After yesterday's reminiscent post about sweet Summertime memories, you can imagine my delight to hear K proclaim this afternoon that "This was the best day EVER!" (and her brothers agreed.)
What was so special about this day? Well, all three swam under the rope and into the deep end for the first time today. It was no real surprise that P & K were ready to try it, as they have been jumping off the side in the shallow end for a couple of weeks, but R I-don't-get-my face-wet Scott was a different story.
There was a very emotional showdown as he asked to come play with us in the deep end. Because R is a child that really needs goals and incentives, I informed him that he had to be able to swim under the rope. This was met with a great deal of opposition. I felt mean. I second guessed myself. But after about 20 minutes of watching his siblings explore the deep end, R decided he was ready to do whatever it took. Grandmother and Granddaddy were here as tremendous cheerleaders and encouragers...and a third 'real swimmer' was born. R even announced as he emerged, waterlogged, "I really, really like swimming, Mom!"
R is my most approval seeking child, so he was disappointed to find out that Daddy would not be home tonight. Thankfully, our precious Daddy had a 15 minute window between the end of his clinic appointments and the start of a dinner meeting. He stopped briefly by the pool (scrubs and all) and was able to witness all three swimming like little fish.
With an audience of Mom, Dad, Grandmother and Granddaddy all on-hand to celebrate their successes, my beaming children decided that this was clearly a landmark 'best day!' (and informed every other adult at the pool about their accomplishments.)
I can absolutely remember that childhood feeling of pride at accomplishing something new and just how BIG it made me feel. I can't help but grin, even as I type, that another regular, ordinary Wednesday became extraordinary today. Childhood is an amazing ride!
What was so special about this day? Well, all three swam under the rope and into the deep end for the first time today. It was no real surprise that P & K were ready to try it, as they have been jumping off the side in the shallow end for a couple of weeks, but R I-don't-get-my face-wet Scott was a different story.
There was a very emotional showdown as he asked to come play with us in the deep end. Because R is a child that really needs goals and incentives, I informed him that he had to be able to swim under the rope. This was met with a great deal of opposition. I felt mean. I second guessed myself. But after about 20 minutes of watching his siblings explore the deep end, R decided he was ready to do whatever it took. Grandmother and Granddaddy were here as tremendous cheerleaders and encouragers...and a third 'real swimmer' was born. R even announced as he emerged, waterlogged, "I really, really like swimming, Mom!"
R is my most approval seeking child, so he was disappointed to find out that Daddy would not be home tonight. Thankfully, our precious Daddy had a 15 minute window between the end of his clinic appointments and the start of a dinner meeting. He stopped briefly by the pool (scrubs and all) and was able to witness all three swimming like little fish.
With an audience of Mom, Dad, Grandmother and Granddaddy all on-hand to celebrate their successes, my beaming children decided that this was clearly a landmark 'best day!' (and informed every other adult at the pool about their accomplishments.)
I can absolutely remember that childhood feeling of pride at accomplishing something new and just how BIG it made me feel. I can't help but grin, even as I type, that another regular, ordinary Wednesday became extraordinary today. Childhood is an amazing ride!
9 comments:
Greetings from Oregon!
I was blog-surfing and stumbled upon yours - wow, what a story (from reading your sidebar) - and your last couple of posts are beautiful.
I am a twin, married to a twin, so it's fun to read about your experiences with triplets. We are blessed with a ten year old boy and 7 year old girl.....no multiple births for us.
How fun for you to have written about "Diving In" and then to watch as your kiddos went and did just that!
What a sweet post! Making memories is such a sweet gift!
Here's hoping for a fun, memory making day tomorrow as well!
Precious memories. How they linger. How they ever flood my soul. In the stillness of the midnight - precious sacred scenes unfold. You are certainly giving your children precious, sacred memories.
This post is a perfect example of why I LOVE blogging! What could be forgotten in a few weeks is recorded in detail for present (and future!) celebration. Way to go, three little swimmers!
What a great day!!! And a proud moment for you and the grandparents. I know you are ESPECIALLY proud of R!!!! Just the beginning of firsts this summer!
Huge day!! It makes me teary eyed just reading about it, I can only imagine how you must've felt experiencing it! :o)
I love reading your posts, although this is the first time I have commented. What a great achievement for your kids!
I came upon your blog one day and since then, I have been hooked. I love how you can capture the moments you experience with your children and somehow I always am nodding my head in agreement. I can relate to the battles, frustrations and joys. Indeed, your perfect days sounds just perfect!
Yay! What a big day it was for the kiddos- they are having a summer to remember!
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