First Swimming Lesson

Tonight was Joshy's first swimming lesson in a group setting sans life jacket and I would be lying to say I wasn't a bit nervous going into it. You never know how kids will react to new situations and there is always that picture in the back of your mind of meltdowns and flailing and forced removal. However, soon after making our way into the pool area, my fears were laid to rest as he couldn't wait to find his teacher and start the class. They had them all sit on the side of the pool, with the goal tonight to pick out the more and less advanced so that the class can be split up into two smaller groups in the upcoming weeks. I am very thankful for this practice as there was this annoying child, jumping up and down, splashing all over, talking about how easy it was to swim. Yeah, mom and dad, it is called Beginner Level II. Try it. The first time they asked Joshy to swim out to see how he could kick and if he could blow bubbles in the water, he went without hesitation and I was so proud. The only fear was with actually going under and thankfully they didn't push it and let him save that victory for another day. Both of the girls teaching the class were very kind and I could tell that one took a liking to Joshy as she spun him around in the pool. I was so thankful for her at that moment. Less when she looked to me with desperation when one of the girls was about to take a dump in the pool and her mother was nowhere to be found. I am all for pitching in with friend's kids, but felt a little (lot) uncomfortable taking a stranger's to the bathroom. I couldn't fathom her mom not staying there to watch. They are incredibly safe, no doubt, but it is a class of 8 kids who can't swim. I was not letting Joshua out of my sight.

After trucking them around on noodles and boogie boards they had them hop out of the pool and line up to jump in. Several of the kids were able to just jump in and go under without trauma as long as they were caught. Joshy gave it a go and knowing his fear, they made sure to catch him before he hit so that he wouldn't go under. He was smiles the entire time and I couldn't be more thrilled.

After the lesson they were all shivering blue 3 and 4 year olds, so the majority migrated over to the hot tub for a quick warm up. I told Joshy that he had to keep a hand on the side at all times as I didn't want him wondering into the middle. This was affirmed when one of the little girls, without her hand on the side, stepped right off the step and under where a fully clothed adult had to retrieve her. Some kids who had apparently been on this pony ride before requested bubbles and before long, the jets shot up and Joshy shot out of the hot tub. Flight reaction - check. Once he slid himself back in, he enjoyed the giant sized bubble bath. Although, I have to say, I have never seen a hot tub quite so...bubbly. It didn't just look like bubbling water. There were suds. Enough that the boys were making santa beards on their faces. Enough to conjure memories of college fountains during rush.

After the class, as I wrapped him up in his towel and sang my baby beluga bath towel adaptation, I was simply incredibly proud of my son. As I type he is snoring next to me, us having acquiesced to him falling asleep in our bed until we came to bed and moved him to his own. The next class is on Thursday and every Tuesday and Thursday thereafter through the end of March. I will let you know how my little swimmer does.