Our fearless little fish

Okay.  I have lived the last few weeks in denial about how soon little sister will be arriving.  The reality is sinking in now though- at 8 1/2 months pregnant (34 weeks), I cannot take Harper to the pool alone anymore.  Honestly, it has been a few weeks since I tried.

You see, the kid ADORES the water.  She comes by it honestly- both Neil and I really enjoy swimming and water sports, and we actually met for the first time in a lifeguarding certification renewal class.

When you ask Harper if she would like to go to the pool, you must be ready to get her there in the next ten minutes else she might burst with excitement.  Maybe even tunnel straight through the wall a la the Tasmanian Devil if you don't move fast enough for her taste.  Reason number one I don't do it alone: I don't do much of anything quickly anymore and putting on my bathing suit is an act I can only compare to the hippo ballet dance in Fantasia.  Except it takes longer.

Also, the child has zero interest in the kiddie pool.  She likes the water feature that spills water from brightly-colored containers, but Harper has little interest in actually swimming there.  The tile on the bottom is glazed and therefore slippery, and she needs traction in her life.

Well, that leaves the "hot tub" and large lap pool/ adult pool.  The lattert has no stairs as entrance- only ladders.  And ladders are fine, but one cannot enter the water on the ladder while holding a toddler- never mind while being extremely pregnant.  And Harper is not so good at staying on the side while I get in or out.  Sister has to MOVE.

And she loves the hot tub (disclaimer: it is not the 100+ degree hot tub we know and love in America.  It's like a really warm bath- just around body temperature or a bit more). With all the benches and jets to play with, she is in heaven in there.

However, dear readers, the main reason my overly pregnant self does not take Harper to the pool alone is her fearlessness in water.  Not an ounce of healthy concern in her little toddler body.  We have had her in it since she was  a little bug, and she is incredibly comfortable maneuvering on her own and with help.  She blows bubbles, kicks her feet, jumps in from the side, pulls herself up, wants to be tossed/ thrown/ bobbed/ dunked by us.  We just started working with a kick board and the only skill we continue to have an issue with is the back float.  I mean, why hold still when you can swim?

As illustration, I have a couple videos to share.  First, in the hot tub with Daddy.

Then, Harper in the big pool.

I rest my case.

About this week

Not sure how much writing time I will have, but I will try to keep you all updated.  In the very list, I will start some posts so I don't lose ideas.

You see, I am flying solo this week.  Neil is out of town on business, and Harper and I are kicking it just the two of us.

Yup.  I was scared am anxious about it too.

However, I am set-up for success.  My husband is a rockstar.  He gifted me with two nights in a row of baby duty while I took a (pregnancy-approved) sleeping pill, donned earplugs, and checked out early wile he dealt with an unhappy-while-teething-molars baby.  And he stocked the kitchen, finished up the laundry, reorganized the kitchen to make dishes easier for me to reach, straightened the surfaces of piles, and on and on to help me be successful.

God, I love this man.

I also have the luxury I have mentioned before: Everywhere in Shanghai delivers.  I mean EVERYWHERE.  Grocery stores.  McDonald's. The corner store.  If I didn't want to leave the apartment, I would not have to do so.

But, of course, I will.  Stir crazy happens easily.  We have a few play dates planned and will frequent the playgrounds to let Harper run out some ya-yas.

I have already survived day one.  I am tired, but not exhausted.  I am hungry but putting down the computer in a moment to grab some food.  And so far, little miss is sleeping pretty well.   Also, the apartment is not collateral damage.

I'd call it a success.

Happy Father's Day

To two of my favorite men.

To my Dad, who taught me how a lady is supposed to be treated by being one of the kindest, loving,  and most personable people I know, thank you.

Vintage Daddy and me, circa 2003

And to my husband, who has proven to have an innate gift for fatherhood.  Watching him love and adore our daughter is a gift everyday, and I look forward to continuing our parenting journey hand-in-hand.  

Vintage Neil and Harper, about two hours after she was born

Hope your Father's Day was fabulous, dear readers.