Marin

Yesterday, we had Grandma's birthday party at our house. It was crazy big, with about 50 people. Lots of crazy running around to get the food set up for people. The pool was open. Start time was noon and the last person didn't leave until after 9pm.

At the pool yesterday, I sat there and watched Marin swim (for the 2nd time in one day) with her cousins. She was naked, swimming like a fish (or a mermaid) from the 4ft depth mark or less. She was able to go up for air mid-swim without having to stop and stand with her head above the water to take a breath; i.e., she knew how to swim! She didn't seem to realize this fact, was continually heading back to shallow water for a break. That's ok, I thought, let her think that for a while until she's even better with her swimming.

Marin was a little disappointed that Lolo didn't spend much time playing with her at all. I told her Lolo had too many people to talk to at the party. I hope she'll take it better next time when she doesn't have someone's full attention. Other than that, Marin was excellent at getting along with her cousins. She's in the same summer camp class with Riley and Aidan. The three of them play together very well now. Yesterday, Riley was playing with Aidan and when Marin joined them, he said, rather condescendingly, "This is only for boys." I only heard Riley and didn't see the girl he was talking to. I assumed it was Abby or someone younger or not close to us. When I looked and saw that it was Marin he talked to, I was quite surprised that I didn't hear a retort from Marin. You can always rely on her for a terse response to such talk. Later on, I noticed that they were playing on top a table, so I told Riley to take his toys to the playroom to play. I asked him if it was ok to let Marin join them. But by that time, Marin was already playing with the two boys. Riley said, "Yes, she can play with us. She already is." What a great development for Marin and Riley's relationship. They're not at each other's throat anymore! In fact, I don't see Marin fighting with anyone anymore; she used to fight with everyone quite often about one thing or other.

I am just awestruck every time I look at her. I watch her with quiet amazement, the most beautiful girl, the tremendous curiosity, innocence, combined with an underlying fierceness. I do not feel that I can claim any part of her at all, though I call her my daughter. She is a distinct, separate, independent person all of her wonderful making.