Well, we survived the first day of swimming lessons, at least.
I signed EA and MC up for swimming lessons a few weeks ago. I waited to really talk to them about it until their swimsuits came in. The mail around here is so unpredictable that I didn’t want to have to cancel the lessons and greatly disappoint them because their swim suits didn’t make it in time.
The swim suits came in last Friday and the girls have been so excited about going to swim ever since.
Having the girls learn to swim has been a high priority for us, especially since I can’t swim myself. I am planning to take adult lessons after Keith returns. But because I know it is going to be ultra hard for me to learn and overcome my personal fear of the water, I didn’t want EA and MC to have the same problem.
Their first lesson was this afternoon. The girls skipped their nap in order to get ready and Will had a shortened nap because of the time of the lesson.
Keith and I made predictions about how they would each react to the lessons and we were completely wrong.
We thought MC would be anxious to just jump right in like the little dare devil that she is (around us) and EA would be too scared and nervous to do anything. Just the opposite is what took place today at the Rolling Hills Pool.
EA has a much more outgoing personality and she does great in new situations and around new people. She’s a little social butterfly. MC, on the other hand is a natural introvert, like her mommy. She is more reserved and timid in new situations and around new people. These personality traits took presidence over MC’s “daredevilness” and EA’s “fearfulness”.
To be completely honest, I think both girls were a bit scared. Either EA was terribly cold, or a bit frightened, because she was shaking like a leaf the whole time. Bless her heart.
The teacher was wonderful with both girls, though. She was very patient and non-pressuring. I appreciate that.
As I sat on the side with Will beside me in his stroller, I had to fight back tears. I couldn’t believe that my babies were learning such an important skill. How can they look so big and so very small at the same time?
My heart went out to MC as she started crying the first time the teacher put her in the water. I understood her hesitation. I understood her fears. My mother’s heart wanted to go get her and hold her close. To comfort her and tell her it would be okay.
But I didn’t.
I just sat and watched. I watched both of my babies be brave. EA tried every thing the teacher asked of her. And MC stuck it out, too. She didn’t run away as I would have been temped to do.
We have five more days of lessons ahead of us and I am looking forward to seeing EA and MC become more comfortable with the water and reach another of life’s milestones.
I can’t leave this post without this one antedote….
After their lessons and after changing, the girls were in the bathrooms. MC was with Will waiting on EA to go “potty”.
Outside the bathroom we were in another family was leaving the pool and the little girl tripped and fell. She started crying. And she got complete sympathy from my MC.
MC heard her and said, “Mommy, her’s crying ’cause her doesn’t want to swim”.
Because, really, why else would anyone be crying at the pool?
Suzanne says
That is so very cute – and I’m glad you’re able to take them to swimming lessons. We did 2 months worth last spring and the kids ate it up – well, the girls anyway. Graeme was a bit shy about it and it took him both months to master the first level (ducking his head underneath) which I totally understand as I’m not exactly a ‘water’ person myself. Duncan LOVES the water – grew up sailing and swimming – so, we’re hoping the kids get that and not my lack of desire for it.
Happy Mama says
Wow swimming lessons in October good for you…I mean after three years of German in High school I don’t really know what the climate is like over there, so it may very well be summer there for you all.
You mentioned Keith coming home. will that be much longer>….Well I thought that was such a cute story! Thanks for sharing!
LifeatTheCircus says
My son took lessons this past spring. He is still quite apprehensive about it and it is def a skill we still need work on. I am hoping to get him in for lessons this winter or spring.
I am glad it went well and I admire you for being willing to conquer your fear as well. I know that isn’t easy.
Cassidy says
I love the sweet little picture of them all ligned up along side the edge of the pool.
What brave girls! I have that same Mommy’s heart and I struggle SO HARD not to try and protect them from every single thing that might upset them a bit… even when it’s for their own good. It takes a lot of discipline of myself to make myself let them do what they need to. At the dentist today they didn’t let me go back because Sarah Faith is 6 and you can only go back with 3 and under. I had SEVERAL sneak peeks at her. That’s MY BABY even if she is all of six years old.! lol
Cass
No Name, Please. says
Oh, how adorable! Do they still take?