Swim Little One, Swim

I should’ve signed them up at the beginning of the summer, but I didn’t.  Max and Noelle did attend the last two week, 10 lesson, session of swim class at our local outdoor pool.  My expectations were not high, we were all just excited to be able to go to a pool everyday.  Well, the kids were excited.  Me?  I was dreading keeping Violette and Zane occupied while the other two swam. 

The Bohn Pool, as it is called, is really nice actually.  I’ve lived here for almost six years and didn’t know it existed, or when I did find out, I didn’t believe that it was as nice as the pictures on the website. This pool is definitely a little gem. We were all very happy when we walked up.  A gigantic water slide greeted us, and immediately peaked the interested of N & M.  The sun was shinning and the water sparkled.  This was going to be a nice two week session, I thought to myself.

Two neighbors were also attending, which was nice.  I had two adults to chat with.  Well, I use that term loosely, as we all kept our eyes glued to our own children and I chased around Zane and Violette.

Noelle and Max were shy at first, but blossomed over the 10 lessons.  Max was dipping under water and retrieving rings, floating almost independently on his back and front, and jumping off the side and popping up without help. His bright smile was planted on his face the entire time and he would wave and say, “Hi Mommy!  Did you see me?” about 30 times a lesson! Noelle was able to actually swim by the end, on her own for a pretty decent distance.  They both were passed on to the next level of classes. 

I can only imagine how well they would be doing had they attended all four sessions.  Oh, well, next year, it’s on.  Violette will be able to attend too and I can sit back with Zane and watch three children at once. 

On the final day, a women from the newspaper came around taking pictures.  She got a good one of Noelle and it was in the paper!  Noelle has been in love with the picture, asking to hold it and see it multiple times a day.  She even said to Max, “I’m famous now.  Do you want my autograph”.  She proceeded to sign a piece of paper and give it to him! 

Noelle also, wait for it, went down the big slide, twice!  A jump off the diving board was taken too!  My very shy, cautious little girl had no problem climbing the mountain of stairs and taking the slide in stride.  I held my breath as she walked up, hoping she would be brave and conquer this constant cautious whimper that comes alive when any and seemingly every challenge comes her way.  She took that chicken little inside her and squashed it without hesitation!  Yay Noelle! 

I love that they are flourishing during their lessons and as the summer winds down, they are more comfortable with water. 

Treasures

I went snorkeling this weekend. Dove deep into the water and glided until my lungs burned.  I popped to the surface expelling water from the snorkel with a big puff of air.  Head down, legs kicking with flipper feet propelling my body forward quickly, an arm over arm stroke keep me going.  I didn’t stop for a long while.  Lake Michigan was clear and as I plugged along, my head firmly faced downward breathing steady through the snorkel I stared at the bottom.  The ripples in the sand raced by underneath me, broken up by large rocks and buried wood.  Depth increased but clarity was still sharp.  Fish darted in and out of hiding as my body went by on the surface.  It was beautiful.

Every so often I would glance back at the boat, spotting little bodies bouncing back and forth.  Beyond the boat the shore was spotted with more little bodies digging holes in the sand and tossing rocks back into the water.  They were having fun and watched over by Daddy, Grandma, and Uncle Alex

It’s been way too long since I let myself enjoy the water.  My Dad and I had treasures to find and as I put my head back down I assured myself I needed this.  It felt so damn good to swim in the lake.  Words cannot express the joy the washed over me and the amount of love I have for water. 

When the spot was reached (my Dad knew just the right place) I watched the bottom carefully as I slowly circled around.  When I thought I spotted something I sucked in air and dove down.  Depth was deceiving.  From the surface it didn’t seem far but as I dove the bottom seemed to dip farther as the pressure popped my ears.  It didn’t matter because it felt good to be submerged in the water.  I waved my hand over the suspicious object hoping it was something special.  This time a shell was unearthed and I turned toward the surface with a mighty kick.  My Dad tapped me on the shoulder holding a piece of a plate.  I just had to find one myself. 

