Swim Lessons 2012

We decided to let the kids do some swim lessons this winter. For some reason this is the time of year it feels right to squeeze it in. Ellie has done them a few times now. This is Max's first time.

Ellie's in a big girl class with Erika. No parents are required. This is a first for Ellie. I think she's quite proud of herself. Although, the first time in the water she was a big nuts. The teacher couldn't keep her sitting on the steps. All she wanted to do was just jump into the pool. The teacher had to have a little talk about listening. I suppose it good for Ellie to hear that from someone new for a change. During the second class she did much better. She seems to be having fun, except it's real hard for her to wait her turn. There's four of them. Each one tries the trick with the teacher alone. That means most of the class they are sitting along side of the pool. I understand why this is necessary and I think learning to take turns and be patient is a great skill to be learning too. But I can see my little polar bear sitting there shivering and I understand why it's not as fun as the baby classes. The other night she asked about joining the baby class that is at the other end of the pool and has the toys.

Max is also doing a good job. David has gotten in the pool with him for both classes. He has fun playing with the balls and splashing around. His challenge comes when he's cold. He's not as much of a polar bear as Ellie. He gets cold easy. The other night I saw him standing along side of the pool. He was supposed to be jumping in to David. All the other kids did as requested. Max stood there looking at David and shaking his head vigurously NO. He was not getting back in the pool. This went on for over a minute. It was cute to watch from a distance - my little todler standing there in his green swim trunks that are nearly to his ankles, his little belly sticking out, all wet and shaking his head no at his Daddy. He didn't run away. David finally pulled him into the pool. He started fussing and pointing at me from across the pool, nearly 20 feet away. I went to check on him and he wanted out so badly. So I took him out and tried to warm him up. It was nearly the end of the class, so I figured better him know he can get out when he's done, as opposed to hate it and not want to get back in the pool.

It's a 4 week, 8 class session. We'll see how it goes. I think it's a good thing for them.