Small fact: I am a licensed aquatics instructor & lifeguard. I swam on a swim team for years, I can sail, I can canoe a rapid, & I’ve tested the waters in a kayak a few times thanks to my oldest brother & a few stints at camp.
So it shouldn’t be a shocker that I enrolled my child in swim lessons before he was even six months old (as a disclaimer, he is 8 days short of six months old & it was easily waved). I want him to grow up comfortable with water, but also with a deep respect for it & the knowledge of swimming, just like I did.
Thankfully, we were with our good pals – one of my new best girlfriends & her son, who is almost exactly one month older than Harry. We sang songs. We did the Hokey Pokey in the water. We kicked splashed, but most importantly….
I JUST POSTED A PICTURE OF MYSELF IN A BATHING SUIT AT UNDER 6 MONTHS POST PARTUM. ON THE INTERNET. There is something seriously wrong with me. Maybe I should discuss it at my next therapy appointment (oops…is it too soon for jokes? yes? okay, then). I was TERRIFIED that Harrison was going to grab my top because it’s cut a wee bit low for where my nipples are placed. (oh, did you hear that? Google alert just went insane!) My nips are a little bit higher than most, which is why they still look AMAZING after 1 1/2 pregnancies. But as proud of them as I am, I was hesitant to have my son whip them out for me in front of a public pool full of strangers & children.
Thankfully, he let Momma keep her modesty. We blew bubbles. Harrison LOVED that. He blew raspberries for the entire ride home since I blew bubbles the entire 30-minute long class. We practiced reaching for floating toys. & got a taste of floating on the back.
HE LOVED IT. He’s such a water baby & it was an INCREDIBLE bonding experience for the two of us.
You look great and Harrison looks like he had fun
I dread buying a swimsuit ::shudders::
I'm so glad y'all had fun!! Harrison sure is a precious little man. You look fantastic BA!!!
It looks like you had a great time…and you look fantastic in your swimsuit!!
Great experience for Harrison and great for you getting out there and rocking that bod, which by the way, looks great for 6 months pp! I wish I could say the same for my nips
How ADORABLE! Love the photos, you look great and man, he is soooo good looking.
AWWWWWWWWW he is so cute, looks so insanely happy. Love the blue eyes. I think it's great to enroll him in swimming classes, just one more thing he'll be good at other than roping in the ladies.
<3
carrie b. (countrymom)
We start swim lessons tomorrow and I'm so excited. Ryann loves the water, she has a baby pool and swam in our neighbor's pool on Sunday. She kept thrusting herself forward so she could kick and lay on her belly (says the kid who hates tummy time now). I'm so excited to see her thrive in the water.
I also was a certified lifeguard, sailor and was in my own swim lessons with my dad at the ripe old age of 6 months, so it's a must that Ryann have an appreciation and love for the water at a young age. I do not want her to be afraid of the water and hope she'll enjoy boating, sailing, swimming as much as I do.
I like your suit and I tried some of mine on the other night, so I'm ready for tomorrow OH, AND, I hope Ryann doesn't try to LATCH ON during swim lessons, after all she's a boob girl.
Some of the things you write about make no sense. You're proud of your nipples after 1 1/2 pregnancies? You never put your kid to your breast and you had surgery that relocated them prior to pregnancy. Did you honestly think they would automatically go to shit after having a baby? What exactly was your point other than your preference not to flash people? Usually I snicker at your humor and enjoy your posts, but that irked me.
Why did it irk you? I'm not be snarky – I'm being serious. I'm not seeing the sense in why it bothered you so much that I'm thankful my breasts didn't change after the pregnancies. Some women that don't breastfeed STILL experience changes in their breasts after pregnancy. So yes, I am proud/excited that they still look the same, especially considering the 4-year insurance battle & $3,000 out of pocket I paid for them.
You're braver than I could ever be! You look great, and Harrison looks so happy! Good job!