I squinted my eyes and focused, spotting what was probably another shell, but still beckoned to be picked up.  This time it was a piece of plate too.  I clenched it in my hand and shot up.  Tearing off my mask I turned over the plate and saw marking on the back.  Pope Gosser China it said.  On the front was scalloped edges and a faint decorative design.

How amazing that at one time this was on a ship, being used to dine on by it’s patrons.  One can not help but dream and wonder about the treasures they find.

A few more small pieces I found, but the one with markings was by far the coolest.  I proudly hauled my findings back to the boat, loving the distance needed to cover to get back.  My eyes were still focusing on the bottom as I kicked toward the boat, not wanting to miss anymore hidden treasures that could be underneath.  The bottom is a treasure unto itself.  Bare of anything at times, the ripples themselves are lovely as you swim over them. 

I was able to really enjoy my time, sneaking in some snorkeling.  The children also enjoy the many hours that we spent out on the water.  They had their first try fishing and caught a few.  They were a bit uneasy around the fish, not wanting to hold it, but were very excited when one got on the line.  First experiences are always memorable and I love the interest and excitement on the cute faces of my darling children.

Noelle drove boat.  Max, Violette, and Uncle Alex snuggled while enjoying the motion and sweet hum of the boat, drifting off for a nice nap. 

We all soaked up the warmth, dipped and dived in the pristine waters of Lake Michigan and were under the umbrella of love from Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle Alex.  It was a successful trip, again to Traverse City!

Back In The Saddle

Things are back around this household. Splints removed, crawling resumed, sickness fought and booted out, new flooring installed, fighting/bickering a constant, yeah, we are back.

Zane’s splint was removed and a week after he regained his arm strength. Determination locked on his face, he is crawling everywhere and into everything, it’s great to have him back. He loves the freedom to go where he wants, even if he’s not wanted.
It’s been hot. Walk outside and immediately begin dripping hot. Cross your legs and they split apart, hot. It’s not attractive or enjoyable for me to be out so we’ve been sticking around home, inside, mostly. Early one morning I told the kiddos to strip down to underwear and wait outside patiently. They giggled in anticipation. I came outside with paint brushes and paint. I told them to go at it, paint whatever and wherever they wanted on their bodies. They had fun, a lot of pure childish fun!

The local fair was around last week and we had to go. The attraction of animal filled barns, the smell of elephant ears, corn dogs, and the large array of interesting people held all of our attention for a few hours. Noelle begged to ride the horses. Although only going around in circles, she loved just being on top of a horse again. Max and Violette also joined in, their smiles were glued on their faces as the they went around too. Seeing their joy was intoxicating. They also really loved seeing all the animals, horses, sheep, cows, etc.

Noelle is sporting new specs, just picked up yesterday. She needed a new prescription after a pediatric ophthalmologist appointment a few weeks ago. I took her one evening to pick out some glasses. She carefully eyed the choices and was drawn to a bright pink pair with purple arms. I tried to steer her toward a muted brown pair. Her face is still petite and most of the youth frames still looked large. Instinctively I wanted the pair that blended in and didn’t draw attention to themselves. I fought for many days, internally, after the ordering of the glasses. I was worried she would look goofy with big pink glasses. I was worried with kindergarten quickly approaching that she would be made fun of. In the end, as hard as it is to admit, the most important thing is that she likes them and they bring a positive image to herself. She tried on the glasses, after they came in, and immediately smiled her shy smile and declared, “I really like these on me. They look very pretty.” There, that’s exactly what is important.

Tom has been working diligently on installing some new flooring. It looks great and I love it. The only draw back is the amount of dirt shown. I keep telling myself during the fifth or sixth time sweeping, that I’m getting up dirt/animal hair that we used to play in and not notice. I guess that is a good thing! I wake up and walk out into the family room and smile. It’s fresh and new.

