Lucy's taking swimming lessons

I'll tell you what. This is a far cry from when Spencer and Sawyer first took swimming lessons. Things looked much differently then. Especially me. In those days, I held one boy by the hand (if he hadn't escaped and was running wild), had one in the stroller, and the other strapped to my back. Those were the good old stressful days back in O'Fallon Illinois when I was totally exhausted from daily life with my three amigos.

And for some reason, despite my efforts in getting everyone to the pool, Spencer decided he really didn't want to be there and refused to get in the water. So, then, of course, Sawyer didn't want to get in the water either. And then there was me, kneeling down by the side of the pool with Charlie on my back, trying to be patient and encourage my children, but also feeling frustration and anger welling up inside because they weren't cooperating. I remember being very light headed at one point and was grateful I didn't just fall into the pool myself, Charlie and all.

Yes, those were the old days of swimming lessons. I'm liking the new ones much better. I love seeing Lucy's enthusiasm for this new experience. I love that she's not afraid to leave my side, but rather, says, "bye Mom," with a smile, as she confidently walks to her class. I love her fearlessness about putting her face in the water and other things her teacher asks her to do. And everytime I go to Lucy's lesson, I feel grateful for the stage of life I'm in. I love being able to sit alone and watch her, or read a magazine, or make a to do list, or whatever else I want, for twenty five uninterrupted minutes.