Dad Street

Taking O to gymnastics class for the last time was bitter sweet. She’s been going for at least the last 6 months and we’ve had so much fun watching her. It wasn’t until recently as Jake got bigger that we realized we needed him to have an activity as well. The days of him asleep in his car seat while she jumped around the gym are long gone. Now that he’s almost 17 months he’s up an running around looking for things to get into!

When O was around a year old (before Jake was born) we took her for swimming lessons. She loved being in the pool and it was a whole lot of fun for us. We were able to spend really close, quality time with her in the pool and it was a great experience! So, we decided we’d enroll both of them in swim class. Turns out the class is for children 6 months to 3 years old. What’s awesome about this is all 4 of us will be in the pool at the same time! What a cool family activity, right??

The downside? You’ve got two 30-something parents wondering how we’re supposed to show up in the pool looking like this? Of course, The Boss, has nothing to worry about. She’s got a great body and should feel good about how she looks. She doesn’t think this way and is going nuts looking for a “one piece” bathing suit. Me on the other hand? Like I told her, guys are screwed. The one area that a guy cares about (his gut) can’t be covered.

Yeah, our bathing suits cover our asses and thighs.

What guy cares about his ass and legs?

Exactly!

So like I told her, my nastiness is hanging out and there’s nothing I can do about it. The only saving grace is I have lost 10 lbs. and am planning on losing more. Isn’t it funny how a little public display gets you motivated to get in shape? O and Jake aren’t going to want to get out of the pool because they’ll be having fun. I’m not going to want to get out of the pool so people don’t see my fat ass. Oh well…

Before I leave you I want you to check out this little video I did of O’s last Gymnastics class. Towards the end she gets me on the trampoline and I have a little crash landing. Enjoy!!

Dearest O,

I’ve always naturally thought of myself of a teacher. Not because I know things but because I like sharing new things with people. One day you might grow up to be the same way. When I became your Daddy I thought of all the wonderful things I’d be able to teach you. After all, you’d need to learn everything from how to use the potty to how to eat to how you’re going to deal with life’s challenges. Everyday it seems is a wonderful opportunity for me to help you learn something.

What I didn’t realize though is that you’d be teaching me things! Even more, you’d be teaching me things everyday. You teach me things directly as well as indirectly. I now look at the world through your eyes, as well as mine, and I learn new things all the time. In fact, I’ve come to realize that I need to make better record of these things. You help me learn things about myself as well as the world around me. Didn’t think you’d have such an impact on your Daddy at 29 months, huh?

Well today you taught me that I need to be careful about what I take for granted. We went to Carmel-By-The-Sea’s 50th Anniversary Sand Castle Contest. While your little brother Jake slept in the car (Mommy was keeping an eye on him) you and I went to the beach. Here’s a little video I took of us!

While we were strolling along looking at the Sand Castles I really soaked in the time we had together and how special it was. Of course what made it so special was being with you, seeing the smile on your face, the reaction when looking at a Sand Castle, and how excited you were at walking along the waters edge. What I came to realize was that we live in one of the most beautiful places in the country. Yet, we don’t do things like this very often. Most weekends are spent running errands, going shopping, and doing things around the house. I realized today that I really have been taking for granted where we live. We have an incredible Recreation Trail along the ocean, an amazing Aquarium that you love to go to, and of course the beach. There’s no reason we shouldn’t be doing these things every weekend.

I love teaching you things and I’m beginning to realize how many amazing things you’re teaching me in return. Thanks to you, today I learned I’ve been taking for granted what our community has to offer. Tomorrow? Daddy is going to teach you how to build a Sand Castle.

I love you,

Daddy

Last Day of Gymnastics and DadStreet’s Back on The Trampoline

My Letter To O: What You Taught Daddy Today