Gabby went in the pool for her first time on June 19th in the afternoon. Michael and I were very excited that we had a controlled environment so Gabby's first experience would be positive (we tried on vacation to let her sit in a 1 foot pool but a kid intentionally splashed her so we left before she even touched the water). The swim event was so controlled that Grandma (McIlroy) even warmed the pool to 98 degrees to be sure that Gabby would be comfortable and not too cold in the water. Michael held her first in the water, but he was uncomfortable holding the wiggle worm so I held her. She enjoyed the the water, but wouldn't even kick her feet. She was put under the water twice for a second and she hated it. She screamed for a good four or five minutes before calming completely, but we kept her in the pool a little longer to make sure we ended her swimming experience on a positive note. I think she "swam" for about thirty minutes total (which is a significant part of her lifetime!) and her little toes and fingers were like wrinkly little raisins. I hope that Gabby learns to love the water as much as Michael and I do. (Pictures to come we have to have them developed because we used a disposable water camera).
Everyone knows that being a parent is full of sacrifices and some are more difficult than others. So far being a Mom I have "sacrificed" my skin thanks to stretch marks, my youthfulness, thanks to the worries that cause the new wrinkles I notice weekly, my pretty legs thanks to the varicose veins I received during pregnancy that never went away, the comfort of sitting thanks to the back pain I have had ever since pregnancy, a good night’s sleep, and the list goes on... However, none of these things truly feel like a sacrifice (although I do miss sleep and my non-damaged body) they are just part of being a mommy and I wouldn't trade parenthood for anything! Today, however, a very difficult sacrifice was made, although I know it was the only choice. Ranger, the dog Michael and I had for 7 ½ years, was given to a new home today. He bit Gabby on her head when she was about 9 months old and then about a week ago he nipped at her and unfortunately that was the last straw. M
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