Once a Swimmer

Img_1267… always a swimmer? Only time will tell if Anna will swim like a fish. No pressure little one. We will make sure to teach her how to swim since we live near water and I see it as an important life saving skill. Last night I took my first bath with Anna. It was pretty damn cool and she really enjoyed the water. Anna is doing well and hitting all her "developmentals" as my father-in-law says. She’s sleeping well through the nights, but does have more trouble napping in the daylight hours. I had to resort to aluminum foil in her windows which should help. She still hasn’t blessed us with a good belly roll. Maybe I’ve become too serious in these parenthood days, yet I’m optimistic it will happen any day.
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In one week we’ll visit my wife’s family in Chicago. My mother-in-law did get much better news this week regarding the breast cancer. Her most recent pathology results tested negative for any cancerous cells. This is a huge relief and again it appears radiation is out of the picture. However, she will have some chemotherapy and a decent road to recovery ahead. She’s in a lot of pain after her double mastectomy, but seems in good spirits. Thanks again to everyone for offering positive thoughts.
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I learned last week one of my co-workers had an unsuccessful bid at public office. While he didn’t do so well in his state’s special primary election and despite our differences in politics, I think it’s admirable he ran. He’s out there doing something to try and enact change. So many of us, including myself, talk about all these things we’d like to do about our country, yet we can hardly be asked to vote. My co-worker actually wants to be part of the process. More power to him and I hope he doesn’t let the outcome discourage his desire to serve in public office.
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I love this season’s cast on The Amazing Race and Survivor. What I don’t love? I’m pretty darn sick and tired of hearing about The Osmonds. Oh yeah, I love me some furry little kittens.

About lessinges

Seattle native, discovering life! I like ice cream, cold cereal, and The Amazing Race.
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39 Responses to Once a Swimmer

  1. Chris says:

    The Amazing Race cast rocks – I am glad that first couple that was eliminated left first cause they were so darn cruel to their ass. I am sad that those two lasies are gone, they were amongst my favorite couples and they really were a cute couple.
    The Surviuvor cast is beginning to grown on me, it took some time but I am in it now.
    All the best with MIL.

  2. justrun says:

    Glad to hear of your mother-in-law’s recovery so far.
    Your little swimmer is a cutie!

  3. furiousball says:

    very happy to hear about the MIL, tubby time is so great. the water soothes the baby and they love playing in it too.

  4. Snarf Snarf (Thundercats, HO!) says:

    Another new post? Are you trying to do the NaBloMoFoGotHo thing afterall?
    Excellent news about you MIL.
    I can’t believe Anna isn’t laughing yet. Have you tried blowing raspberries on her belly or feet? That always seems to give them some good belly giggles.

  5. Leezer says:

    Hi Egan!
    What a little cutie Anna is! She’ll probably love the water because she’s been exposed to it at such a young age; I think that makes all the difference. About your friend – I agree it is admirable to take a shot at an election. I work with elected officials every day (city council members) and all too often the mean angry people get elected because the good ones are doing other things – soccer, being with their families – that are probably more important. So when someone throws their hat in the ring it’s a huge sacrifice on their part. Kudos to your friend.

  6. brookem says:

    look at her, she’s prepping for backstroke. she’s going to be one heck of a swimmer, i can feel it.
    i hope that you and your family have a good trip to chicago- good news to hear about your mil.
    i dont watch those shows, sorry.

  7. brookem says:

    ps- i see you switched up your layout a bit? i like.

  8. Carrie says:

    Babies really seem to LOVE water… after a little while. Good call on teaching little baby how to swim though. And omg she is ADORABLE!!!

  9. Maddy says:

    My mother had the same surgery 8 years ago. She returns for a check up every year [used to be twice a year] All clear and going strong.
    Best wishes

  10. egan says:

    Chris – I’m glad you agree. I really love the Survivor cast. The gravedigger dude really cracks me up. I think my favorite guy is Frosty. He’s a good guy and I want him to go all the way. Yeah, the first couple eliminated was awful to their donkey. Bastards!
    Justrun – thank you. We’re relieved about the m-i-l outcome too. A little swimmer first, then runner, then cyclist. Yeah. Actually I will make sure not to pressure her with that stuff.
    Furiousball – she really does love the water. She seems so at ease in it. I have to be careful not to get water in her ears though. I remember the pain associated with ear aches.
    Snarf Snarf – I love the name du jour today. Well done. I know, I want her to laugh so bad. It’s not happening yet, but I’m sure it will. I’ve tried both techniques and neither have prompted belly laughs. (Thunder thunder… Thunderrrrcats!)
    Leezer – it’s not easy to throw your hat into the ring. It times time and money. It’s really too bad it takes money, but that’s how our system works. My co-worker didn’t fair well, but he tried. I guess I don’t know exactly what you do, but it must be very enlightening.
    Brookem – it would take Anna a lot more than three strokes to the wall. It would be more like thirty. You should feel very sorry for not watching those shows. I feel awful about not watching The Hills and Grey’s. Did you get a monitor?
    Brookem – the green is gone for now. I think more changes are in the works.
    Carrie – since we live close to water, it’s a very important skill to know. I think all kids should learn to swim at an early age. I also think they should all speak French too so take my comments with a grain of salt. Thanks, we think she’s quite adorable too.
    Maddy – hello and welcome to my blog. Thanks for sharing your mom’s information. It’s nice to know things are going well with her. Don’t be a stranger.

