Angelfish

Ever since my friend told me about a program called Swimbabes, I have wanted to put Claire in a similar swim class. At work, I randomly came across a class catalog for one of the community centers in our area and was impressed with what it had to offer in Claire's age range. So, I enrolled her an Angelfish swimming class. I know it seems like she is a bit young for swimming lessons, but this is more of a water awareness class than traditional lessons (obviously). Plus, it's a "mommy & me" setting that allows one parent to get in the water with the child. Kevin opted out so I decided to go ahead. What the heck, right? Ever since the first class, I've looked forward to the following Sunday when we would get to go again.

Isn't her sailboat swim suit too cute!?!

Playing Humpty Humpty on the side of the pool.

Claire sure loves to get in the water. Every time I sit her on the edge and help her "jump in" using the lyrics to Humpty Dumpty, she is all giggles and grins. Since she was a baby, Kevin and I have been sure to get water on her face so she doesn't panic around water. Perhaps this has backfired because throughout every lesson, she just wants to drink the pool water. It's always something. 

So far, she has learned to be comfortable floating on her back using me for support. She has used the "monkey grip" on the side of the pool - a safety mechanism to teach children in case they ever fell in deep water, they could get to the side of the pool and use this technique until somebody could assist them. Of course, Claire is still so young so I'm not sure how useful it would be at this age but it never hurts to learn. She can also use a fun noodle to float on both her stomach and her back while she practices her kicks. The instructor is just starting to introduce hand/arm movements, but I think that will be a little harder to grasp.

Doing the "monkey grip" on the side of the pool.

Practicing her tummy floats and kicks.

Overall, I am glad we decided to put her in the class. She gets time with other babies her own age. She's learning about water safety and how to share toys. I am meeting other mothers in my area. And, for this one hour every Sunday, Claire gets my 100% undivided attention while Claire waves at her papa watching on the side of the pool. Sundays are the best days.

After swim class, papa keeps her warm!