No Gum in the Pool!!!

As I mentioned in my previous post, Jack is currently enrolled in swimming lessons. While he is a stellar student, his dad – not so much. First Mike got yelled at for trying to take Jack in the big pool prior to class time – apparently the instructor needs the whole pool to herself and the lifeguards for those 5 minutes before class. Then, he was reprimanded for chewing gum in the pool. According to the instructor, she was concerned about his chances of choking on it during class and of her consequently needing to perform the Heimlich on him. Did I mention that we are in an introduction to water class for babies, in 4 feet of water??? And this was just the first day of class……..
Since then things have gotten better for Mike and Jack is just enjoying playing in the water. He has been a good sport about being dunked several times and also floated around on a noodle for a good portion of the class yesterday. He laughs at the songs we sing and likes to play with the water toys. He is not a fan of “floating” on his back but gets over his discomfort quickly as soon as we can distract him. In general he is just a happy little boy.
Our last class is this evening and going forward our goal is to take him to an indoor pool once a week to play so he doesn’t forget all of his “skills”. There are fall classes offered, but really, what more is he going to learn to do at 9 months???? We think the tips we have picked up from this class are enough to get us through until next summer.
See below for some of the pics from class so you can see him “in action”.

Warming up for class in the baby pool

Playing with some toys

Floating with dad

Practicing kicking with the baby kickboard
(Really - does it get any cuter than that?)

And we're finished!!