This girl is going to give me a heart attack. We took Lydia swimming for the first time today–this is something the kids have wanted to do since before we even went to China to get her. They couldn’t wait to take her swimming. And, I was looking forward to it as well. I thought it would be a good thing for attachment–she would have to trust me in the water as I held her and bobbed around….right? So, after school today, we headed to the Y. I caught the first moments on video–and only the first moments since the girl who once screamed as if the water in the bath was acid now has no fear of water. No. Fear. At. All. She shook our hands away from her and was flopping herself all over the pool. She would go under entirely. When I scooped her up, she came up smiling and then would do it again. The other 3 were doing their usual, “Look, Mama. Look, Mama. Watch me! Watch me!” My answer this time, “I can’t! I can’t! I can’t look away from Lydia!” Those 3 were on their own (at the mercy of the lifeguard) while I paroled Lydia. I honestly think she spent as much time under water as above water. Oh boy. This summer at the pool is going to be stressful. No more magazines or books for me while I dangle my feet in the pool and “watch” the kids play!
i need a nap…or a stiff drink
This girl is going to give me a heart attack. We took Lydia swimming for the first time today–this is something the kids have wanted to do since before we even went to China to get her. They couldn’t wait to take her swimming. And, I was looking forward to it as well. I thought it would be a good thing for attachment–she would have to trust me in the water as I held her and bobbed around….right? So, after school today, we headed to the Y. I caught the first moments on video–and only the first moments since the girl who once screamed as if the water in the bath was acid now has no fear of water. No. Fear. At. All. She shook our hands away from her and was flopping herself all over the pool. She would go under entirely. When I scooped her up, she came up smiling and then would do it again. The other 3 were doing their usual, “Look, Mama. Look, Mama. Watch me! Watch me!” My answer this time, “I can’t! I can’t! I can’t look away from Lydia!” Those 3 were on their own (at the mercy of the lifeguard) while I paroled Lydia. I honestly think she spent as much time under water as above water. Oh boy. This summer at the pool is going to be stressful. No more magazines or books for me while I dangle my feet in the pool and “watch” the kids play!
LOL Kelly, that’s awesome! A couple more summers and she’ll be out there swimming with the rest of them – I remember having to jump in to rescue Becca who happily jumped in without a second thought! Yep, you can leave those magazines at home this year!
Ali
PRECIOUS!!
I hear ya. We had a pool in the hotel in China and we took her in for the same reasons. She LOVED it. Fast forward to coming home to our own pool. 9 months later and the first time she was in it was like she was born a mermaid. LOVES it. NO. FEAR. here either. I feel your pain :)
Have a drink…then a nap. :) Looks like God figured you needed someone to keep you on your toes! You’re a good momma!
Kelly – Too funny! I’m still chuckling as I picture her with no fear and you fearing for her life! Glad you both made it through!
She is so adorable! I love watching your video!
We took Lia into the pool while we were in China and she loved it, she would put her face right in the water! She is now five and is a great swimmer!
This is WILD! Izabella LOVES the poot as well! Although she didn’t go UNDER! Goodness! Love it!
The lifequard/swim instructor in me says, “teach her how to come up from under the water and roll to her back to float!” This is a safety skill I taught babies in my baby swim class e-ons ago! :) You’ll be amazed how easily they learn this. Even still though–yeah the lazy days of reading at the pool are behind you–for a bit. Sounds like it won’t be long and she’ll be swimming safely like a fish–with a little help. :)
Too funny AND scary! I remember when Grant first came home at 17 mo., he would scare the livin’ daylights out of me swimming in the pool. He swam all over that pool and only underwater. He would sink down to the bottom and stare at me with a big smile! Little stinker. Never did figure out where he learned to swim!
that is exactly how colin ‘swims’ — he just jumps in without looking to see if there is someone to catch him or not!
its very stressful!
I just read through your blog for about an hour. Such a sweet story. Thanks for sharing your adoption with the world :)
LOL! She is too cute though in her little bitty swim suit!!! Oh Kelly, I absolutely can not wait to have a similiar dilemma!!! :o)
I LOVE seeing your videos of Lydia. This pool video is hysterical. She seems to be very comfortable in the pool & with her new siblings.
~Anne