Wa-Wa!

The day before we left for vacation MJ wrapped up his swimming lessons here in Dubuque.  Little does he know he was originally a FL baby and was in our pool beginning at 8 weeks old, but since we'd left FL he really hasn't had much of any water exposure.  He's loved taking baths since birth and loves to play in the "wa-wa" as he calls it oustdie...baby pool, sprinkler, hose, you name it, but we weren't too sure about big swimming pools. 

Swim lessons were everyday for two weeks.  Mom or dad had to be in the water with them.  We learned that MJ definitely takes a bit to warm up to things.  He wasn't the kid jumping right in or trying everything they asked him to do.  He cried through most of the first day, but then began to warm up each day.  He was always happy to go to swim lessons and a bit bummed to leave, but he definitely wanted mom or dad right there the whole time and often hung on for dear life.  When we were in the shallow end, he was fine and confident to explore on his own.  I think he just didn't like the feeling of not being able to touch or do it on his own.  Overall though we were really pleased with the lessons and the progress he made.  We were hoping this would help ease him back into the water as we traveled for the next few weeks and it definitely did! 

The hard part was finding a flotation device small enough for my skinny little guy.  Finally found an infant sized life jacket that worked well! 

Ready to swim at GiGi and Pop's neighborhood pool in St. Louis.  Getting in some extra practice before we head to Florida!  He loved going back and forth from the kiddy pool to the big pool, and started getting comfortable jumping to us from the side if someone held his hands as he jumped in.

We rented a house, with our dear friends The Grovers (who have two little girls-5 and 1) on Siesta Key for the week. The house we stayed at was perfect for our two families and had a beautiful pool and hot tub!  It was great for cooling off each day and keeping us all entertained.  MJ started gaining more and more confidence.  He wanted to jump in OVER and OVER and OVER...and no more hand holding.  He thought it was the best thing ever!

Jumping into Daddy...no hands!



Pool time with Abby



Jumping to Uncle Jeff! 

We had a bit of a scare towards the end of our trip, and honestly I am thankful I wasn't outside to witness it!  I'd went in to start preparing lunch and Mat and MJ were outside drying off.  Mat was sitting in a chair and MJ was at his feet on the ground playing with some water toys.  He plopped right into the water after one of them.  Luckily Mat saw it happen and dove in after him.  Somehow he didn't seem to choke on water, but it definitely frigthened him a bit, but I think it scared Mat even more.  It just goes to show how quickly it can happen.  Scared us to death, but just so thankful it wasn't any worse!