Swimming Lessons

Dear Luke,

You have been enrolled in intensive swimming lessons for the past 2 weeks at Pengu Swim School. I was excited for you to start, but knew it would likely be a challenge, too, because you've expressly told me that you are afraid of falling in the water. Last summer you loved to play at the splash pad and in the shallow pool, but were terrified of deep water. Sure enough, you cried your way through your first lesson and told me you didn't want to go back to Pengu, but wanted to go to our easy pool. I thought I might have to carry you kicking and screaming on day 2, but you walked in on your own and didn't even cry! I figured that was a fast adjustment, but then the classes got more difficult each day as they pushed you to try new things and you cried for much of the rest of the week. But this week you haven't cried at all and are even having fun, excited to go to swimming lessons. You got your first ribbon this week that says "I can kick with barbells across the pool all by myself." Yay! You told me and Mrs. Devyn this week, "I wasn't afraid," and we both got teary eyed. :) I am so incredibly proud of you for sticking with it when it was difficult and for doing your best. I didn't like seeing you cry in the pool, but loved that you were still doing what you needed to do, even through tears. That's brave. I'm sure life will present many more opportunities to practice doing hard things when scared, but it has been special for me to see you overcome some fears these past couple weeks!

Love,
Mommy

Sweet Luke

Dear Luke,

Yesterday while having lunch in your stroller at Marshalls, you said, "Mommy, you're my best friend." Melt my heart! Then, today you said, "You're a good mommy." I asked what makes me a good mommy and you said, "because you love me and you're sweet to me." Then you said, "I know you're tired." Earlier this morning I had apologized to you for not being more patient with you and when you asked why I wasn't more patient, I said it was because I was tired. It is so encouraging to hear these words from you, unprompted, and helps me remember why it's all so worth it. I love you so much!

Love,
Mommy