Unsure
Today was Teagan’s first swim lesson. Ashlin’s too! I ended up going in with Ashlin, but before I did, I got to take a few pictures of Teagan and Stu.
Teagan, our penguin at bath time, was very unsure, unwilling to go in the pool, once we got there. I don’t think she realized that she’d be going in alone, without one of us holding her. Stu stayed with her, slowly encouraging her to get closer and closer to the water, to get her feet in, to kick along with the rest of the class. Eventually, she went in, and went whole hog! There was green light/red light kicking! There was backstroke! There was splashy ball! The other kids needed a three count, Teagan jumped in at the count of one. She went half the length of the pool and back in the back stroke, kicking better than any one else. I wish I had seen it. Stu said she did really well, once she got over her initial reluctance.
Noodle
Ashlin, well, didn’t do quite so well. Class was just about nap time, and we were out late last night for the fireworks. She was very fussy. She cried almost the entire time in the pool. I did not let her get out, I’m such a mean mommy. There were some times she was happy, or less unhappy I should say. There was singing. She liked that. We sang modified versions of “If You’re Happy And You Know It” and “The Wheels On The Bus.” She was perplexed by the word changes, but happy for the songs. I couldn’t turn her so she could look out, she just wanted to snuggle in, hugging. I would move in to the group when she quieted, and move away as she geared up crying. Towards the end of the class, I sat her on the gutter, counted one-two-three and she lent forward, not quite diving towards me. Quick spin around with extra happy voice and I put her down again. She did it again. And again.
Both girls napped at least two and a half hours after swim class.
Next week, we’re going to try to nap her before we go. Hopefully being more rested will work better for her.
I’m looking forward to watching both of them in the pool. I really can’t believe how big Teagan is getting. How grown up.
Whatever! 