His first day back in the pool

On Memorial Day, we got to go swimming for the first time this season. Simon seemed to pick up right where he left off from last summer!


We think he's a natural. It must be in his blood. Not bad for a three-year-old, eh?

The girls are on the swim team again this summer. Their coach saw Simon swimming and said he could be on the team if he wanted. But, I explained that he can't quite get a breath on his own yet. She was impressed though!

{Yes, I am, not-so-secretly, thrilled!}

Now that he's almost five months...

...maybe it's time to post his four-month stats.

Roman had a great check-up!
Weight: 17 lbs 14 oz
Height: 26 1/2 inches
All in the ~95th%!

I can't believe he doesn't have teeth yet. He's our latest one. I'm actually very happy about it, too! I don't mind if those teeth don't come for quite some time. He's drooling like crazy, so I'm sure we don't have much longer, but a girl can hope, right?

*He's rolling over (he rolled back to tummy first, the little booger - but now can roll both ways).
*He is so strong! He stands for a long time when we hold him in our laps. When he's on his tummy, he pushes up with his strong arms. What a boy!
*He's grabbing at things (including the remote, my cell phone, etc.), but not always making contact.
*He babbles and coos, and blows bubbles and raspberries (goes well with the drool...makes for some very wet bibs, or, when I forget those, his shirts get soaked...all the way down to his belly button)
*He laughs. (Isn't that a magical sound?)
*He is such a delight! He smiles at everyone. And doesn't mind other people holding him. So far, so good on not having anxiety yet. We get compliments from strangers on what a good baby he is. It's true, what can I say?
*He LOVES his siblings. They make him laugh all the time.
*I love that, while he's nursing, he plays with my hand, holding it and squeezing it with his hand. (We hold hands). And I also love that (also when he's nursing) sometimes he'll rub my back with his other hand. So sweet!
*He is all smiles for his Mama! Love, love! Okay, okay, and his Daddy too. And, well, everyone. But, he does know and love his Mama! ;)

Roman is a joy! We love him so much! He is such a huge part of our family. I can't imagine our lives without him!

She never ceases to amaze me.

I found this poem in Julia's backpack. I asked her if it was an assignment. Her reply? "No, I wrote it just because."

The pond is silent.
A falcon soars high above the clouds.
A mouse scurries down below.
Too afraid to show,
Fear of the falcon.
The pond is silent.

I love it. And I love her.