A visit from Grandpa Roehrig this past Saturday and one from some out of town good friends, all very welcomed visits but without photos. Some days that camera stays in hiding unfortunately. Also Zane had his nine month well visit in there too. He weighed in just under 22 pounds, at 21 lb 11 oz. and was 29.5 inches in length. He’s a BIG healthy boy.

That’s all, it’s long and scattered, but complete. Finally!

A Bed

Sometimes during a long day we retreat to the bed. It becomes our hiding spot from monsters, a ship that is sailing to a hidden candy island, or just a place to snuggle up and read books or tell stories. It’s our escape. The change of a room opens up imaginations and calms heated tempers. This is my go-to for boredom. It works.

It’s also a place I sneak a child away to for some one on one time. A tickle session, or the child gets crookified (yeah, we might just claim that word as ours. In case explanation is needed, crookified means a sweet head rests right in the perfect arm crook) and we talk and/or tell wild stories. Or indulge in a wicked game of peek-a-boo that still gets belly roaring laughs from all the children.

Monday, I grabbed Zane and took him on the bed with me. It was made, so we laid in the middle and I ticked his soft, rolly skin. He is the most ticklish by far, a gentle touch usually gets some major laughs. You touch the neck and his little body hunches forward and expels a serious belch of wonderful baby laughter. His hands gripped my face and I was enjoying him. Violette heard the laughing and proclaims, “My come up too!”. I reached around to pick her up and thud. Zane had quickly got away from me and rolled off the bed.

I clambered toward him and scoop his screaming body up. He quieted down fairly quickly and it was close to nap time so I nursed him and to bed he went. We he woke about an hour later he was still uncharacteristically fussy. I put him down so he could put his new crawling skill to use. He went from sitting to all fours and his arm collapsed and the cry of pain came. I tried moving his arm and gently touching it, knowing that something was indeed wrong as he cried out in obvious discomfort

Off to the ER the Roehrig Clan headed, again. As I drove I held in the tears, only a few escaped. I replayed his fall over and over, wishing I had done something differently. I should’ve just left him on the ground and went on with chores, but that laugh and time was so nice. As parents I think we all play the “should’ve, could’ve would’ve” game when an accident occurs. I talked myself out of deep sobs, knowing that I fiercely love my children and focus needed to be on the task at hand, getting Zane checked out. In a moment of Motherhood collection, I pulled it together and drove without tears streaming down my face, and my hands were steadfast.

It was around a six hour stay, made much better by my Aunt being there with us. She helped keep the kids busy while I took Zane to get x-rayed a few times. Having another set of hands around, someone new and exciting and much loved, helped a lot. It made the long stay float by while many potential meltdowns were turned into laughter and fun memories. As I put Max to bed that night when asked what his favorite part of the day was he responded with a smile on his face, “Seeing Aunt Shawn and going in the ambulance!”. The next morning when asked the routine question of what did you dream about, Violette said, “My dream about Aunt Shawn!”.

In the end we left with a hard splint and head back to an orthopedic doctor on Monday. I gaze at my sweet boy and can’t help but smile at him and his club arm. He’s mad. Real mad, that he can’t put his new crawling skill to use anymore. He tries but he can’t figure it out and a few cries when pressure is applied to the arm tells me he is actually in some pain. It will not be on for too long (exact numbers will be found on on Monday), and he’ll be back to moving around soon.

In the mean time I hold and snuggle him tightly as much as he wants. It’s a lot too, he wants to be held most of the day. We all get together and cuddle, trying to make him smile when the grumpiness hits.

The bed will be inhabited and used again. We’ll still jump in and I’ll steal moments of alone time when I can or transform it’s comfy covers into a hiding place from the silly monsters.

Zane will heal and my Mother’s Guilt will fade, some, with time.

