Our Perch

This is a perch (courtesy of google.com)

This is our "perch"

Our "perch" is participating in week four of her seven week class at the Y.  I encouraged Jason to be the one to take the class with her.   He didn't put up a fight.  I am proud to say that my husband is the only dad in the pool with his child.  I don't know if that makes me look bad or him look good.  I say makes him look good.  I gave them a few weeks to get acclimated before I stayed to watch her class.  This was my first time seeing her in action.

We hyped Evie up for swim class for days before the class using Maisy to show her what to expect.

We discussed how Mommy will drop Evie off at the pool and Daddy will meet her there after work.  Daddy and Evie will change into their bathing suits in the locker room.  (Evie's class meets on Tuesdays from 5:30-6 PM).   

Evie enjoys looking for Daddy's car in the parking lot and waiting for Daddy to walk out to pick her up in his floral swim trunks, Old Navy flip flops, winter hat, and button down work shirt, usually plaid (it's been about 30 degrees every week).  He's a looker ladies.  All four weeks she has been really excited to see Daddy for swim class.

I don't think the other men in the locker room would
appreciate Jason taking pictures of Evie getting ready in there,
so I'll show you what Maisy is doing :)

The first task is to get your child into the water.  After viewing said task on week 4 of the class, this is a challenge for some.  Once they are in the water, they sing the Wheels on the Bus, getting the "perches" to move their arms and legs in the water.

Once they are warmed up, noodles are used to practice floating and kicking.

Evie was proud to tell me after week 2 that she floated
"on my own"

Daddy said Evie was clinging to his neck for a good chunk of week 1, but by week 2, she was all smiles and willing to do everything.   I got to see Evie swim without the help of a noodle or Daddy this week!  I took a video, but my phone did not capture it well enough to share with you.  A still picture will have to do for now

swimming (looks like doggie paddling to me)
to the wall!  She smiled the entire time or
she might be freezing.  You be the judge

Evie laughs when Maisy blow bubbles and says Daddy does it too.  Evie attempts to blow bubbles, which usually results in her ingesting water.

Half way through the class, the kids sit on the wall and they sing Humpty Dumpty.  Parents are encouraged to lift his/her child up and dunk them.  Evie did not appear to be a big fan of going under (when I saw her this week), so Daddy just dips her in from her shoulders down.  

At this point Braylen and I left.  I am so pleased that Evie and I are enjoying their special time together.  I know Evie is shy in new situations and was slightly worried it would take her weeks to feel comfortable.  She is doing such a great job!  I think Daddy has just signed himself up as the swim parent from here on.  

Oh, I can't forget to mention Evie's favorite part of swim class.  Getting to shower with Daddy.  Thankfully someone at some mom event said something about taking a shower with their child.  I thought it sounded odd at first, but it makes sense to practice at home before you are out at the pool or beach and need to shower them off.  The shower can be a scary experience for a little one.  

Unlike Maisy, Evie wears "shower shoes" (AKA Jellies)

Our goal was to get Evie ready for the outdoor pool season; we hope to minimize fear of the water.  We don't belong to a pool, but we know lots of friends who do.  wink, wink.