The Adventures of Sharkboy and Dugongman

I had to work last Saturday - it was a long day and I was really tired. On the way back, Ckn asked me if I could bring Ehsan out for a swim. We were supposed to go the day before, but we had guests over for dinner, but we were tied up with something, and Ehsan was sleeping in the afternoon anyway.

Reaching home, and after a 15 minute breather, we left for the pool (it would be another 15 minute drive back to where I just came, as the pool is in the hotel, next to the office). Just me and my son; mano-e-mano! I can tell he was really excited and well prepared - he brought along his backpack (with Spiderman and his handy-dandy notebook stowed away...) and he had his bright green slippers. I asked Ckn to pack his brand new Floaties too (best to test them!)

Arriving at the hotel, and before you can finish saying 'swimming pool' (34 times), Ehsan was out of his clothes and in his trunks, his arms waving about awkwardly through the inflated Floaties. It was already 5 and the sun had gone behind the building, so the pool was in a shade (not good : it was cooler). I was a bit apprehensive; this would be the first time we tested the Floaties, and he seemed a bit too excited.

The moment Ehsan hit the water, his instincts (and his muscles) reacted perfectly with the Floaties - he was bobbing up and down on his own! He was actually moving both arms and legs - and he was floating! And swimming forward. I felt so proud! Ehsan doesn't need his 'trainer floating vest' anymore! He did, however, got so excited and constantly talked to me (I presume to tell me he can swim!), that he sucked in water... his gag reflex worked, and I let him 'cough' a little, and tried to explain to him that we had to control our breathing!

So we spent half an hour bobbing from one (short) end of the pool to the other. He managed to find his balance and lifted his toes out of the water. All the while, if he felt scared or tired, he'd grab my arm and rest himself on my thighs; and he'd be off again as quickly as he came!

I wish I could have taken pictures or a video, but since it was just the two of us, it'll just have to wait. Being the over optimist, Ehsan was soon complaining about the Floaties, and wanted them off. So I obliged... Apparently, he was prepared to swim like baba! So I let him...he did his normal waving of the arms, and promptly sunk! He was gasping, but it was nothing a good hug and a pat on the back couldn't make better.

Good things always come to an end, and poor Ehsan was soon shivering. I quickly took him back to our chairs and wrapped a towel over him, with another over his head. Hugging him close, I rubbed his back and rocked him gently. Ehsan just stayed there; unmoving and quiet. I was concerned that he was feint and unresponsive, but after 5 minutes, he looked up and beamed me a smile! All's fine then! I already decided that we'd take our shower at home so that Ehsan wouldn't get cold again.

Before we left, Ehsan had his bottle on a nearby deck chair. I sat on one myself and looking up I felt tranquil and content; and not tired as before. I guess Ehsan helped 'wash' all that away with his newly found swimming prowess, and I'm glad we had some time alone with him.