The First Of Many
Anna had her first swimming lesson yesterday.
The plan was that Katie would take her (Katie's our nanny).
Because, you know, I work.
And then I was sitting here working and I looked at the clock and it said 9:50am. Her lesson started at 10am.
I said to myself, "What am I thinking? I want to be there."
So I ran downstairs and grabbed my wallet and looked for my keys in the little blue pot on the windowsill where the keys are supposed to be. Not there. Of course they're not there when I have only five minutes to make it to Anna's first swimming lesson.
So I went to the garage, pushed the button to open the door, and jumped on my bike.
I peddled, peddled, peddled my way on over there (it's not too far) and arrived just as she was getting in the water.
She was mostly smilely and a little scowly at the cold water and the clouds that were blocking the sun. She kept looking over at Katie and I, smiling her big toothy grin. She was shy with the teacher, a big guy, but was happy to take her turn off the steps to do her kicks as he guided her around the shallow end.
I bet today she'll be blowing bubbles just like those other two little boys in her group.
Towards the end she was looking over at us and saying she was cold. Right about then it was time for a field trip over to the hot tub for an end-of-class warm up.
She was mad when I finally pulled her out of the hot tub to wrap her in a towel. Katie and I looked at each other with a knowing look about this awesome, opinionated, almost two-and-a-half-year-old who is coming into her own.
She changed her attitude when we told her about seeing Mama's bike out in the parking lot.
"I want to ride." she said.
So she rode home with me in her new seat on my bike.
"Woo hoo" she yelled and then chattered on as we made our way home. "Mama, I want to tell you about Max and Ruby. Mama, my helmet is too tight. Mama, where is your house? Mama, where is Katie? Mama, I tired. Mama, I love you."
Kind of makes the sleep deprivation I'm experiencing with my new little guy right now all worth it. I love that you could just jump on your bike and go.
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loved this post!!!
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Go Anna! hmm FYI now I want a bike so I can ride w/my Sassy girl :) Ha...
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what a sweet story, ali! thank you for sharing!
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I really enjoyed reading this. My little jan Finn is just a few months younger than Miss Anna and gearing her express herself resonates with me. I am relishing (mostly) in Finn's expressing of his wants and dislikes bundled with developing language and communication skills. To see their personalities emerge is one of the miracles in life. Thank you for sharing so much of your life so publicly. I can't tell you how on so many occasions you have helped me place something in perspective. I started coming here for the art - I continue to come back for the entire package.
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I love this story... your sudden urge not to miss lessons, your frantic search for your keys, your rush to get there on time via bike, your description of her scowling at the cold water vs. the lack of sun, etc. You're a GREAT story-teller. Glad that you (and camera) made it there to capture her FIRST. And LOVE the 2-yr-old chatter... made me smile. :)
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Love this Ali! And I love the last photo of both you and Anna on the bike. What a sweet and sassy little girl you have :)
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so awesome.
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I was a nanny for 10 years and I loved EVERY SINGLE SECOND OF IT!!!
with that being said, I would NEVER want to miss out on my own kids things, I guess because I was a nanny for so long and did enjoy it so much, I figure I owe that same time and commitment to my own children!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you wanted to be there!!!
That speaks volumes of you Ali!
she's such a CUTIE!
tara
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We scrapbook to preserve moments like this :) Thanks for sharing.
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Ali,
You are such a great story teller. Tears came to my eyes when I read this. I work part time so I can spend more time with my kids but so often I find myself saying "Not now, I need to [insert any household chore that always needs to be done]". They grow up so fast. The laundry and dishes can wait! Thanks for the reminder about what is important in life.
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I think it is totally awesome that you went. Both of you will remember it I am sure.
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Excellent choice Mama, and look at all that exercise YOU got!
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Ah Ali Edwards I love You! you are such a gem in this world and special community; so inspirational, loving, caring and such a lovely mum!
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thanks for going, thanks for sharing life!
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Such a sweet little story.
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Such a beautiful post, Ali, so so so sweet. What a morning you captured. No wonder you're all smiles in the last photo!!!
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So love this story and Anna's chatter 'I tired' really cute :)
Also I love your blue bike, can you tell me what make it is (I'm currently looking for a good bike) and it's a different one from your Seattle Triathlon post - you have two?
Thanks Donna
Hi Donna - yes, different bike. This one is by Raleigh - I didn't want to put a child seat on my road bike. This is the one I got: http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/hybrid/detour-35-11/. I love it - the seat is fantastic.
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so awesome...and glad you realized in time that this was something you needed to witness...well done!
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That's awesome! Hope you find your keys :)
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You totally made the right decision! Work can usually wait, but those precious moments with the kids will be gone all too soon. I love how you chronicled Anna's chatter on your way home. You'll want to remember those little details. :)
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Awesome! These ARE the days!
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I love reading this- just makes me smile! Isn't this age the best? My DD is 2 1/2 and I am in constant awe of her strong and funny personality! Thank you for sharing!
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She is such a cutie. Get ready for some entertaining talks in the near future, though, since she seems to be quite an opinionated little girl. Adorable. Oh, and a great decision, really - swimming lessons are one the smartest choices a parent can make for their child,
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Love this story, Ali. It's really about the little moments, isn't it? I started working full time this year and really miss the ability to be 'there' when I want to be. So glad you were able to enjoy those moments with Anna.
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