Water Fun Update

We had the opportunity to enjoy some pool time as a family on Sunday and it is clear that swim lessons have really changed the little one's attitude about being in the water as demonstrated by this:


The last three weeks have shown a complete turn around in her enthusiasm for being in the water. The crying has stopped for one. She lets the teacher dunk her and actually swims with her face in the water, teacher assisted. Their methodology is very interesting to me, someone who has never had nor given a swim lesson. They first start by getting the child comfortable in the water. Then they get them use to having their face and head underwater. Next step is to work on holding their breath and once they are able to comfortably go a distance, they start working on hand strokes. The little one is working on having her face in the water and holding her breath. Also, opening her eyes and grabbing a toy while underwater. It is so fun to watch.

While we were at the pool this past weekend, Mommy and Daddy played swim teacher a bit and the the munchkin played along. Before we knew it she was jumping in and enjoying having her head underwater. Of course this is all while holding our hands as we haven't got to the swimming/floating in our swim lessons but I'm sure that will come in time.


It was a true joy to see her having so much fun in the pool. Partly because both of us love the water so much, but mostly because I have watched her overcome this fear and embrace something new. The smiles and laughs were hard fought and she earned every one through a small triumph of her spirit.

We just signed up for our 3rd 3 week session. No sense in giving up now while we have the momentum!

Lights, Cameras, and Lots of Action!

It's clear that the little one is ready for Disneyland. On our recent family trip to Las Vegas to celebrate Grandma's 70th birthday, the munchkin was in awe of everything she saw.

Grandma loves everything French and has dreams of someday going to Paris. The family delivered her the next best thing, a suite at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. As we pulled in to town, the little one started yelling with excitement from the backseat, "Pyramids!" Followed by, "Look at that castle." When we got off the freeway to head towards the big surprise at Grandma's hotel, she points and says, "I see it. The Eiffel Tower!" All of the great structures she's learned about in one location. Mind you she has no idea that they are not actually the "real" thing but why crush the spirits of a 2 year old.

At one point in the evening, around 10pm, we found ourselves walking to the hotel across the street to see the gardens. I was walking behind the kiddo as she held Grandma's hand. She was pointing and looking in every direction and chatting to Grandma about everything she saw. All the huge TV's, lights, water shows and even an "obelisk"! It was a priceless moment.

Of course we couldn't refuse the fancy gelato after a quick walk through the botanical gardens. When all was said and done that evening. We were walking back to the car, it was after 11pm, the munchkin was covered with raspberry gelato face and Daddy and I look at each other. He says, "She has had every sense stimulated. This is what Disneyland will be like." It was so fun to watch her take in the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of all the action. I find it funny, in a disturbing sort of way, that we saw this beautiful display of innocence in Las Vegas of all places.

Best we take it to the Magic Kingdom.

The sum total of the weekend: the little one stayed up way past her bedtime, ate too many sweets and took her first limo ride. We still haven't gotten back on schedule. The perma-grin and belly laughs as a result of the weekend fun, that's what life is all about!

A Public Service Announcement

I'm stunned regarding a news piece I saw this morning on fluorescent light bulbs. They are suppose to be longer lasting, more efficient and all around better for your home and the environment. Or are they? Just drop and break one of them and the mercury inside will kill you or leave you seriously sick. Here is the news clip I saw this morning on proper disposal if broken.

I checked the EPA website for confirmation.

Step 4 states:

"If clothing or bedding materials come in direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from inside the bulb that may stick to the fabric, the clothing or bedding should be thrown away. Do not wash such clothing or bedding because mercury fragments in the clothing may contaminate the machine and/or pollute sewage."

There are reports that the old fashioned incandescent light bulbs will be phased out by 2012 which means I better start stocking up now! Not only is the light from the fluorescent bulbs highly unpleasant and makes a constant humming noise, now I learn it's hazardous to the health of my family. I suppose it's perfectly safe as long as you don't break one....which of course, never happens.

All this talk about the dangers of mercury in the seafood and immunizations but yet we should all replace every light bulb in our home with these fluorescent mercury bombs. Well, I'm not buying it.

Holiday Greetings

Happy 4th of July!

The little one is looking forward to staying up late to watch the fireworks. She says, "I'm going to stay awake for the fire!" Let's hope that's not the case but instead the beautiful sights and sounds of the Oceanside fireworks display.

The family is planning on attending our first movie together today. The munchkin has been anticipating it for months. "We are going to see Wall-E and get popcorn and watch the big TV!" she says. We're going to take in an early movie, then head outside to enjoy the beautiful So-Cal sunshine with a post sunset fireworks extravaganza. If we're really motivated, we'll hop on the new, local light rail system to go down to the beach for the big O'Fest celebration. Otherwise, I hear the local park does a pretty good job too. One way or another, we WILL see fireworks!

Merry 4th and may God continue to bless this great country of ours, The United States of America!