Today was Zevry’s first Baby Dolphins swimming class. It was also the first time he has been in a pool. At first he was just fine. He had on his little thermal suit and the water is heated to about 85 degrees, so there was no cold water shock or anything. We got in and he just kind of looked around, and he was very relaxed. Then the class started. The eight moms and babies all got in a circle and the instructor (Steve) held a doll baby in front of each baby and used a little sprinkle can to sprinkle the doll, then sprinkle the baby. Zev’s never really had that much water splashed on his face so I thought he might cry, but he just looked startled and then was fine. Then we did a whole series of baby exercises which were just excellent. I can’t say enough how great the class was! Of course he hasn’t quite mastered swimming, but this class is geared toward the very most basic elements of swimming, so they are learning how to reach, kick, stop, hold on, etc. The idea is to get them to understand how to get onto their backs, kick to the edge of the pool and hold on until someone rescues them. The techniques they use are pretty interesting; I had Zev surfing belly to belly on me, his back to my belly, his arms around my neck, with him on my back… every which way. Then he was at the edge reaching for toys, reaching for tennis balls in the pool, sitting on the edge and “jumping in,” which is actually just me picking him up and gently setting him into the water, then rolling him onto his back. The instructor was really good – definitely a worthwhile investment. Unfortunately, about halfway through the 30 minute class, it got to be a bit overwhelming to him and he started to wail. He was really scared, so we just slowed and down, stayed in the water, but had a more relaxed pace.
In other news, Zev’s rolling over again. He did it back in November, then lost interest, but now he is doing it quite a lot, but this time from his back to his belly. Sometimes he uses the arch on his Monkey Island play gym to pull himself over, which is funny to watch. He is a such a good baby! Clever and cute, what more could you ask for?