Rachel has a new name!

Rachel informed me tonight that her new name is "R." That means she no longer answers to Rachel, Rach, Sweetie, Honey, etc.

She is very insistent on this point, so I advise all of you out there to follow this directive if you want her to pay attention to what you're saying or what you want her to do.

So, Mom and Dad, I now have a taste of what you went through all those years when Daniella and I insisted on being called boys' names and Daniella embarrassed you at Jones Beach when she informed a group of people that, "My real name is Daniella but my parents INSIST on calling me Russell." HAHAHAHAHA! I bet it didn't seem so funny back then, did it??

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Rachel continues to have a great time in the pool, and I think she's developed a mad crush on Katherine, her teacher, who has pale skin, freckles, blue eyes and long red hair. Rachel always wants to be near her in the pool and frequently talks about her during the week.

Rachel blew great bubbles today and didn't even cry when her eyes accidentally hit the water; she just brushed the water out of them and resumed playing. Instead of hurrying her out, I took her to the shallow end where she practiced holding on to the edge and walking across the bottom of the pool. A light suddenly went off and I realized we can come to the pool anytime we want, not just during swim lessons, so I suggested that she and I come back during recreational time. She enthusiastically seconded that idea, and I bet she'll learn to swim faster the more practice I give her!

After lessons we had a playdate at my friend Amy's house, then rushed to pick up dry cleaning and get groceries. Result: It was 5 when we got home and I was desperate to give her a nap before the sleep window closed. I was at the kitchen sink frantically trying to clean up from breakfast and unload the groceries when I heard her say, "Mommy, are you happy?"

"Yes," I grunted, not really paying attention.

"Smile, Mommy!" Rachel exclaimed. "I love it when you smile!"

I started laughing.

"OK, Rachel, you win!" I said, instantly cheering up.