My Water Baby

Anson had his first session of Water Babies tonight. Tiny, extra-warm therapy pool. 8 other babies all around his age. Permissable, nee ENCOURAGED, splashing. We were fully expecting the little man to pee with delight.

It was so-so.

The first part of the 30 minute class was a bit hairy:
~Joe was in the pool with Anson, trying to help him remember that he actually did like water
~I was on the sidelines, trying (unsuccessfully) not to be the hovering obnoxious Mama striving for the perfect picture
~Anson was trying his best to get out of the water. There was a lot of "No no no no"s with frantic head shaking. There was also a lot of proclaiming that he 'wanted' (signed) "Mama" (spoken)... before you collectively sigh, 'awww', I should point out that he's not missing me. Remeber, Mama was safely on dry land. Where he wanted to be.

At one point, every other parent in the class was neck deep in the water, helping their baby float on their tummies. Except my boys. Joe was standing up, tummy-on-up out of the water. However, that wasn't far enough out of the water for Anson. The little doo had the most terrifed look on his face, and I really think he was trying to climb to the top of Joe's head.

The second part of the class went smoother, mostly because it involved splashing. There could have been kicking as well, but kicking involves laying on your back in the water. That just isn't done. The second part was also when the babies were supposed to 'blow out the birthday candle under the water'... i.e. blowing bubbles. Instead, Joe blew lots of bubbles, prompting giggles and exclaimations of "Bubbles!" Anson actually worked up the courage to put his face in the water - and decided to lick it.

By the last part of the class, Anson was sold on this water baby thing. He got to "jump" into the water (Joe's outstreched hands). He really got into it, and almost figured out the jumping thing! Joe would place him on the deck. Anson would start counting "Ga Ga Ga GA!" and then try to jump forward. A couple of times he actually moved forward a bit, but usually Joe had to help him jump.

So much fun was had! He's quite excited for next week; we could tell by the amount of chatting afterwards. He rehashed every detail about the amazing swimming class for the full 10 minute drive home.

Fingers crossed that swimming makes him sleep through the night!