At Last

  It was humid and 83* with the pool water almost as high as the air outside.  We decided it was time for our first swim of the season.  Israel has been ready for months now, and we were so excited to see River's initial response to this new sensorial experience.

  Israel's relationship with water was somewhat complicated.  He loved it as long as I had a kung fu grip on him and the water level didn't raise above his chubby little knees.  We were expecting the same kind of response with River.  After the sunscreen was globbed all over their delicate skin, Israel jumped in, and I slowly acquainted River into the pool.  He honestly didn't even seem to notice the difference in his environment.  He was elated as usual, grabbing at every toy and noodle that floated his way.  He splashed, tried to escape from my grasp, and dipped his little face in the water over and over again.  His nose would have tiny drips on it, and he would just smile like he was the coolest cat in town.

  The next test was putting him in his little floaty.  Sure it was easy to be content while snuggled in mama's arms, but what about a more detached approach..?  We stuck him in and he was happy as could be.  Israel swam up beside him and spun him in circles while River squealed with delight!  He was a born water baby!  He definitely has his home in the Sustar family for that one; no trepidation, just at peace like a little fish.

  As Justin held him, he kicked his legs wildly, and his arms were going like he already knew how to doggy paddle.  He liked being free from our bodies and loved to splash splash splash.  Of course he didn't like being splashed, but with all of his cousins in the pool too, that was unavoidable. 

  We spotted a birds nest, which usually can be found every year near my in laws deck.  Mama wizened up this year though as we found her nest a little further away.  There were three tiny babies who made their appearance as we all reveled at how stinkin adorable they truly were.

  While River took a nap in the cool of the shade with his sun hat protecting his baby skin, we had fun swimming with Israel as we all got a little too crispy in the five hours we were enjoying the water.  It felt good to be tired from all of the exercise.  We packed up our cooler and headed for home where we cleaned up and snuggled as close as we could in the living room and watched a movie with our tanned skin and fatigue.