"I Don't Like Swimming Lessons"

Some friends from school told us about two school teaching sisters who offer swimming lessons each summer. They rent somebody's pool and teach, teach, teach. They have been doing this for many years, like 25 or 30, and they know what they are doing. I'm very impressed. The thing that I like the most is the way they handle the criers. They are calm, use gentle touches, move slowly in the water, but they make those kids swim. Swimming involves going under water and getting wet, and they carefully watch them for signs that indicate they'll hold their little breaths at the right time, then under they go. I love it!!

We've gone for three days straight. Henry screamed and cried, "I want Mommy," the entire first lesson. However, he held his breath and was held while swimming under water to me on his last turn. It was awesome. Evelyn cried when she heard about the lessons, but she was a very big girl during them. She too went under and kicked and moved her arms with help from the teachers. Olivia can swim, so she is working on strokes and form. She is working hard, and I'm very proud of her.

These swimming lessons have sparked some remarkable language expression for Henry. When I asked him about his swimming experience once we were home he said, "My face get ALL WET." Olivia spoke to him about how he'd go again on Tuesday, and he amazed me Tuesday morning. I started talking to him about his lesson, and he said, "Brave. I be brave." I was shocked. I wondered where he learned the word "brave". He then said, "safe." I guess Olivia told him that he shouldn't be afraid, because his teachers will always keep him safe. Isn't that the sweetest? However, once we parked our van at the swimming lesson house, little guy said, "I don't like swimming lessons. I want to go home." He was so upset that I had to sit (in my clothes) right by the pool steps with him to keep him in the water. However, he did really well. He want under with each turn on day 2.

Today was so funny. Sort of. Not really. Evelyn started crying. Henry started crying. Vivian started crying. I had to put Vivian in the sling and sit near the steps again. This time I wore a dress with swimsuit bottoms underneath. "Live and learn" is my motto. Nobody likes water soaked panties. I had to make Evelyn and Henry stay in the water while trying to keep the baby shaded and quiet. Henry said with a sad face and alligator tears, "I want to take nap." Ha!! That's how bad it was. That's after yesterday he told me, "Henry not like naps. I not like naptime." However, Evelyn ended up kicking so well that she splashed Vivian, and she started crying again. Henry started reaching for his teachers when it was his turn, rather than being peeled from my legs. This was the most amazing part, and I hope my memory can keep the mental video for the rest of my life. The teacher held Henry by the waist facing away from her, but toward me. My little guy smiled so happily while she counted, then he'd take a breath, go under in a swim movement toward me, and come up happy. It was beautiful. The one lady called Henry, "her little boyfriend." He's pretty cute. He even kicked his legs all by himself when she pulled him through the water. They told me he's really doing well, and I'm happy as can be.

This morning Henry told me, "You so pretty, Mommy." I must have been still flushed from my difficult workout and too quick hot shower. If you are in the market for a HARD workout, then check out the DVD Jillian Michaels - Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism workout. Oh, Olivia said something hilarious about my new DVD. You see, I first did the routine on our Exercise TV cable for free when I was early in my pregnancy with Vivian. It was too strenuous and involves too much jumping to do in that condition. I've wanted it ever since. Anything that tough has to yield results. Today Olivia said, "Mommy, that girl is on the show where she helps really, really weighted people get to a normal size." She's talking about The Biggest Loser television program. How well said.

Finally, the other day Evelyn was in a really generous mood, and she paid me what may be the best and longest compliment I have ever received. It went something like, "Mommy, you are beautiful like a princess, and your heart is loving. You have beautiful eyes. You are the prettiest mommy in the whole world. You are kind. You have a healthy body. You are lovely, and I love you." You can't buy words like that. Plus, I think some of what I tell my girls about themselves must stick.

Miss Vivian is still the easiest. She woke up twice last night and the night before, but she goes right back to sleep once I nurse her. She's an angel all day. She gets taken along for rides to the pool and store and playdates without a fuss. She misses naps and remains a quiet trooper. Thank you God for a good fourth baby. God is good.