One fish, two fish

This morning, Didier and I took Virginie for her first swimming lesson.  Funny, before Lily's first lesson we had never considered lessons for Virginie.  She is only 13 months old and we both remember that we had our first lessons when we were a bit older.  But after talking with Wendy, Lily's instructor, we were curious.  Apparently, up until they are about 12 to 15 months, babies have the ability to breathe underwater.  I suppose it is not breathing under water but they hold their breathe and do not take in water coming up choking as someone older might.  We were also interested in preventing a fear of water from settling in as it clearly had in subtle ways with Lily, ie the fear of leaning back or getting water on her face.

We joined a class that had been together twice before, but we were able to fit right in.  Aidan and Emma were both 16 months old and were at different levels.  Aidan's father and Emma's mother were also in the water, not only to ensure the safety of the children, but to make them feel more secure with someone they already know and trust.  I got in with Virginie as I am more likely to do the silly things one must do to put children at ease in the pool.  God love him, but can you see the French husband singing "The Wheels on the Bus" and splashing the water?

Virginie was not sure what was going on exactly, but she loved the pool toys and watching the other babies.  When it was her turn to go underwater, I had Wendy do it first while I held Virginie's little hands.  Virginie was surprised but her breathing kicked right in!  I was so overwhelmed with joy for her and proud of her bravery...and mine too frankly.  I just put my baby underwater!  She really enjoyed kicking and splashing and moving around the pool and we will surely continue our lessons.   Wendy has taught babies as young as 8 weeks old and while you wouldn't leave them to do laps in the pool on their own, it is a wonderful introduction to water and swimming, a skill I can only hope both girls develop as they grow up.

There are a number of younger toddlers in our Toddler Group that I will ask to join us in swimming class.  It is such a nice experience that I wanted to share with other mommies.  Even if Didier cannot drive me as he did this time, I have discovered that it is right on the bus route from our house and will help to get me out and about.  Even if I were to walk all the way home from Holetown, which is where the bus would drop me, I could get in a nice walk for exercise and possibly get Virginie to sleep on the way.  And all mommies know, nap time is a good thing.  Even little fishies have to sleep.

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