Ross's First Swimming Lesson...

So Ross thinks water is awesome.  He loves fish, whales, baths, fishing, putting his feet in the ocean - are all so fun.  Deal with new experiences without mom or dad even if a pool is super cool, is a whole other kettle of fish.

We signed Ross up for swim lessons since we'll be going to Hawaii this summer and being in the ocean a bunch.  Always good to be prepared!
 
I pretty much tried to pep him up the whole day on how fun it was going to be and how he could show his teacher how he can float on his back and blow bubbles all ready.  I also threw in some bribery that he could have a surprise if he did everything the teacher asked and was a good listener.

This is how we started...
 

Not quite sure what's going to happen...

Mom's holding me - so I'm okay right now!

We got to the pool and the nervousness started to show.  He kept telling me he wanted me to come with him even though I had been pretty clear on him going with his teacher like in nursery.  He then started clinging to my arm and wouldn't sit next to the other kids when their little group was called.  

His teacher, Abbey, came over, who was very sweet by the way, and pretty much had to peel him off of me and carry a crying Ross into the pool.  The rest of the half hour was spent with me ducking behind pillars so he wouldn't see me and get worked up all over again and taking a few pictures.
 

It's funny because his fear had nothing to do with the water and everything to do with mom not being there.  Sometimes firsts are hard things to go through!

Abby was pretty sympathetic to him though. :)

Ross was pretty sad the first half of the lesson and the second half just stood near the teacher, but wouldn't try anything she asked.  He was a bit offended still when I went to get him at the end and wanted me to hold him all the way to the car.  Poor thing.  Sometimes to get him to try new things, it's a bit like throwing him in kicking and screaming so he can get over it and learn something or realize he actually enjoys it.  It's hard being the first kid!

I have a feeling Ruby will be throwing herself in the pool before she even has a clue about swimming which is a whole different kind of worry.  Whew - give her a few years though!

Anyway - we survived and made some goals on how the next lesson will be.  His teacher was really positive and hopefully we'll have some progress. ;)  Wahoo for firsts!