Noodling Round

“He has you all figured out. We just watch him play you, and laugh.” That from Margie, the swimming maven at the Mary Siah pool, said with a knowing, compassionate smile.

It was in response to my advance publicity at the front window that Matteo might swim “without his noodle” today, because he’s so brave and such a big boy. The theme has been rattling around our house since last week, when Teo pretty much confined himself to hanging off the buoyancy device with both hands filled with plasticky toys for the 45 minute “swim.”

“Are you going to swim without your noodle (next time/ tomorrow/ today)?” The answer from Teo was usually affirmative.

In the water today, however, it was “noodle” all the way. He did want to try without it at first, but, despite the butt-pack which floats him as long as he keeps his head up, he panicked, loudly crying out NO NO NO and turning all heads in the room toward him, until the noodle was inserted under his arms.

Then came the big smile as he tooled recklessly off with two green balls in his two little hands.

I waited to make my move until the last ten minutes. It was all “No, Papa” till then. No touching him, no lifting him, no pulling him, no throwing ball, no jumping in from the side.

I came in, touched him, and stayed. “No! NO!” was followed by louder, longer objections, followed by loud tears. I couldn’t back down. The public despair continued. A friend with two happy little swimmers came by, and asked, “trying to desensitize him?” to which I nodded. Nancy, who had brought her 18-month twins Molly and Lizzy for their first swim today, came over and asked if she could help.

I stuck to my guns, despite feeling like a brute. After a very long 5 minutes, Teo just stopped, and got into being pulled around. Soon he was comfortable enough to request that I tow him with one hand only. “Faster,” he requested.

By the end he was a different kid. The glass bubble was broken. Happily, we headed into the shower.

I can’t wait for Wednesday.