All Done Pim Yessons

Henry just finished the Turtle class at our local city pool. Parent and tot swim lessons with a two year-old are a bit of a death march. It felt like they would never end. Other mommies can attest that just getting a toddler dressed, sunscreened, and to the pool on time is a challenge. We had classes four days a week for two weeks at 5:00. At first I was worried that it would be too hot but Henry was shivering by the end of the first class, so I actually would recommend afternoon classes over the morning ones.

On day one Henry blew bubbles like a champ. He liked to kick but refused to do "ice cream scoops" with his hands. These are the three basic things the turtles learn, so two out of three isn't bad. On day one I learned that it's best to be the first mommy in the pool and the last mommy out because otherwise the rest of the class gets to watch your mom butt climb up and down the ladder.

On days two and three Henry pretty much refused to blow bubbles or scoop his hands, and directed most of his kicks at my pregnant belly. Every time the teacher came around he gave her the evilest of eyes and refused to do anything at all, except scream "all done pim yessons!" while climbing up my shoulders. He did really enjoy jumping in the pool, which was super fun the first two times. Then it got exhausting since I had to lift him to the pool deck and catch him as I pulled him toward the water since he didn't jump out very far. He came pretty close to hitting his head on the concrete more than once, and almost never waited until I was ready before he jumped. The evening of day three I had cramps for about three hours, so we didn't even make it on day four.

Thankfully Husband was off work this week so he took over swim duty. I don't really know what happened this week, except I stopped by on Monday to take some pictures.

See what I mean about pulling him in the pool?

Apparently if you blow in his face first he won't die when dunked underwater.

All is forgiven because the swim teachers very smartly start singing "Swishy Fish" as soon as the kids are back above water. I'm going to start tempering all bad news with fun songs. "Henry, Mommy and Daddy are getting divorced... Row, row, row your boat!"

Thursday was the last day of swim lessons. Our class spent the whole day playing on and around the slide. I was amazed at how independent and confident Henry was in the water. He wore his Puddle Jumper (which is awesome, by the way) and kicked and paddled all around. He is no longer freaked out when the water is too deep for his feet to touch the bottom. We only had to help him once or twice when he got some water in his mouth. He seems to really hate that, so I figure at some point he'll learn to keep his mouth closed in the pool. Even so, it is so much easier to take him to the pool now. I'm still shocked, since it seemed like he did almost nothing of value during the actual lessons (not that the lessons themselves weren't valuable). After the first week I warned a couple of friends that swim lessons weren't really worth it at this age, but I need to revise that opinion. They are worth it in the way that childbirth is worth it. Just don't expect the process to be fun. I can't wait till next year when I sit and read a book while some poor girl gets to take Henry and the other three year-olds in the pool.

He was way more excited about the goldfish and apple juice they gave him than the certificate.