Father’s Day swim with our baby boy—quiet joy, warm water, and one very beloved rubber duck
This Father’s Day was quiet, simple, and just right. It was one of those gray, drizzly days that made the idea of staying home tempting—but instead, we packed a bag and headed to the indoor pool at Life Time in Columbia, Maryland.
No pressure, no plans. Just the three of us and a warm place to play.
Sammy, who’s 11 months old now, has a funny little ritual when we arrive. He doesn’t rush into anything. He sits for a while first—calm, observant, soaking it all in. The water, the movement, the sounds. It’s like he needs to study it all before he gives himself permission to dive in (figuratively—for now).
But once he’s ready? He’s off.
He crawls straight into the shallow end like he owns the place. Splashing. Exploring. Fearless. It’s one of my favorite things about this stage—how quickly their world opens up when they feel safe.
And of course, his rubber duck came along too. It’s his favorite at bath time, and now it’s made the leap to pool toy status. He clutches it, tosses it, watches it float. That duck is in all the photos—and all the memories.
The whole afternoon was low-key and lovely. Nothing styled, nothing staged. Just a cold rainy day turned warm through play, and a baby who couldn’t have been happier.
It’s these kinds of days I always want to remember. Not just the milestones, but the small in-between moments that show who your child is becoming. If you’re in Columbia or anywhere in Howard County and want to document your own version of everyday magic, I’d love to help.
You May Also Enjoy
6 Months of Magic: Why Maryland Families Shouldn’t Skip This Baby Photo Milestone
Lewis Ginter Maternity Session | Virginia Maternity Photographer
Newborn Twin Girls at Home in Gaithersburg, MD | Maryland Newborn Photographer
