Swim Lessons

Last year, Levi and I took the Mommy and Me class at one of the local pools.  It was fine, but Levi was one of the oldest- and most adventurous- in the class.  On the very first day, all of the kids were sitting on the side of the pool while the moms tried to coax them into the water.  Levi stood up, and said, "Scoot back, Mom!  I'm gonna jump!"

This year he was in the Preschool 1 class, and Mommy didn't have to get in the pool!  Yay!  There were two teachers and three little boys which is pretty perfect if you ask me.  Levi LOVED his time with Miss Alyssa this year.  He followed directions (for the most part) and showed her how adventurous he can be when it comes to the water.  

There was one moment where he was sitting on the side of the pool while she worked with the other boy in the deep end for a few minutes.  Levi was playing and being silly on the side of the pool and fell in!  Before I could get up and yell her name, Miss Alyssa scooped him up and put him on the side.  Later that day, I asked Levi about it thinking it might have scared him a little bit.  All he had to say about it was, "I sank!"  Yes you did little guy.  Thankfully someone was close by.

Levi practiced making "big arms" across the pool, putting his face in the water, blowing bubbles, kicking legs while floating on his tummy and his back, and on the last day they even learned how to do a cannonball!  (Levi of course wanted to practice in the bathtub that night)  

It's really tough to get Levi to stop long enough to take a picture...especially when he's in the pool!

My little fish sure loved his swim lessons this year, and is already talking about seeing Miss Alyssa next year.

Nine Months

Dear Cole,

I am enjoying this age and all of the fun things you are doing right now.  You are all over the place these days and into everything- Levi's magnetic chore chart (don't worry Mom and Dad- it's been moved!), the train table and toy box, pulling night lights out of the wall, and eating dog food- YUCK!

Stats:

We don't go to the dr until the next week, so I'll update this then.  You are still wearing 3-6 month clothes and size 3 diapers, but you're close to moving up to 9 month clothes.

Likes:  You love the freedom you have now that you can move around on your own.  Like I said earlier, you are all over the place, and we all have to keep a close eye on you.  Levi is even pretty good at making sure you stay out of things (I think he likes having someone to boss around).  You especially love the dog food, and it totally grosses me out!  You love to crawl into Levi's room and watch him play while you explore his things.

Dislikes:  Levi likes to have control over where you go and what you do.  He'll build forts out of his little table and chairs and pillows to trap you or close the door when you make it into his room.  You HATE this!  You're also not a fan of an empty high chair tray.  You scream and hit your tray until more food is added.

Eating: You love food, and you'll eat pretty much anything we give you.  Some of the foods you've tried this month are peaches, cantaloupe (a new favorite!), cottage cheese, chicken, bread, and cheddar cheese.  You still get your fair share of all the yummy fruits and veggies you've tried- carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, blueberries, apples, mangoes, pears, avocado...

Sleeping: After a few nights of sleep training, you are we are ALL back to sleeping through the night.  You sleep from about 8-7, and still take two good naps during the day.  You usually nap from around 9-11 and then again from about 1-3.  You are pretty good at taking your morning nap on the go since thats usually when we're out and about.

Playing:  Two of the newest things you're doing are clapping and giving kisses.  I love seeing how much fun you have when you interact with the people around you.  You love cell phones and remote controls, so we have to make sure they're put up high where you can't reach them.  If they're up on the entertainment center, you try your hardest to CLIMB up there!  You'll get one foot on the bottom and try to pull yourself up.  You love to pull yourself up at the lego/train table and play with the Legos while Levi builds.  You are still pretty laid back when he grabs things from you.  We love your little laid back attitude, but we know the day is coming will you will hold your ground and get upset when Levi takes your toys!

Cole, you are a precious addition to our little family.  You are a sweet, laid back little guy, and we are so thankful for you!