Thursday, July 16, 2009

one, two, three, eyes wet!

***Disclaimer: Traci, I completely understand that the swim program put forth by the Chandler peeps is far superior to any program that is set forth by Gilbert. I also understand the up and ups at the Chandler pools, more specifically yours, are completely fabulous people, but they cannot hold any crazed pregnant ladies responsible for poor decision making within the first trimester of said pregnancy.***

A couple of weeks ago, I thought I was about to lose my mind. Luke and I had been holed up in the house to avoid the incredible hotness that is Phoenix in July for far too many days. I am typically one that can weather these summers without a problem, but trying to manage going anywhere while toting a 25 pound child while trying not to toss your cookies is no easy feat and I was not managing seeing the same walls of my house everyday very well. Keith even began to notice my stir-craziness when I began to call him hourly at work so I'd have someone to talk to. Sure, I could (and do...) talk to Luke incessantly, but its nice to have some adult interaction and response every one in a while. You know?

As if by some diving intervention, on the day when I very nearly lost my mind, the Gilbert Parks and Rec flier miraculously showed up in our mailbox that touted the swim classes that were to start the very next week. Luke's schedule is not one that typically works very well with activities planned by others. He's usually fast asleep when various places hold read-alouds or play groups. Thankfully, Gilbert offered a swim class that took place right after his nap time. Hurrah!

After the first day, I wasn't so sure that this was the stroke of genius I'd made it out to be in my head all weekend. Luke wasn't a huge fan and ended up fussing most of the time. Turns out that that was the only day like that. He loved it! It was a nice small class with only two other kiddos so we got a chance to know the others and not feel overwhelmed with the amount of people there. Luke (and I) learned a lot of things to work on, sang songs, and had a great time bonding together.

Luke loved sitting on the side and jumping off the side to me. He especially loved it when I had the fish toy for him to come get!

We would say "one, two, three, eyes wet!" and send them under the water to the step. He was so proud of himself for being able to do this!

He really got into kicking. Whether it was bear hug kicks or holding onto the wall and kicking, he had a great time!

We got to spend some time together singing songs and hanging out, just the two of us. I'm glad that we got to have some fun alone time together in the pool.

Back floats were our nemesis. Those just never got easier...we'll definitely keep working on that one.

All done! Although it may not have been at a Chandler pool (and yes it was Williamsfield High Traci!), Luke and I had a great time. Next summer, I'll plan better and make sure we go to the right place.

4 comments:

Sara White said...

I"m sooo jealous of everyone's "success" swim stories! We were swim lesson drop outs this year! After the teachers let Maecyn just hang out underwater for over a minute yelling "grab the side" and she came up vomiting water.....Yup....we were out!

Belinda said...

Good job Luke!! It's so great that you are teaching him how to swim! And I am happy to hear you had a great time together.

Karen said...

Yay for swimming! I think I have the same swimming suit. Target maternity, because they're longer. :)

Traci Tenkely said...

Yay for swimming lessons!

Don't get me wrong - I fully support all forms of swimming (even if it involves my own nemesis!). Water safety and acclimation are super important no matter how they get it! Help on the back float - practice in the bath tub - all kids hate back floats - there is just something about it! Next time you're in the pool use his hat or some sort of shade and sing a song.