Safety First

A few weeks ago Angela and I  finished our "Mommy and Me" swim classes at the local Y.  We had a great time.  Angela loved, loved, loved the water.  At the last class, the instructor recommended getting Coast Guard approved life jackets for the kids.  When I considered Angela's enthusiasm for the pool, and the fact our backyard is essentially all pool, I decided it would be prudent to follow the instructor's advice. 

I never realized the large range of life jackets on the market.  Infant life jackets have the typical flotation vest that goes around the chest along with an additional pillow that goes around the neck.  This construction makes floating face up the default position when they are in the water. 

Upon bringing the vest home, I decided to do a trial run with it.  Two year olds are a capricious lot and will sometimes take an irrational hatred toward pretty much anything (except cookies and ice cream).  I waited until Angela was in a good mood and put the jacket on her.  She looked quizzically at her well padded stomach.  She then fondly patted her tummy and said, "Pop Pop."  John and I lost it.  (For those of you who don't know, my father is rather, um, "well padded", shall we say?).  Needless to say, I had to call my father immediately.  Thankfully, he is the kind of guy who would be tickled by the tale.  I think, too, he was rather flattered to be likened to his grand daughter's life saving device.