Baseball and Swimming

It's been a pretty exciting week of firsts for us. On Sunday, we took Elliott to his first Ray's game. We were able to got tickets from James Shields, the pitcher, since I taught his daughter last year. I invited David, Steve, and Grandpa and we all made our way to the stadium after buying a cute Ray's outfit for Elliott. We picked up our tickets as Elliott slept soundly in the sling. The ladies at the entrance overheard me say it was his first MLB game and they let us in through the VIP entrance and inside they gave Elliott a special "My 1st Game" button. As we got settled in our seats, the crowd erupted in cheers and clapping and Elliott opened his sleepy eyes. He had an absolutely astonished look on his face as he took in all of the sights and sounds of the ballpark. He stood on my lap and clapped his hands. He watched me eat a chili dog and pumped his arm in the air, dancing as the music played loudly throughout the stadium. We had a great time and I was so glad to be there with my dad. I know he was excited to be there for Elliott's first game. After the game, my dad and I went for milkshakes. It was a very special day.

The other big thing this week was starting swim classes. Florida is of course full of pools and water and Elliott has loved being in the water so far. He loves splashing in the bath and running his hand under the faucet as the water pours out. He loves splashing with me in the pool and playing with his water toys. Learning to be safe in the pool is important and one of the teachers from school offered to give Elliott lessons for free. We go every morning and he will learn how to float on his back in the pool. I felt comfortable since he knows Cindy and I trust her to be patient and gentle with him. He has cried each time so far, but I sit right by the edge and encourage him. He is doing well so far and can almost float on his own. Next he will learn how to hold his breath and then after 5 weeks he should be able to be safe in the water. It is hard to watch him cry for sure, but I am right there and he can see me and hear me the whole time. Cindy only keeps him in the water for few minutes each session and he goes right into my arms and stops crying when it is done. Of course his safety is number one and I think he will be proud of himself when he can do it.