Firsts

We've had a lot of firsts for Zachariah recently.

There was his first haircut-

Before:

During:

During:

After:

OK, so it wasn't technically his "first" haircut, but it was the first time that I've taken him somewhere and paid someone to cut his hair. I usually do it myself, but I didn't know how to cut it the way I really wanted it AND he wouldn't let me touch it. Ever since he went with me the last time to have my hair cut, he hasn't stopped talking about going to get his haircut too.

He loved every minute of it. I told the lady what I wanted done to it. Zachariah jumped up in the chair and sat very quiet and still the whole time. He enjoyed having the big mirror right in front of him, so he could see everything going on. And he knew what he wanted. When she was finished cutting it, she was messing around and gave him some spikes. He said, "Oh, I want spikes." It was fine with me, so she had to trim a little more to make that work. Then she put it in a faux-hawk. He said, "No, I don't want it like that. I only like the spikes." Personally I preferred the faux-hawk, but the spikes are cute too. Most days he wears it flat like he did before though.

Still, it was a very pleasant experience. He keeps talking about when he goes back even.

(And that is him in his little Easter suit in the last photo. I didn't get too many pictures that day. Also, thanks for your concern. My feet are feeling better. I still have to be careful with them, but it's getting better.)

*****

Then there was the first swim lesson yesterday-

Learning first to kick:

Jumping in & getting wet:

Swimming across the pool:

Learning to get out alone:

Jumping in the deep end:

I always think of my son as more grown up than he is. Is it because he's so smart and speaks so well with adults? Is it because I'm with him all the time? I have no idea. But seeing him all lined up with those other kids at swim lessons, he suddenly seemed so little. Yet, I was proud of him listening and following instructions.

The teacher that lead Zachariah's class won't be the regular teacher, but I kind of wish he was. He was fantastic with the kids and did a great job. I was impressed with all the things they worked on with the kids for just the first class. Zachariah learned to get in and out of the side of the pool himself. They got their faces and heads under water. They used the kickboard and went across the pool and back a few times. Then they even went down to the deep end and jumped in.

Now that was funny. Zachariah was last in the line of kids to jump in the deep end. I know he can jump in a pool, but he's always jumped to me or with a life vest. I was curious to see whether he would do it. When it was his turn he stood up just like he was supposed to. Then when it was time to jump, he sat down and tried to jump from the edge. The instructor made him stand back up. And he did it, he jumped right in.

Things I enjoy about the lessons. I get to sit back and watch my son in someone else's charge. There were a few other friendly mothers that I've already enjoyed talking with. The lessons are in the warm therapy pool (which is good for the kids, but it's really hot to just sit in there and watch). Zachariah should be a great swimmer and ready for summer soon.