Ava seemed to enjoy the pool, and was pretty mellow about the whole ordeal. I tried to keep moving with her in the pool, swinging her legs underwater, bouncing with her, etc. We kicked, used a "noodle", blew bubbles, swam on front and back, splashed, sang songs, entered the pool, bounced up and down, etc. She liked when we sang songs, and she started rocking-out a few times. (She shakes her head from side to side whenever she hears music). She started clapping during some songs, too. I think the 30-something parents (including myself) probably looked ridiculous swimming circles in the pool, singing our ABC's and songs about "flapjacks". All for a good cause, though...the things we do for babies.
All 10 babies were right around a year old. I was really surprised by the number of dads that came to the lesson and got in the water with their baby. I thought that was great, to see such involvement!
One little girl, named Addison, didn't like the water at all. (She is to the left of Ava in the picture where they're sitting on the side of the pool). Doug was able to stand on the "sidelines" and take pictures / video. When we watched the video later, we realized just how much little Addison didn't like the water. She was crying the entire time! Fortunately Ava seemed to just be "taking it all in", and going with the flow (literally). She looked over at Addison a few times as if she was thinking: "why are you crying?"
We also sat the babies on the side of the pool, turned them around, and had them slide into the pool on their bellies numerous times, too. This in hopes of teaching them the safe way to enter the pool.
Our subdivision doesn't have a pool (what were they thinking?). Georgia is sweltering-hot and humid in the summer, so we decided to look for a neighboring subdivision with a pool, become recreational members and be able to use the pool. We're not going on any super-extravagant trips this year, so I thought it would be nice to treat ourselves to mini-vacation(s) at the local neighborhood pool. :-) I'm hoping we can just help Ava get used to water, so she feels safe around it. I think it's so important!
Next week it's Doug's turn in the pool with Ava, where they will submerge the babies, if the parents are comfortable with it. We'll see how Ava does... She HATES to have water poured over her head in the bathtub. Hmmm.....
Splishy Splashy (and other ridiculous baby water phrases),
Shelly
2 comments:
I had no idea how fun it was going to be to take little Zoe swimming. She has such a blast! Whenever Zoe and I go (usually with friends from play group), we just laugh and laugh the whole time. The other added incentive is she is WAY tired when we get home and usually sleeps for hours. Good luck with the whole under water thing. Zoe actually thinks it is pretty funny...I think these things can be harder on Mommy and Daddy then on Baby. It is great to see you enjoying time with Ava (and as a whole family together). Molly
We did the same class with Bella when she was 9 mo. at the Y. FUN! We had a blast and she continues to love being in the water! Although, still not cool with it being in her face and she's 4! I started with Abbey a few weeks ago...she loves baths but a little apprehensive in the pool. We'll get there. At least she doesn't cry...just literally an extra appendage. =) Shan
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