Growin’ and Movin’

It started a few months ago rolling around from point A to B. It evolved into a backwards crawl that always ended up stuck in some corner. As of a few days ago, it’s a front crawl, a I’m-on-the-move-corral-your-daughters-and-small-objects crawl. He’s determined and fast. I forgot how quick they really are once in a full crawl. With his previous backwards crawl I knew he would inevitably get stuck in a corner and cry out for help. Essentially he corralled himself, now there is no stopping him.

Admiration from his older sisters and brother is constant. He sees any of them and directs all his energy on getting to that spot. Violette loves to kiss his cheek while saying, “Yay Zaney!” They have been so happy and excited for this new growth…until they realized what it entails.

Watch out siblings, Zane is out to getcha! Speed and skill are increasing with each passing hour. He’s quicker at getting into their toys. They are irritated and unfamiliar with this new stage as he starts to menace. Yet another challenge has arose in parenting four close in age children!

Oh, it may be a new chapter, but they all are growing and melting my heart more and more. Yeah, we be growing around here. Growing children and for the first time some produce.

Two summers ago my beloved Grandmother gave me this small planted rose. She made a comment about seeing if I had a green thumb, unlike my Mom and five Aunts. I planted it, fully expecting the plant to perish under my tainted green thumb. It actually has survived. The rose buds make me smile when I go up and down the deck steps. I remember all that is good and wonderful about Grandma. Never did I imagine that little rose bush would ever survive and when I look at it, it’s like a part of her is living on. This metaphor might be stretching it, but she is with me, watching over us. She is there in that tiny rose bush, growing and surviving on.

She is there watching my four treasures blossom as the rose has.

Noelle, dancing around the basement, head bent and body resembling a young lady, busting out some major moves. Her kind heart, strong spirit, and sharp mouth are forming a beautiful young lady. Learning and absorbing all around her, remembering and yearning for more knowledge, that is our Noelle ROSE.

Maximilian, strong willed beyond any words and a challenge around every corner bring dull days out of the grey and into the parenting light. A temperament that changes so fast my jaw drops more times in a day than can be counted. I’m poised on tippy toes. As much as he challenges me, he hugs harder, and loves bigger.

Violette is still the sweetie, with a strong streak of sour in there. Petite, but mighty with an abounding vocabulary. She is kind and loving toward her siblings, but can lash out very quickly when things don’t go her way. The third in line, only means she has to be that much louder to make herself known! That girl loves to snuggle, wrapping her frail arms around me, planting kisses with bountiful lips.

Zaney baney, as he is referred to around here is chunky and loveable. He loves people, flashing bright smiles to all that glance his way. He loves him some siblings, clapping and waving with exuberance when they are around. He’s a beautiful baby boy, stark white, blue eyes, and light hair.

We’re growing well, absorbing sunshine and inhaling warm air.

No Agenda

It was a Holiday Weekend with no plans, sometimes the best. Still recovering from a mild sickness, spending the weekend doing what we wanted seemed just right. Being lazy when we wanted, indulging in a movie night, and randomly getting out and about, made for lots of goodness.

Cabela’s seemed like a nice place to escape the heat and spend a few hours, so that is what we did.

The mountain of animals captivated the little people.

Knick knacks were bought and used as chew toys, silly hats tried on and the fish tanks explored.

Tom wandered away with Max, exploring and admiring the guns while I walked about with the other three. I turned the corner searching for the duo and came upon this sight. A father and son, completely enamored and oblivious. Son admiring Dad and gun. It was another heart melting moment.

It was hot and the little splash pool was used a lot. Starfish floats galore, little chubby Zane splashed his heart out, and Max aimed his water like a Master!

Sunday night we woke Noelle up around 10pm and let her have some special fireworks time. She danced with sparklers and watched Daddy set up small fireworks. It was time with our oldest, treasured and enjoyed and very special.

On the 4th the foursome sported their outfits. Cute as can be!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!