Pool Day with a Toddler // Swann Street Summer

The season of pool days is here! We kicked things off in North Carolina with my family. Getting ready for the big first pool day had my head spinning a little bit. What do we need?! How does this work? Last summer Miles was itty bitty but this year, we are ready for splashing and snacking.

From before his conception Miles' spirit was with me- so in sync. Earthside things have been no different. Stepping into warmer weather literally side-by-side. We are walking and marching along to all the places we love and being outside has been an effortless transition. Time outdoors, in whatever form that is manageable, is my desire for everyday this summer. You might remember my one little word for the year is outside. A constant, steady reminder to get some fresh air, get our hands dirty, or just sit by the pool. Without walls, time expands.

My one little word is sort of like a mantra. An answer to problems and stress and lately I've seen that going outside in the literal sense is only a part of that meaning. I also need to live outside my comfort zone. Outside the artificial boundaries I set for myself. A reminder to anyone who needs to hear it: you are more capable than you realize. Take that step further, pursue that goal, accept that "flaw," because you are amazing.

Our precious pool days have taught me more about my son and his personality, like his idea of fun and who he is becoming. Does he try to jump right into the water or float around peacefully? Lounge with snacks? Or run around wild? Of course he will change but being aware of change itself comes with the gift of presence.

Post-8 hour road trip (and pre-pedicure, heh) it felt so good to be at the pool on this day. I tried out all of our new gear which is linked below. The only thing that a bummer was the pool shoes. They were way too slippery and Miles took a tumble in them. I won't be using them again but I would try a better brand if he really needed them.

As for me, I absolutely love this long sleeve rash guard. I got a really bad sunburn on vacation a few months ago and I definitely don't want a repeat of that. The floral pattern on this is so pretty and of course I love that it coordinates with Miles' little swim outfit. The white portions are not see through when wet and it fits like a dream. There are built in (and removable) cups so you have support, too. I'm 5'1 and a 32DD, ordered the size 6 and it fits perfectly!