I feel like shouting to everyone I see- not in a bad way, though if I didn't have my coffee in a timely manner, that may happen. But more because I'm so proud of James. It's hard for me to believe the progress he's made this week in his swimming lessons. It's a complete turnaround from the first five weeks of pouting, whining and muttering in angry tones. Now he's smiling and flirting, saying "helloooo" and "byeeee" to everyone he sees at the pool. He even walks right up to the edge of the pool now and stands patiently to be brought in, rather than collapsing like a protester as soon as he smells the chlorine. He applauds himself mid-float when he does a good job, and even has the whole water aerobics class (that comes after his lesson) applauding him too. He's turning into a complete ham. And I luuuurve it.
This week is his last week of swimming lessons, and it's a clothed week. Seriously. My 18 month old son actually wore his clothes, shoes, water logged diaper and a hooded sweatshirt in the pool today. AND he floated like a champ. This not only makes me very proud, but feel more confident that should he ever end up unattended in our pond or a friend's pool, he will have the skills he needs to survive until we reach him.
Am I going to be like this for the rest of my life anytime James does something praise-worthy? Do these little things ever loose their luster and just become a part of the complex fabric of being a parent?
Yes, you will be like that for the rest of your life & no, it will never get old. In fact, the older he gets the more you will have to feel proud about. Even when he is a teenager! And eventually you'll have grands to feel just as proud of! That old analogy about love being like a candle flame really is true!
Posted by: Donna | February 11, 2009 at 03:23 PM
Almost forgot to say - quite an accomplishment for young Master James - big huzzah for him!
Posted by: Donna | February 11, 2009 at 03:24 PM
I am so glad you explained why he was fully clothed in the pool. What an accomplishment. You will always have that sense of pride at all the little and big milestones, it doesn't go away.
Posted by: Monica | February 11, 2009 at 03:50 PM
Yes, you will always be like that! I'm still like that and my girls are married and one has 2 kids!
Yeah for James! What an accomplishment. You should be proud and shouting it to everyone : )
Posted by: SusanB-knits | February 11, 2009 at 04:04 PM
Absolutely, you will be like this the rest of your life. You will revel in every accomplishment, large or small. You will agonize over every failure, fighting the urge to jump in and help. My son is 24, and I still delight in his successes and want to kiss away every booboo. Thank God he doesn't let me. :)
Posted by: Sue Johnson | February 11, 2009 at 05:59 PM
Well, I only have a puppy, not a baby, but I'm frequently amazed by him. He turned 1 today and I've been telling everyone.
Haha, and now his tummy is grumbling! That's new--I guess it's time to stop commenting and start feeding.
Posted by: Maria | February 11, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Way to go, James!! And to echo the other comments, you are always proud, but maybe more so as they get older - and you learn to truly appreciate such moments, as they balance out the other things... like adolescence...
Posted by: Deirdre | February 12, 2009 at 08:17 AM
yay James! yay Mom! The pleasure at seeing your child succeed even at small tasks never leaves.Enjoy those moments!
Posted by: Robin | February 12, 2009 at 12:50 PM
No, it never loses its lustre. I'm 38 and I'm sure my parents are still proud of me. My kids are almost 10 and almost 7 and I'm constantly proud of them. It's possibly the best bit about parenthood.
Well done to James and well done to you too for persevering!
Posted by: Cybèle | February 12, 2009 at 02:12 PM
Just wait until he learns how to read! Now that is truly amazing!
Posted by: Marylu | February 12, 2009 at 02:49 PM
Congratulations James!!! And mom too. It never ever changes feeling proud of the accomplishments of your child, is the thing that moves you and makes you try to go on and be always there to share and be part of. I am so glad that he learnt to swim, is so important if you have a pond, and you can enjoy the new skill this summer.
Posted by: juana | February 12, 2009 at 10:20 PM