Summer Fun
Okay, so technically it’s not here until Friday, but as far as our thermometer is concerned it’s time to begin the Summer Fun. Depending on where you live, you might feel like Summer’s been around for months. I grew up along the Gulf Coast so I have vivid memories of going to the beach (in a bathing suit) in December and pool parties for my late-October birthday. Here in North Carolina, the weather is pretty mercurial with the transition of seasons. We’ve had a nice Spring with a few straight-up hot days peppered throughout. One warm April day I was inspired to do a Summertime Essentials post, so check it out if you missed it (or overlooked it because your ground was still covered in snow back then!)
Now that Summer is here, I’ve been forced to accept that this baby is actually going to be born. Soon. Like, in-a-month-from-now soon. Of course the impending delivery brings up all kinds of emotions. I’m growing increasingly uncomfortable so the idea that the end is near is, of course, exciting. But I’m also nervous about the labor and juggling two kids. This pregnancy has just been so different primarily because I’m not nearly as focused on myself and the baby. I’ve been trying to make a conscience effort to spend special time with my toddler in these last few weeks. His whole world is about to change and I want him to go into it feeling secure and loved.
One of my philosophies in regards to young children is to keep things as simple as possible. Kids really don’t need elaborate activities or much guidance in how to play. They are experts in play. So one of my favorite things to do with my son is fill up our small wading pool and let him go nuts. And since my swollen body wasn’t about to decline a nice soak, I decided to get in with him instead of sitting on the side with a book or iPad or camera in my hand. He was delighted to see me in the water. I couldn’t resist a couple of shots, but I purposefully put down the camera after a minute so I could focus on what he was doing– not how it looked.
His go-to toy in any situation is the army of plastic animals he’s collected. But that day I also filled up some balloons with water. They were a hit. I just used regular balloons that I had leftover from a party. They are more slippery and floppy than a ball so he had a blast just trying to pick them up and throw them back into the water. He’s learning to count so we did: “One, two, three, splash!” about five hundred times. By accident I discovered that if the balloon has a tiny hole in it, water will spray out like a spout. (Note: poke the hole before filling it up with water!) I loved seeing how much joy he got out of the spraying balloons. It only takes a few minutes of play with a toddler to help me appreciate the simple pleasures in life!
I can’t say what this Summer season will bring. With the birth of a baby and all the visitors who will be staying with us, I know things will be upside-down for a while. But I’m trying to stay focused on enjoying the new adventures that each day brings.
What are your favorite ways to enjoy the Summer?