Leyna and Suiei (Swimming!)

Today Leyna and I got to enjoy our first Japanese Baby Swimming Class! For the next 3 months, we are taking a weekly swimming class designed for babies, and it's held at a Japanese recreation center. Since I'm the only "English-only speaker" in the class, I've arranged a schedule that makes sure my Japanese friends are there to translate for me! The major differences I notice so far is that 1) almost all women wear very modest bathing suits...as in rash guards and swim shorts -- but not the loose board shorts, more like spandex shorts to the knee...and 2) in their public pools, everyone must wear a swimming cap, baby included! So here's Leyna geared up and ready to go this morning in her first bathing suit and cap. (She wasn't sure about that cap at first, but luckily she didn't bother to take it off during class)The first class was well organized and went very smoothly despite a large class of 25 moms + 25 babies. We warm up by first sitting on the edge of the pool with our feet in the water, singing various Japanese songs (at some point I'll learn them!), doing playful gestures, splashing, and getting the babies accustomed to the fascinating water. Then the rest of the fun is teaching them to leap into the water from the pool edge (fully assisted by us of course)...jumping and "dancing" with them in the water...and letting them chase after a massive amount of toy balls. Leyna just LOVED it and didn't fuss at any of the activities. There were moments I noticed she started paddling with her arms to get the balls (or maybe she was clapping under water? haha). Well I hope she's a natural and turns out to be a great swimmer just like her daddy!

The only cry time for Leyna (as I completely expected) was in the end of class...we rinse off the babies, get them dressed, then hand them off to others who watch them while the moms go and get changed. From the locker room I could hear the moment Leyna realized mommy was gone! Well, she'll learn...eventually! (Maybe this will help her transition towards staying in the church nursery as well!) Anyways, so far it seems like it will be lots of fun...it's like Babytime in a pool. We're happy to have this new, beneficial activity to keep her entertained during the week. I hope to get photos of the class in action sometime!