first dive

Mason,

When Daddy and I first took you swimming, I wanted to take you under water. As a former lifeguard, I taught swimming lessons for a couple years and believe that children should get used to submerging themselves at an early age. But Daddy was nervous about it, so we didn't do it.

Yesterday, we attended your buddy Jude's first birthday party. Because it was 105 degrees, Jude's parents set up a little pool to keep the babies cool. You loved it so much you spent close to 90 minutes in the pool--you outlasted all the other babies! And guess what? You took matters into your own hands and decided to dunk yourself.

Yep. On your own, you lunged forward in the baby pool three times, getting your face and hair wet each time and going fully under water at least once. You loved it!

You little stinker!

Now that you've shown your daredevil side, Daddy has new worries.

Daddy and I refuse to show you any more mercy. The next time we go to the swimming pool together, we're all going under!

Happy swimming!

Love,

Mommy

first swim

Mason,

Even though Daddy and I have lived in DC for nearly 12 years, I've rarely and he's never taken advantage of one use of our DC tax dollars: the public swimming pools. One of the pools 10 blocks from our house was recently renovated and it's really nice now. There are slides, a floating alligator, fountains, and a fenced-in baby pool. The best part is that it's only open to DC residents and it's free! We strolled there today and took you for your first swim.

You actually loved the adult pool more than the baby pool. You splashed and kicked and smiled and got water in your face several times. Count on spending much more time at the pool this summer.

Happy swimming!

Love,

Mommy