regardless, I am going to do my best to focus on my Mommy-Son time. Motorboat, motorboat go so fast. . .