Month 37 and 38

My dearest Val, I have been remiss in updating this. You and I are
having a very busy summer, it seems that I've chosen to spend time with
you rather than write about what you're up to.

I have no regrets about this.

Right after you turned 3, you moved to the big girl class in
gymnastics. You ran off with Miss Annie and didn't look back. I took
this success to mean that you were also ready to do swimming lessons
without me.

I signed you up, got you settled in your class and scampered off to do
water aerobics. I apologize, Val. I should not have left you. Less
than 20 minutes later, the lifeguards brought you into the pool where I
was. You were crying and had to pee.

The next lesson was even worse. I stayed to watch and all you did was
cry. The Aquatics Director was kind enough to offer us a spot in the
mommy & me class so we've spent the summer doing that. Together.

I'm thrilled to say that your swimming ability has improved a great
deal. You go under, hold your breath, blow bubbles and kick like
nobody's business. We made one more attempt at the big kid class but
you lasted only 10 minutes, most of which were filled with tears.

For whatever reason, you're just not ready. If you remember one thing
about this summer, I hope it's some variation on 'my mom listened to me
when I needed her to.'