Summertime

With temperatures making swimming seem absolutely necessary, it's been good to know that Aria is learning to swim, or at least float. A pool is not something that we would have ever thought to put in ourselves, mostly because of the inherent risks for kids. But, with a fence, a retractable pool cover and kids that can swim, we should be able to sleep at night. 

We've started lessons with professional instructors at our home this month, and it's been good on many levels. About a dozen other kids take 15 minute private lessons here every Monday. In exchange for the use of our pool, we get free lessons for Aria (2 in the same day) and a little extra coin for the hours spent. It should add up to literally dozens of dollars by the time the summer is over. It's also been a fun social gathering for parents as well as the kids, and it's forced me to keep the pool clean and warm. 

Aria's been quite brave even though she's frightened of going under the water. Fortunately, peer pressure might work for us in this scenario. A few of her friends have already been through this program and are on to the next level. 

 

In other news, Kindra had a successful showing last week at Pilar Pobil's "Art In The Garden", I'm making music and trying to tie up house-related loose ends (more on that soon), and Azur is perfect:

The Onion

Any friend of mine should also be a friend of The Onion.

Ok, it's not mandatory, but friends will bare witness to the tears of joy shed by myself whilst standing in out of state bookstores, reading The Onion books. 

New Wearable Feedbags Let Americans Eat More, Move Less


Army Holds Annual 'Bring Your Daughter To War' Day

Here's an excerpt I wrote for Kindra's Catalyst Magazine article, Babying The Buddah (PDF). Go to page 50.  She asked a few fathers she knew to write a little about being a father. This was my response.

Today, Aria graduated from her second year of Montessori pre-school. She really enjoys her four hour a day, four day a week time with friends. It's been good for her and we've been lucky enough to trade Kindra's teaching hours for tuition. We're quite certain she'll be returning in the fall for another pre-school year. It's also Azur's 1 week birthday and the first time we've taken him out of the house since we brought him home. 

Big Sister

"Did I get a sister?!?", asked Aria as Azur emerged from his Surround Sound Water Bed, his Aqua Crib, his Tank. "No, you have a brother!!", was the reply. "Oh, I always wanted a baby brother!!!". 

For all nine months, Aria had announced to everyone she met that she was soon going to have a baby sister. She was so sure that she even had a name picked out: Naya. No matter how many times we tried to prepare her for the possibility of a brother, she would always let us know how wrong we were. Kindra decided to at least look up the name in one of our many baby name books. Apparently, Naya means both "Fulfilled Wish" and "Sister". Interesting. But not our favorite. 

The moment Azur was born, Aria switched the proper gears in her head and has yet to ask about Naya. 

I've watched Aria carefully during the run-up to, and aftermath, of this baby's arrival, searching for any signs of jealousy. Though only a few days in, I'm happy to say that so far, she's lived up to my hopes for her and her promises to be a big help. 

She was so excited to tell all her friends and take to class the cookies shaped like baby feet. She worked on each one with her Grandma Fehr and Aunt Bethany. She checks on him regularly and is dying to change the diapers (a torch I hope to pass to her ASAP). 

After carrying Azur around the house for these past few days, picking up Aria has been a whiplash reminder of how fast she's grown. Just looking at her toes and fingers makes me feel older. 

And, yes, Aria was there for the birth. All of it. She knew what was happening and squealed with joy as Azur's head popped out. She thought nothing but good of the whole experience. Cool chick, that Aria.

Azur Pix

OK, New Azur photos here.