Monday was Gabby's first ever swim lesson, and third time ever in a pool. She is in a group with two other babies that are a little older than her. When we first walked into the water it was cool, but not cold. She seemed fine entering the water, but quickly lost her enthusiasm once we started singing songs and touching her cheeks into the water. She did not seem to like the water touching her face, but we followed the other children. During our first session we worked on kicking in the water, pulling herself along the wall (the choo choo train), floating on her back and getting her ears used to the water, pulling herself out of the pool, and when getting back in the water turning around and grabbing the wall (Humpty Dumpty). The entire 30 minutes Gabby did not really care for the water and kept telling me "up" meaning she wanted out, but she never cried even when she went under water once. The instructor informed me that babies don't like getting water in their ears and Gabby didn't really care for it but after a minute floating on her back she seemed to tolerate it. Hopefully she will quickly realize that the water is fun and she will build confidence in the class. However, the ultimate goal is for Gabby to be safer around water! (Don't worry this doesn't mean we are going to start encouraging her to hang out by the pool or near the bathtub unsupervised or anything!)
Everyone knows that being a parent is full of sacrifices and some are more difficult than others. So far being a Mom I have "sacrificed" my skin thanks to stretch marks, my youthfulness, thanks to the worries that cause the new wrinkles I notice weekly, my pretty legs thanks to the varicose veins I received during pregnancy that never went away, the comfort of sitting thanks to the back pain I have had ever since pregnancy, a good night’s sleep, and the list goes on... However, none of these things truly feel like a sacrifice (although I do miss sleep and my non-damaged body) they are just part of being a mommy and I wouldn't trade parenthood for anything! Today, however, a very difficult sacrifice was made, although I know it was the only choice. Ranger, the dog Michael and I had for 7 ½ years, was given to a new home today. He bit Gabby on her head when she was about 9 months old and then about a week ago he nipped at her and unfortunately that was the last straw. M...
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