Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming!

Where are in the thick of summer, in Houston, which means it is hot, hot, HOT! Luckily, we have the best solution to summer heat right in our own backyard. I stated at the beginning of the summer that my goal was to swim everyday. And thus far it has been a near perfect record. We have enjoyed many hours beside the pool, soaking up the scorching sun and splashing in the water.

If you recall, last spring Luke was taking swim lessons. He did average for his age. Sometime this spring he received a new life jacket and his confidence was immediately boosted. From that point on he was unstoppable. My son is a swimmer folks. He can kick, float, put his face in the water and then come back up for air. It is a remarkable change from last summer and a welcome one.

I love the confidence he is expressing in his new abilities. you can see it in his face and his countenance that he loves challenging himself. Now my goal is to let that baby boy soar as high as he can. As a mother it is so easy to think of the ways that he might hurt himself. And there are times when my every impulse is to pull him back and keep him safe. But what is the fun in that? How can he learn to explore and test the limits with my death grip around his arm? Granted, he is 2, so limits are being tested everyday in every way. And while this is annoying and occasionally ends in timeouts, it can also serve to develop that part of his character that I was missing. It took me many years to learn to let go and take risks. If he can learn this lesson early, so many more doors and experiences become his to enjoy. So, I cautiously loosen the reigns and let him be a little boy. His excitement stretches to his fingertips and his joy is evident on his face.

And this is evident when he swims. He wants everyone to see and to watch. He is proud of himself for trying and succeeding... a little more every time. What a fun way to watch someone grow up. So we are swimming, A LOT! It has become our favorite summer activity. So if you can't find us, we are probably outside, diving and sliding and making waves.