I have to agree with Blair.. I breastfed for 4 days (if that counts) and was a 36A before pregnancy, and now I'm like a Negative A! It doesn't matter if you BF or don't… they changed!!!
That is awesome! Keira and I start swimming Saturday! I can't wait!
(And you look amazing)
Given your aquatic background, perhaps you can soothe a probably foolish worry of mine then! I would love for my girl to get into swim lessons soon – (she'll be 3 this year) because I *didn't* grow up feeling comfortable with water and I really don't want her to feel the same.
But… the little ones.. does the chlorine bother them? I know – maybe that is too weird, but it burns my eyes and such so much, I had to wonder.
Nope, doesn't bother them! Just make sure they shower when they get out
& of course, goggles & stuff are always a plus as they get older so they're not opening their eyes under water without protection.
In hindsight I may just be sensitive. There are a lot of pro-breastfeeding reports being published lately and because your blog is popular a pregnant woman or new mother with body issues may read your words and interpret them as a valid reason not to breastfeed. Sure our bodies change after giving birth, but not always negatively and I internalized what you wrote that way. I shouldn't have even commented.
No, I love comments even when they're "disagreeing" with me! I never thought of it coming across that way, so thanks for pointing it out. I'll be careful in the future – obviously, I support breastfeeding even though it wasn't for me. So I tend to fall into the I Support Feeding Your Baby camp.
First off, you look great for 6 months PP! I was excited to read about the successful swim class. I just signed up my little guy for a parent/baby class this summer. Like Harrison, he will be just barely 6 months old when we start. I'm so looking forward to it! I was a water baby myself, so I definitely want R to feel comfortable and enjoy the water…
A) You look amazing. B) Your kid is freaking adorable.
Such a good bonding experience. My son had his first dip in the pool at 3 weeks old. Yeah, we were starting him a bit too early, hehehe. But he LOVES water now. Bath time is like a swim lesson each night. I cannot wait to take him swimming this summer. He already knows how to blow bubbles and kick his feet. Future Michael Phelps (except without the strippers and drugs).
oo! Oo! Is this Water Babies or an equivalent? Roscoe has been going to gymboree for a few months and i'm debating if i'd rather join the local water kids club. 30 minute classes, sounds very similar to the format of your class. Looks like so much fun! I'm not sure i'm brave enough to bare it in a swimsuit…but perhaps for the babe.
Awwww, love it! The picture of Harrison on right in the first set is too precious – "I get to go swimming!!!"
We're starting lessons this summer. Conor loves the bath so I hope he will love the pool as well. I am terrified of wearing a bathing suit in public. I actually browsed skirted suits online last night, I am becoming my mother. Your suit is super cute – where is it from?
I love, love, love this post! You both look adorable and like you're having so much fun. I can't wait to start swim lessons with my little guy.
I'm incapable of independent thought, so just signed up my little guy for swim lessons! Great idea. Question – swim diapers do the trick? Or do I need some sort of haz mat suit with rubber seals?
JEALOUS! Looks like so much fun!
I SO want to take my little girl to swim classes in 2 months — but, can't conjure up the nerve to wear a bathing suit. *sigh* Do you think people will look at me weird if I wore a full body – scuba outfit? HAHA! JK.
Anyway, I'm hoping to find some Daddy/Daughter swim classes instead. Don't want my baby to miss out over my self-consciousness!
Harrison is so precious and you look great!
That's awesome! It's great to get them acclimated to the water at a young age, especially if you plan to be around it a lot.
Both momma and H look very much at home and happy.
I'm just pleased to read that is was a "good day" and you and H could share in this experience and continue to create an even stronger bond.
Awesome! I SO want to do this with Lila. Kid freaking loves the water. I guess I need to find somewhere asap.
oooh! So cute. We are going to do swimming lessons this summer. I grew in in Florida and don't ever remember not knowing how to swim and I want Abby to have the same. She'll be 6 months before the summer but with being a teacher, I will have more time for it. And bravo for the bathing suit pic. We'll see if I'm that brave in a few months…better get back to working out a bit more.
