We've had our pool since we first moved into this house over 34 years ago. It was finished a couple of months after we moved in. My kids never had a backyard to play in, but they thoroughly enjoyed swimming. We made certain they could swim at an early age and they were always supervised and watched like a hawk.
Did I mention how long ago we got this pool? Thirty four years, over three decades. I was SO MUCH YOUNGER. Time sure flies.
My (now grown) children would describe me as a helicopter mom, always hovering, always overprotective, always terrified they would get hurt. Did it keep them from getting hurt? No. They each had their share of injuries, thank God nothing that required hospitalization, but they still managed to get hurt occasionally.
As a grandparent, one might think I would have learned to chill out and be a little more relaxed with the grandchildren. One would be wrong! While I do think I have a tad more patience with certain things, the fear of them getting hurt is overpowering and, at times, crippling.
I can't bear the thought of them getting hurt!
Remember my last post, where I mentioned the fastest dog paddle? It wasn't on that clip. It's on the one I'm going to post below. I'm so relieved this precious child has gotten over her fear of getting her face wet. Her fear that kept me paralyzed. Paralyzed to help her learn to swim, afraid it would traumatize her.
She is learning without me. I had no hand in it, other than to provide the pool! (and the ability to capture the moment on video)
While you may not be able to tell by my voice, I was seriously shouting on the inside! Holding the camera was the only thing that kept me calm and focused during this process. I'm thrilled I was able to witness it!
After having problems with the video clips on the last post, I'm pretty sure you won't be able to watch this on your phone. If you subscribe by email, I think you will have to click "Sarcastic Granny" or the title, to navigate to the actual blog post. Forgive me in advance, if you can't.
36 comments:
well you sounded calm. :-)
I have always wanted a pool - I used to clean my Aunts in the summer so that I could go there anytime I wanted to. It was a great pay off to me. And I am so anal retentive I liked cleaning it. I know it's a sickness. :-)
Trade you my lake house for your pool!!
I can't see the video!
I think it's a gift to sound calm in a not-calm situation.
:)
How fun it is for the kids and everyone. I wish I had a pool (and someone to clean it).
good job, indeed!
the video was perfect.
lovely pool... you're so lucky to have one like this.
hope your week is off to a great start.
betty xx
Oooh, do I understand that fear. It overwhelms me too.
Great little swimmer, good for her!
Wow, she was doing it, really doing it!
Great video.... I could see it perfectly... I've never had a pool --but have always been afraid when little kids are near swimming pools... But--that little 'paddler' is doing GREAT. I am glad you captured her on video.
Hugs,
Betsy
She's doing a great job learning how to swim!
We had an above ground pool when we first were married. The dog was the only one who swam in it because we just couldn'nt get it to stay clean. Now we realize it was the pump.
Many of the houses that the son and daughter-in-law are looking at have a pool. I am invenious for them.
As one who also had/has a HUGE fear of water in the face - I am SO proud of her!!
Needless to say, I've also been a "helicopter" parent with mine and he is a pretty good swimmer now. Because I figured, the boy better know how to save himself....or I would die trying.
Looks like he woke up when she handed him to daddy. He was chilling.That looks so refreshing on a hot day like today.
I still do the doggy paddle!!
We've had a pool for 40 years and I remember paddling like that. lol! She sounds extremely proud of herself, as she should be.
I can imagine how nerve-wracking it is to watch your grandkids branch out. My mom is more paranoid with the grandkids than she ever was with us...at least it seems that way.
Good job, grandma, on the great filming and for sounding incredibly calm!
xoRobyn
Dog paddling is the first step, and she's taking to it like a champ!
I have always been the exact opposite sort of Mom ... let 'em try it, under my watchful eye, and do first aid afterward if necessary. (We were swim team parents, 'pushing' our daughters into the pool when they were little, spending summers with them at 8am practices and weekly evening swim meets, with drawers full of a rainbow of Speedo racing suits. It was a very special time for us, and it's one of the things I miss now that the girls are grown.)
Wow! she's a great water treader. Very impressive.
Awwww, Way to go Sweetheart! (Smiling ear to ear here)
Way to go Granny too!
I understand completely♥
YAY! I can see it now!
She learned quickly! Sure doesn't look fearful to me!
I'm so envious. I wish we had a pool. Ahhh....especially in this heat.
ahan...such a nice pool with such a caring lady in charge :) sure kids will learn a lot ...
Oh yeah, I feel like I'm the only one watching and they aren't even my kids. I know you know exactly what and who I'm talking about.
It's only because you have a gorgeous voice, that I'm forgiving you for having a pool. Only millionaires own pools in the UK well, they tend to need to be heated and indoors, y'know? (The pools, not the millionairs.)
What a cute family you make, and how wonderful to have caught a milestone on tape!
We had a pool in Texas, where it is a necessity. A pain at time, but a necessary pain. Keep 'em safe!
We have a heated out-door pool, and I hate my face under-water. It just doesn't feel normal!
Kids that use our pool must, by law, wear a life-jacket.
(Gosh, that brought a lump to my throat!)
I never quite forgave my parents for putting in a poo;only after I'd left home...my children enjoyed that pool immensely.
I was always more worried mine would fall out of a tree! When my oldest was three she took off her water wings and then jumped back in the pool, forgetting to put them back on. She sank to the bottom and stood there. I reached over and yanked her up. She was fine. Mine were all water babies and had lessons. I hardly worried at all. It's learning to do it that is important and she's supervised. Don't worry Grandma: ) But at this moment my 15 year old is swimming and my dog is about to have a fit and tear the door down because he thinks he needs to save her!
The video came up loud and clear and you were the perfect Grandma. It looks like a wonderful back garden for kids and grown ups too. In the UK we don't have pools outside... except the ones created by torrential rain.
Oh great ... now I want a pool! Actually, I've wanted one for a long time ~ but now after reading your post... I REALLY want a pool. Your little grandlove was really doing great with the dog paddling. How cute!
You would never survived this long if I were one of your kids. =)
OuR MOm thInkS aLL kiDs shouLD weaR liFe jaCKEts anD HeLmeTs evvYwHeRe theY go. But YureS lookS juSt fiNe!
You make me want to have grandchildren NOW!!
Grandbabies are a blessing, ours will be one on the first and Papa will be there helping him mess up the Birthday Cake :^)
Sometimes we have to sit back and just watch, not an easy task my dear friend.
had a pool growing up and a therapy pool now - always been a mermaid...so glad your grand daughter is now enjoying herself....
"LOOK! I'm swimming by myself!" Does it get any better? (I do think I heard
you moan once...but we forgive you...) BEAUTIFUL!
I wish we had a pool!! My oldest learned to doggy paddle this summer too.
just passing by to say hi!
have a great weekend!
betty xx
I grew up in a world of public pools. As an adult, I think a back yard pool can be the centerpiece of amazing family gatherings. Until lately, that is...
I had to rebuid the vaccum about 3 months ago.
I had to replace the pump motor 2 months ago.
Now I have to replace the chlorine generator (salt water).
Now I'm not so sure...
I do the work myself, so I save a lot of money, but still...
Okay, now you have me worried. Are you alright, hon? ((x))
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