Swimming!!!!

I've taken Ariella swimming 4 times so far this season. The first time hardly even counts. It was a complete disaster. I think my timing was off with her - maybe hungry and sleepy. She started crying almost immediately after we got in. So, she was in the pool maybe 3 or 4 minutes tops. Not fun.

The 2nd time I took it much slower with her, holding her tight, and making her feel very secure with me in the water. She was very hesitant at first, but she got used to the water and was able to do some of her swim positions. She LOVED her little pink floating boat. I put her in that, and she had so much fun. This was even where I noticed a new tooth when she was laughing. At the very end, she did 2 very quick underwater swims. She was ok with them.

The 3rd time, it was a little better even than the 2nd. She again loved her little boat. And, I do this thing where I lift one of my legs under the water and brush her feet while saying "kick, kick, kick!". She thought that was so fun!!!! And, she improved once again on her underwater swims, doing maybe 5 or so.

The 4th time was yesterday. Even though the water was slightly cooler than I had hoped, she had fun immediately! In her swim position, she was even kicking her legs and moving her arms. She was ready to swim! So, I let her do many underwater swims, even letting go for a bit like I did last year. She's definitely back in her element, and had the biggest smile when coming up from her underwater swims. I was so excited for her and am looking forward to taking her again. If only the weather would cooperate more frequently. But, it's almost June, so I'm sure it will be warmer soon.