we enrolled the boy in a swim class.  i'll admit - as we drove to the first class (8am on a freak'n Sat. morning), jon & i were actually a little nervous.  this was the first time he'd be in a class - or 'sporting activity' - where he's compared to others - expected to conform - and all that other stuff.  i know it sounds really weird and possibly exaggerated, but it's true - it was weird for us.

 

we get there - along with about 10 other kids (ages 6 months to 3 yrs) and their rents.  the drill includes all the kids with one parent each and the 'instructor' (i use that term loosely, as it's a 15 yr old kid from a high school swim team) singing songs and playing lame games that are lame...did i mention the songs and games are lame?  so, Aiden sits on the side of the pool - dips his feet in (see below) - and then it all went down hill from there.  he proceeded to freak out for the next 45 mins, while all the other kids splashed around like they were just put in a candy pool.  i think part of the problem was that jon was in there with him and i was watch'n on the sidelines - meaning Aiden was constantly screaming for me - which forced me to hide.  needless to say - we went home a little horrified, worn out and anxious for the next 7 crack-o-dawn Saturday mornings ahead.

 

i went alone the next week - and he was MUCH better.  he still refused to join in any reindeer games, so we sat on the side jumping in and out, and swimming around the other jolly young'ns.  initially, i tried to get him to do what all the rest of the kids were doing - but, then i realized he doesn't want to replicate "wheels on the bus" in aquatic form...and frankly neither do i.  so, off to the side we stayed...for the entire 8 weeks...jumping in and out...swimming...floating...blowing bubbles.  part of me was initially anxious that my boy didn't want to socialize (except when he saw a kid with a cooler boat than his) or conform...then the bigger part of me was actually proud...i've got myself an independent young'n.  i know that shouldn't be surprising given his genetic make-up, but it's a neat moment when u're faced with a glimpse of your kid's real personality...trust me. 

 

i guess my point is - i think it's kinda cool that at 2 yrs old, my kid already thinks conforming is lame.  it makes me proud and a little more ready for those competitive school years ahead.  and, i think we'll understand each other well...until he refuses to conform to what i say...then all hell will break loose...