Bathing suit on the internet – you are a brave girl (and you look good)! Swimming lessons sound awesome right about now – looks like it was a success!
And thanks for the follow on Twitter – I know I've seen you on Top Mommy Blogs but not sure if I ever left a comment.
Glad to connect with you and look forward to blogging with you.
Aw! We begn swimming when Em was 5 months, she'll be 6 months tomorrow and they're finally letting us officially do lessons. Mine LOVES it too, you're right, I find it's also an incredible bonding/fun time I will treasure. I love having a water baby! And just an aside, you look great! I personally cant believe how little I care now about how I look in a bathing suit and how much I dont judge (much) other moms in their "mom suits" now.
Love it! I wish I was comfortable in water… I die in the deep end lol Harrison definitely looks like he's having fun. And you are totally rocking that swimsuit. You go girl!!
We were a little late doing swim lessons for my daughter – she did them at 20 months. But we are just about to start a "refresher" for her, and get the boy going. He is almost 7 months. We have an awesome lady that comes to our house.
And yay for you for posting a picture in your suit! I won't even be going in public in mine for a while.
You both look so happy! It makes me want to take a swim class too!
Proud Supporter of Feed Your Baby here. Yes, breast is best but if a woman doesn't want to formula feed, that's her damn prerogative. No sense in whipping out the Nipple Nazi literature just because someone mentions that they're glad their boobs are still looking fab after two pregnancies for fear that they'll "scare someone away" from breastfeeding.
If someone doesn't want to breastfeed, regardless of their reasons why, they shouldn't be looked down upon or looked on with "omg you poor thing" eyes. JUST FEED THE DAMN BABIES ALREADY.
Looks like so much fun! I can't wait to take Jack to swim class…I'm already looking for ones in our area. And you look great!
sweetie, keep dreaming that your perky breasts stayed that way as some post partum blessing. More like you selfishly chose to formula feed with no medical reason not to breastfeed
ummm…"nada?" I know who you are. IP addresses don't keep you anonymous. & I'm slightly disappointed because usually, you're not an asshole. Especially not an asshole that cowers under an anonymous name & email.
But thanks for the condescending high-horse insight into my milk ducts & calling me selfish! woot!
Okay. out of this whole post people are latching (ha! no pun intended) on to the nipple thing?
Great pics in the bathing suit. Looks like you guys had a good time.
And the rest of you people… quit trying to spark up another bfeeding debate.
Looks like a blast! I tried to take Elijah in the pool when he was 2 months old and he had no parts of it a squalled the whole time. Maybe we'll try again this summer
This makes me want to take swim lessons with my son even though he HATES the water and would need ear plugs because he has tubes in his ears and there's not a chance in hell that I would let anyone post pictures of me in a bathing suit anyplace and I'm more than 2 years post partum.
You look awesome….Go you! Harrison looks adorable and he and you both are looking like you are having a blast! I commend you on starting swim lessons early with him. I'd love to do something like that with my 15 mo little guy. Yay for having fun!
Love it! We have week four of swim class tonight and Mason LOVES the water. His favorite part is blowing bubbles and going on his back to kick his feet. Bravo for the bathing suit pic- I'm still on the fence about posting my swim class pictures.
That looks like so much fun! Mommy taught swimming and lifeguarded, too – she would LOVE to find a class like that for us!
P.S. You are rocking that swimsuit – we are completely inspired by your weight loss journey!
Looks like a fun day! How did you find the classes? I want to take K to some, since living in Florida = pools and the beach almost year round!
i’m stoked for summer & swim time.
and you look good. no lies.
You look amazing and looks like he really enjoyed it! That’s awesome! I went to Hawaii 4 months pp and was terrified of a swimsuit. You look much better than I did!
I LOVED this post! The pictures really show how much you two enjoyed the class. Harrison’s huge smile slays me.
