Swimming Lessons

Swimming has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was swimming at a very young age and was an active swimmer and water polo player in high school and college. We spent hours and hours at the pool every summer. Even now, I feel so comfortable in the water. It is my go-to activity for exercise. I am so happy that our new house is only a couple of blocks away from a pool!

We signed up Kalaya for the 'Toddler and Me' class that the pool offered and she has LOVED it! It's a nice way for us to be together as a family. I can't wait until she is swimming on her own. I'm sure many many hours will be spent at this pool! Nelson didn't take swimming lessons as a child, and is still pretty unsure in the water. He can swim to survive, but that's about it. He is thrilled that our kids are going to love the water from early on and know how to swim.

We have learned some important things about Kalaya as a student: (1) She enjoys, no thrives, no INSISTS on routine and consistency in a class. This girl was telling the teacher what to do next by the third class. (2) She is totally going to be that kid who tells substitute teachers 'that's not how Mr. or Mrs. _____ does it!' I can't imagine where she would get these traits with a mom that's a teacher.....

The class is just to get kids used to the water, not actually teach them to swim yet. Each activity really shows how it will eventually lead to a skill though. Enjoy the pictures! We usually do the class with her together, but I opted out that night, so I could get these shots. Just picture a really hot pregnant Mama next to them. Right.

Every class starts with gradually getting used to the water by washing different body parts, while singing a song of course. : ) (each activity has a song with it!)

Then another song to make getting into the pool fun....

We practice blowing out our breath to make the ball move

And reaching (streamline!) for the ball away from Daddy (or Mommy)

Lots of the songs involve up and down, which I am happy to let Daddy take care of, as Jakiah is making my back hurt if I lift too much...

We practice floating on our back, with help from toys. (she insists on doing this with me when I participate. This is the only activity she's a little apprehensive about. I swear she knows that Mommy is more confident in the water than Daddy for this one)

Fun with the pool noodles

Blowing bubbles in the water

Splashing!

Practicing with a kickboard

In only a few short years, we'll be watching swim meets and water polo games; can't wait!!