  11. Leezer says:

    Egan:
    I’m the Newcastle city attorney, but have also been the attorney for Burien, Maple Valley, Duvall, and Lake Stevens. Don’t tell anyone, I try not to mix blogging/work.

  12. egan says:

    Leezer – no worries, I won’t say anything. Newcastle is a relatively new city as far as Washington cities go. How was Lake Stevens? There can’t be much going on there or at least it seems. They do host a decent triathlon there each summer.

  13. brookem says:

    did it used to be green on your header? i like the blue. i also like how the poster’s name shows up green now.
    got a monitor, yes!
    30+ strokes to the wall!

  14. churlita says:

    Great to hear about your M-I-L. I hope things stay that way.

  15. egan says:

    Brookem – yes, it was green around the blue header. Yeah, you got a monitor. That’s a good thing. It would suck ass not to have access to the internet from home. Anna was a swimmer about this time a year ago…oops, too much info.
    Churlita – we hope things stay this way too. Thanks.

  16. Leezer says:

    Egan:
    When I left Lake Stevens (2000) it was facing an annexation that would double the population; I didn’t keep track of what happened. The houses on the Lake are beautiful, but it’s in Snohomish County which is a HUGE property-rights/redneck-type place, so frankly the politics scared me a wee bit. Nice folks at City Hall, though.

  17. patches says:

    Sorry I missed out on yesterday discussion. Excellent topic. Difficult topic.
    Glad things are improving for your MIL. I imagine a little one on one time with Anna will bring a smile to her face.

  18. Think Jacob says:

    Coming to Chicago, eh? Is it the actual city, or a suburb? I live in the ‘burbs (not really, I’m actually far enough away from the city to be considered “rural.”) Maybe we can have lunch or something. I’ve never gotten to meet another blogger.

  19. Lynn says:

    Adorable photo. Anna really is a cutie. Sounds like she wants you to work for your smile. Here is a public service announcement…I don’t think that she will appreciate this picture being on your blog when she is older…end of public service announcement.

  20. BigBro says:

    Eg…is it chemo or radiation that MIL is looking at next? You say chemo is next, but radiation is the lesser of the 2 evils…hopefully it’s chemo she won’t need.
    I watched Oprah- YOU HAVE TO! Talk about a shitty mess of a house! But they give a lot of insight to th mindset of a hoarder and that you can’t do it (clean it out) when they are gone…don’t send mom anywhere just yet…

  21. Amy says:

    Saw “BigBro’s” comment. I watched Oprah too and I was thinking of you and your mom when I watched it. It took 100 people 2 months to conquer the clutter. The hoarder had counseling and everything. Part 2 is on tomorrow. You must see it, it was very educational.
    Hats off to your co-worker for his efforts. And hats off to you as well for being supportive despite your political differences.
    Great to her you MIL is got some good news.

  22. sandra says:

    My god she’s a doll!

  23. Airam says:

    Hey Egan … your background is blue like mine now … so naturally I like it!
    As for Anna the swimmer … that picture is too adorable for words! Looks like she’s going to take after her poppa!

  24. Airam says:

    Oh and GREAT news about your mother-in-law!! I’m sure she’s very excited about your upcoming visit to the windy city!

  25. Tall Chick says:

    Woo hoo!! Go MIL!!!
    Looks like Anna is becoming a wee fishy already! 🙂 I remember bathing with my babies. Ah, where does the time go?
    Don’t look now, but I think you’re naked in that picture! O_O ^_^

  26. Diane Mandy says:

    I’m so happy ro hear the positve news about you mother-in-law!

  27. sizzle says:

    i am glad your mother-in-law got some good news and hope her pain eases quickly.

  28. The Grunt says:

    I’m glad to hear about your mother-in-law. Chemo bites it hard, but if you know that you are going to come out of it ok, then you have that gem of comfort to get you through. I’m nearing the end of my six months of chemotherapy and I am starting to feel like I will have my life back. I still have a month of radiation after, but whatever gets me well.
    I’m sick of the Osmonds as well.
    Teaching your kids to swim early on is very smart. I learned at 18 months and have been a strong swimmer ever since.