I cannot WAIT to do swim class! I wish that I could do it with Lizzy already!
I agree that it's really important to start young, and to teach a healthy respect for the water
Hot Momma and adorable son! I want Addie to be water baby too, so we are definitely doing swim lessons…later this month actually.
And anon/nada, seriously? No one is forcing you to read this, if you don't like it, don't read it.
I am new to your blog and love it. You look amazing and your child is so adorable. His smile in the first set of pictures is to die for! Such a cutie and it is wonderful that you're doing the lessons together with him, what a great experience. Enjoy!
First of all that is AWESOME that he's in swim class that early – I thought I was alone in thinking the sooner the better! He looks like he really really enjoyed it.
Secondly – you look amazing – go Blair!
I LOVE that top – the pattern is too cute! The best part of your picture – that amazing smile plastered on your face. Keep on shining!
I totally agree about water and swim lessions. I swam on a team through college. I want my children to love the water. I am pretty sure we will be taking lessons at six months too. Way to go! And, I think you look great.
so cute!!!
follow me if you like…used to chat with you on bump.
inittotwinit.blogspot.com
Cutie patootie. You and your kiddo.
such happy baby! my daughter and i have been doing swim classes with a group of my friends and their babies. so much fun!
and don't you love the mommy suit? i posted a pic of myself in mine on my blog because the thing is heinous. it has a skirt. ouch.
What is he wearing?!?! ARE THOSE BABY SWIM TRUNKS?
I may have just died from an overload of wonderful baby love.
That looks so amazing and fun. I looked into swimming classes for Teva, but the only one they have in my area is the infant water safety one that basically teaches them to float should they ever accidentally fall in….I want one more like what you found! hmmmm, I will keep looking!
Glad you guys had so much fun!
PS. You look fab!
Good to know this was so fun – I thought about the lessons for my wee one, but the were so expensive and I figured we could give him the same experience in the bath tub
Did you bring along a personal photographer? Cute photos!
PS. You've inspired us to take swimming lessons. Hailey (one day older than Harrison) will be swimming for 8 classes starting next month!
Harrison is my fave internetz baby for a few reasons:
His name- Harrison sounds an awful lot like Harris which is what the H-period in my info stands for. I have always loved the name(s) Harris(on) & thought of naming my son Harris before I met & married my Me. Harris.
He is effing cute- I'm 24, he's 6 months. Age, smage. We're soulmates. & I'm your future daughter-in law. Heh. But for real, real– Harry had me at hello, & whether it's endearing or creepy, when my sweet baby boy River was born a month or so after Harry & I saw River's very blonde hair for the first time, NO LIE, I thought of Harrison & was glad my kid resembled him. Weird? No/Yes, circle & return to me please.
You're a great Mommah (a hott with two-t's Mama, have a girl & name her Stacy so you can be Stacy's Mom, mmk?) & a part of my consciousness now. I love posts like these! Much love!
A) Love the bathing suit and you look hot in it.
B) What a wonderful experience and a great time!
C) I'm proud of you!
BA, you're so awesome!!!!!!!!! :]
Awwwww!!! So sweet! He looks like he's having so much fun and so do you! And you look fantastic! And thanks for reminding me to sign me and Rubytunes up for swimming lessons ASAP!!!
You're lucky Blair. My breasts have looked like a mom who has bore 6 kids, since I WAS TWELVE! So good for you!
This post is definitely going to make me do a swim class with Gracie.
Glad you had fun!
That is so awesome! So many babies hate the water and you're doing great and estqablishing a lifetime connection. Amazing! And your body is rockin. Good for you!
My little guy has the same swimming ensemble! We went for his first swim in a pool last week. Yes, the bubble blowing is a serious winner.
OMG my daughter LOOOOVES her swimming class. She was about a week shy of 6 months when we had our first class also! It is such a special time for us after having a hectic week at work and not getting to see my girl as much as I wish I could. Harry is SERIOUSLY.ADORABLE!