Lilypie Kids Birthday tickers

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Water wings

When we were in Florida for Spring Break back in March, we bought Grace several different types of flotation devices for the pool. She was really too little for all of them at the time, so I just put them away for someday....

Fast forward 5 months to this summer at the pool. As the summer progressed so did Grace. She became braver and more aware of her own balance and limitations in the water. And up until last weekend, she didn't use any flotation devices in the water. It made for some pretty stressful days for me, but I truly feel that it was good to let her experience the water on her own.

Last Sunday, though, I took out the water wings we bought in Florida and when Grace put them on you could tell immediately how wonderful she thought they were. Suddenly she was able to float and jump in the water and pop right back up. We did the same thing today at the pool and Grace loved them. I felt comfortable enough to let her play while I took these final pool pictures for Summer 2009.

Grace looks so tall to me in this photo!
Grace seemed most happy in about 2-3 feet of water
and didn't venture too far from the side.I could see her naturally learning to kick her feet and
move her arms to get to her destination.Which often was the ladder or over to the area
where she could watch people come down the big slides.She liked climbing the ladder......and jumping from the side.
(Notice we were strategically placed near the lifeguard...
smart Mommy!
)I have been teaching Grace to put her toes on the edge of
the pool and to jump AWAY from the side.
Grace did this over.......and over....
SPLASH! Try to ignore the guy behind Grace.There, that's better!

5 comments:

Phyllis said...

Grace, you look like a natural! I can't wait to see you in our pool when you come. You must ask Mommy about the time she went down the slide in Jacksonville...and how Uncle Mickey was soooooo proud of her that he forgot to catch her.

cathybcareers said...

Great pictures Mommy. Ba and I felt that we where there.
Love Nana

Arena Mom said...

HOw funny! We just strated using those too and mayna loves the freedom they give her! Kind of like a 16 y o and a car....she can get away from mommy to do her thing! Only problem we have is our pool does not allow them, so I can only use them at hotel pools, and that type of no-lifegaurd place.

Don't you hate that summer is over?? Today really feels like fall.

Kellie said...

Wow Grace! I can't believe you are jumping in all by yourself! It also looks like you have the pool all to yourself! I think we should all go to Florida for the sake of keeping up the swimming skills! Haha!

DeWitt Family said...

She looks like she was having so much fun!
Man, that water looks inviting! :)