  29. Golden says:

    I’m a little late on the comment here,but I’d just like to say.. Anna’s little head of hair is awesome!
    Yes, teaching a child to swim is the best thing ever. However, have you seen this:
    http://www.infantswim.com/home.html
    The website makes it look really cool.. but there was some footage of the beginning of training (not on this website, but on the news) and they actually just let the babies. sort of.. flounder.. and I know there’s probaby a lot more to it.. but there’s no way in hell I could just sit on the side of the pool and watch my baby almost drown.

  30. Such a sweet little swimmer! Good to hear your mother in law is doing better, too.

  31. ChickyBabe says:

    She’s a cutie. Just don’t embarrass her with that photo on her 21st!
    I love the blue template, btw.
    J’espere que tout va bien.

  32. L says:

    MY kittens? Do you love MY kittens?

  33. egan says:

    Leezer – you’re right about the red neck factor. It’s a point that got hammered home when I did my triathlon there last year. Great course, but not sure I would do the triathlon there again. The lake water is pretty nasty too.
    Patches – we know there will be much cuddling with Anna with grandma. It should be very cool and lift her spirits.
    Think Jacob – area code 630 represent. Think west of Dupage county. I should shoot you an email and see if we can work it out. Meeting bloggers is pretty cool.
    Lynn – how could a person be embarassed about their baby picture? Seriously.
    BigBro – it’s radiation she will miss. I guess she’s more fearful of the radiation. This is new territory for me though so I could be getting the two confused. I didn’t see Oprah, but I imagine I can find it online somewhere. Alright, no cruise for me… we’ll wait.
    Amy – thanks, I think it took some guts to run on such short notice. I chatted with him about it yesterday and he said it was an awesome experience. That’s a great takeaway if you ask me. I’ll try to catch Oprah’s show today or online. I’ve seen a couple different shows on hoarding. My mom’s not too bad in comparison to many I’ve seen.
    Sandra – that’s something we can both agree on. Yeah.
    Airam – my goal is to be like you. Next up, a Ph.D. If she swims well, great. If not, no biggie. I really don’t want to pressure her because I remember how unfun that was as a child.
    Airam – hells yeah it’s good news. ChiTown here we come!
    Tall Chick – I knew for sure that wouldn’t get passed you. I’m shocked it took so long for anyone else to point that out. Well done!
    Diane Mandy – yes, tis very good news. I will keep everyone posted as things progress.
    Sizzle – thanks for that. We can only hope things continue to improve as they have. Merci.
    The Grunt – I’m glad someone finally chimed in on The Osmonds. I’m sick of seeing Donnie all over the place. Maybe I should stop watching shows with Mary Hart or Billy Bush. Wow, you’re almost through with your chemo? That’s great news. I wish you the best with your recovery as well.
    Golden – I taught youngsters how to swim and it can be scary, but it’s how they learn. You’ve seen adults try to float right? That doesn’t look so graceful either. Interesting site and business venture.
    A Life Uncommon – you better believe it’s good news. The cancer and the swimming. Good to “see” you again.
    ChickyBabe – I’m glad you noticed the change. You, Airam, and Brookem must be on the same wavelength. Oui, ca va bien.. merci. Et toi?
    L – do you still own kittens? Are you one of those that gets kittens for a week and then returns them?

  34. L says:

    I still have them! We got over the hump with the fleas and the collickyness and now they’re thriving (and eating my foot – the little one that was all sick is now lively and playful and loves to attack feet).

  35. Jennifer says:

    Sending powerful fight-the-good-fight-and-kick-cancer’s-ass vibes in your MIL’s direction.
    And also, there is something about pictures of babies at bath time that turn me into a pile of mushy goo.

  36. brandy says:

    I watched Survivor a few weeks ago and only remember thinking that the one girl on the show was really skinny and I didn’t mind the name “Frosty” as much as I thought I would.
    Glad to hear about the good news regarding your MIL. Hoping that things just keep getting better and better.

  37. egan says:

    L – phew, I was afraid I’d have to give you a sizeable guilt trip if you adopted two cats and then promptly gave them up for adoption. You’re a better woman than I can ever be.
    Jennifer- thanks for the vibes. I will cheer for your blue and yellow team if you cheer for the MIL. I know it’s not really a fair comparison, but I never to return the favor. There’s something so cute about a confused baby in water.
    Brandy – this is one of my favorite comments because of the Survivor stuff you said. Frosti is one of my favorites, but he got voted off this week. He’s a cute charming guy, but he did fall for the skinny Courtney chick. Wow, she’s a tiny one.

  38. Jen, also says:

    Not to hit a gift horse in the mouth or anything, but it’s blue and GOLD, egan. Blue and GOLD.

  39. egan says:

    Jen – ha, I’m glad you corrected me on this. I would hate to mess up the cheer. I stand corrected, merci.

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