Pool days

I hate getting us to the pool, but oh we love it so once we are there!

I overcame my innate cheapness *cough* frugality this spring and joined our area YMCA, but we have really underutilized it because Gwendolyn is still hard to get in the nursery, so our only times we visited was for Charlotte's ballet classes and to swim in the indoor kiddie pool. I love the indoor pool area at our preferred Y because it has windows along two and a half sides, which helps minimize the swimming in a gym feeling. The tot pool is wonderful- going from 1 1/2 feet deep to 1 3/4 feet deep. It has a few different water features, including a very short but wide water slide. And oh, the water is nice and warm. (Still... Gwendolyn's lips turn blue!)

Before today, we hadn't been for a few weeks. The last time we went, it was almost a bit too chilly for the outside pool. Today was really perfect weather, approaching 90 degrees, and not too humid which is unusual for North Carolina. The girls were scrapping and picking this morning, so I decided to flip the plan for today and head over there as early as I could.

I have always struggled with my organization for outings. Some moms appear so prepared for me, easily finding whatever thing they are looking for, and always having enough snack, drinks, diapers, etc. I'm usually the one waving my kids away from their snacks and asking can I borrow a diaper or wipes. (Though in my defense I usually have snacks, they just want what other kids are having, of course!) But I think I'm getting better, and now Charlotte can actually help me get everything gathered and remind me of things that we need. One struggle I've been having is how to transport three towels and all our bathing suits and such in and out of the parking lot efficiently. Simple solution: Big blue IKEA bag! Cheap and (I think) waterproof. So I can pile all my towels in their, their lifevests, and any random items that don't go elsewhere. Hey, maybe I'll start a new trend!

We managed to make it by 10:30 this morning, and the place is always packed. I've typically had my pick of lounge chairs, but their were none on the shallow side of the pool. Because of the crowds there were definitely more annoying moments (like the boy WALKING by purposely splashing people with his hands- accidental swimming splashes don't bother me, but being swatted in the face while wearing glasses, yes that annoys me and yes I said something to him.) But also some fun moments- Charlotte, who makes friends very easily, did make a friend. Gwendolyn finally figured out how to tread water, and was able to "zoom" all over the pool while wearing her life vest! (complete with "Zoom, zoom!" chants.)

The parts that I dislike are the arrival and depature... I hate going into the family stall to change. Usually by that point someone is starving and whining for food (what is about swimming that makes everyone so hungry?) and of course we are all wet and dripping and someone is cold and someone drops their towel in a puddle or someone tries to open the door to escape prompting me to yell, "I'm naked! Stop!" Buckets of fun, I tell ya.

It's worth it, though. I just remind myself that these are days that I can't get back, and I've never regretted any time we've spent at the pool. And so far, no sunburns (in fact, I seem less prone to burning myself since cutting out industrial oils from my diet and improving my Omega 6/Omega 3 ratio by adding Cocount Oil to my diet!), no mishaps, just lots of fun, improved water skills and comfort, and tons of great memories.

But, no, I'm not ready for bathing suit pictures yet. The girls, yes, but not me!

Comments

[Nelly]

I like being in the pool, but preparing and after coming back to home is the worst feeling. In preparation I always try to take more I can such as beach towels, sun cream, water etc. When I came home I am already exhausted drying these towels, cleaning the junk in the bag. Ohhh, I think it is going to be like this till my husband gets a home with a pool.