Swimming lessons, volume 2

Many of you might remember our swim lesson fiasco in the winter of 2008. Well, here we are in the winter of 2009...same pool, same child, same drama. Why do we do this to ourselves, you might ask? Because we want our son to learn to swim! Is that so horrible of us? (Notice how I use the word, "us". This is always a clue that I am unsure of my decision and not willing to take the blame alone for it not working out.)

In all fairness to Levi, it hasn't been that bad this year. While the saddest face you have ever seen might make you think differently, he really does like the water. He just doesn't like someone telling him what to do in the water. And while getting him there is nothing short of a miracle, he cooperates and is actually swimming pretty well. His teacher, who takes her job seriously and seems to think she is preparing these 4-year olds to swim for the U.S. Army in Iraq, is a post for another day. (I'm hoping to get some video because she really is something you have to see (and hear...wow, she is loud!) for yourself.

Anyway, that wasn't the intent of this post.

Tonight, out of nowhere, Levi says, "Mommy, are swim lessons tomorrow night?"

"No, Levi. Swim lessons aren't until Monday night. But what would you say if I told you yes, we are going to swim lessons tomorow?" (We have been working on less crying and whining and more cooperation - you know, basic stuff.)

"I would say, Oh great, here we go again," Levi said with a roll of the eyes and a sarcastic tone.

I can't believe my 4-year old just said that. That is what I'm supposed to say! Hmmm...I wonder where he learned it?!

What a mess

Graham will no longer allow us to help him eat. He insists on feeding himself. He's pretty good at it, too. He rarely gets any food on himself, and he never makes a mess. Oh, I'm sorry. I think I am dreaming. This is reality...

I'm not sure any of the yogurt actually makes it to his stomach, but he sure does have fun with it!

Something in the water?

I'm not sure what was going on with the boys tonight, but their behavior was not normal. It was anything but normal. I was a bit frightened as I heard conversations like this going on as I was getting dinner on the table...

"Ben, can I have that (pointing to a toy in Ben's hand) please?"
"Sure," Ben replied as he handed the toy to Levi.
"Thanks, Ben," said Levi.
"You're welcome."

"Ben come over here and sleep with me." (They were pretending to sleep on the couch)
"Ok! I want another teddy bear," said Ben as he pointed to Levi's entourage of stuffed animals.
"I'll give you one, Ben," said Levi. "Here you go."
"Thanks, Levi" said Ben.

"Ben, I love you," said Levi as they were pretending to "sleep".
"I love you, Levi," replied Ben.

And then as they came over to the table where I had put their plates next to each other, this is what I heard...
"Oh, look Ben," said Levi. "We get to sit next to each other!"

They ate a great dinner and there were no arguments. I tried to enjoy it, although I was also trying to figure out what was going on and what had happened to my children. It was a nice surprise for me, though, as I always dread an evening when Michael is out of town.

I had to record this so that I can remember how sweet they can be.

Their obedience didn't last too long because soon after dinner Levi helped Ben take off his diaper and Ben then proceeded to run around the house screaming, "naked boy, naked boy!" He then peed all over his rug.

I choose to focus on the earlier part of our evening. Wouldn't you?!