Summer Lovin'

Although I have been neglectful in reporting on Anne's life and our experience as her parents, it is largely due to the fact that we are just living and enjoying this time with her. As I write, she is taking an early nap because yesterday we attended her friend's birthday party, where the “four musketeers” decked themselves out in princess attire and ate Gwendolyn's scratch cupcakes, and then we skipped out on the nap to swim all afternoon. What else is summer for?

Sholem Aquatic Center is way more than a pool. It's an oasis, and we love it there. Every nice day, we are there at least 2 or three hours. Since Anne has never feared the water, we enrolled her in YMCA swim lessons this spring. Now she is agile and strong, rendering surprise looks and praise from the “big kids” swimming near her: “Can she touch here?” (She prefers not to). Growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan, having literally crawled into the water before I could even walk, it makes my heart glad to see Anne so enjoying the water. With the tall oaks swaying above the green grass and the water crashing from play fountains nearby, I can almost imagine I am back at the beach where I first learned to love the elements: sun, sand, water, trees. No sand here, though. Thus we will make our annual summer pilgrimage to Traverse City in a couple short weeks to enjoy the beach, Cherry Festival, and Schelde's broccoli cheddar, and of course grandpa and grandma.

I heard a rumor that some of you periodically check this page for news on another Schultz baby. Sorry to disappoint, but we're estimating another year or so. Frankly, life is too simple and enjoyable right now. I am thankful to have had all of Anne's toddler years with her, distraction-free. And instead of mourning her exodus to kindergarten, I think that sounds like just about the right time to welcome another member of the family. On Anne's birthday in February I became nostalgic, recounting to her the happy days when she was still in my tummy: “I could not wait to meet you and see your face!” From the back seat of the car, Annie piped up, “Mom, I think you need to pick another baby.” I explained that babies tend to be noisy and need lots of attention. “I won't mind,” she assured me. “I can help. I'm a good mommy.”

Why do people ask small children whether they want a brother or sister? It's not as if they have a choice! Nonetheless, they often express a preference. When Anne last placed her order for a certain gender of sibling, I explained that babies are like the gumball machine at WalMart: You can't choose what will come out, and you just have to be thankful for what you get. The next time we shopped and she put her quarter in the gumball machine, she said, “Mom, it's just like you!” Anne will be a wonderful big sister, and I will be a wonderful mommy if I wait till the time is right.

Now I will go feed my hungry tummy and slather on some sunscreen for an afternoon in the splash zone. How much bliss is one life entitled to?

Annie: Are we going to The Mommy School today?
Me: The Mommy School? I didn't know mommys went to school.
Annie: Yeah, The Mommy School. They test your feet.
Me: They test your feet? Do I go to the Mommy School?
Annie: Yeah, they test your feet and give me stickers.
Me: (Lightbulb moment) Are you talking about Weight Watchers?
Annie: Yes, Weight Watchers! Are we going today?

I am happy to report that my feet passed the test this week!