I used to love sitting in the sun.  I could lounge by the pool without really needing to get in the pool for more than a quick cool off then return to my nice, warm chair where the sun would turn me a lovely shade of bronze.

In the last three years I have had five total opportunities to sit by the pool – two of those included a one year old Addie napping in the shade next to me and one was on the deck of our apartment building overlooking the BNSF rail line, not a cool blue pool.  In short, my tanning days are over until my child(ren) are old enough to play in the pool without constant supervision.

But today; today was special.  We belong to Lifetime Fitness because they have an incredible pool.  Its perfect for Addie and we have frequented its cool relief this summer.  We sit in the zero depth section and play with her bucket, shovel, watering can and princesses.  We buckle a ladybug floatie around her torso and paddle in the lazy river.  We float and climb the stairs (over and over again) by the island.  We have a lot of fun together.

Why was today special? Addie surprised me and broke our routine: she wanted to spend some time in the playroom before swimming.  That meant she would get to play with other kids in a supervised and safe setting and I…I would get to sit in the sun.  Alone.  For as long as Addie would play happily.

Oh sweet summer relief!  I was beside myself with anticipation of the relaxation and sun baked bliss I would be experiencing.  I found a chair, set up my towel, peeled off my cover up and stretched out to absorb the warmth and…

I was bored.  I tried closing my eyes.  I tried sitting up straighter.  I checked the time.  Five minutes.  My mom called, we chatted.  I checked the time. Ten minutes.  I was hot and kinda uncomfortable.  And the water looked so cool and refreshing.  And those kids were having so much fun!

I promised myself I would only leave her in the play area for half and hour, no matter how incredible my poolside nap felt but I was heading toward the playroom after 20 minutes.  Addie was at the door looking for me, her little pigtails bouncing as she peeked through the glass.  When she saw me she was quick to tell me that the other kids wouldn’t let her type and wanted to show me the offenders.  I just wanted to have my buddy play in the pool with me.  So we checked her out, slathered her in sunscreen and gathered our toys.

I know motherhood would change me, but I really thought the super-tanner was eternal.  Let’s have a moment of silence as we remember the tranquility of WANTING to sit beside the pool rather than get in and play.   Times up. Let’s go play in the fountain.