Girl's Camp

This past week at Girl's Camp was a good one. We shared the camp with another stake and, I'm not going to lie, the first couple of days seemed rough. Nothing more than the kind of awkwardness you'd expect. But by Wednesday, things seemed to be good. Also, as expected, I was pretty uncomfortable and probably did way more than I should have but no harm done. Overall, I'm glad I went. It was actually pretty fun! The day after I got home, I had my annual appointment with my massage therapist (I see her regularly throughout the year, this is just our standing appointment, the day after camp). I'm telling you, she works wonders! If anyone needs a referral, let me know! Unfortunately, I think she released too many toxins in my body and I've been pretty sick ever since (which is why it's taken me so long to post this). :( Oh, well, my back feels better!

Mommy & Me

Before I take off for Girl's Camp, I just want to report that putting Giovanni in the Mommy & Me swim class was definitely the best move. He had such a good time! He does all kinds of tricks in the water now: kicking, paddling ("ice cream scoopers"), going around the pool by hanging onto the side ("crab walk" or "Mr. Krab's Money Walk" or just "money") and blowing bubbles in the water. We're so proud of him! He also met his first crush, a life guard named Crystal. He could not take his eyes off her! One day, he even gave up his free time swim to get out and sit next to her on a towel. He's so sweet.

The Mind of My Gio....

Lately, Giovanni's been trying out joke-telling. He's even said, a few times this week, "Knock-knock" but doesn't really go anywhere with it, like, after you say, "Who's there?" he finishes with, "It's me, Gio." Tonight he was trying out a new one: he'd say, "Mommy, guess what!" to which I'd reply, "What, Gio?" and he'd answer, "Ephraim!" (his best buddy) Too funny.

7 Days Until.....

Camp! I haven't really mentioned anything about this on here but SO many people are asking (since I'll be 20 weeks pregnant the day after we get home). To answer everyone's question: YES, I'm going to camp! :) I am the Girl's Camp Director for our Stake (Church) and it is one of the highlights of my life. When I was called to this position, I reminded the Stake Presidency member who was interviewing me that I'm a mother (Gio was just a year old at the time) and that I was definitely having more children. His reply? "As long as you're not more than 7 months pregnant, you can come to camp." Thankfully, Ryan's OK with it, too, as Gio stays home with him. Honestly, my assistant, Rebecca, and I work so hard throughout the year that I wouldn't miss it for the world. We also have incredible support staff and Youth Leaders to carry out what the camp needs. But all the hard work really pays off. When we get to the last day, at testimony meeting, I can see how much good this program does. It is definitely the Lord's camp! I can't guarantee how comfortable I'll be or to what extent I'll be able to participate in all the activities, but I'll be there. :)

Giovanni's Demotion

It's true. I took Gio swimming every chance I got last summer (we lived right next to the pool then) and we had consulted the head of the program before enrolling him. However, after four days in the Level One swim class, they suggested I take Giovanni to the Mommy & Me class. The first day he spent sitting on the side of the pool. The second day he was in the pool, clinging to his teacher for dear life as she walked him around the pool, as she hoped he'd get used to he water. The third day, he still clung onto his teacher, but participated more with the class. Then, yesterday, they fully included him in the class, having him in the water & holding onto the side. Whenever he wasn't involved in some activity, he was crying for his mommy. One little girl attempted to comfort him then turned around and told the teacher, "Gio wants his mommy." Too cute. But didn't work. The funny thing is, every day since Monday he's told me, "Thank you for the water today," and telling everyone, "I go swibbing wessons!" As we were getting in the car to leave yesterday, I told Gio, "Tomorrow Mommy's going to get in the water with you. Won't that be fun to go swimming with Mommy?" To which he replied, "Not really." So, today we begin Mommy & Me together. Wish us luck.