Move over Phelps....

Move over Michael Phelps and make way for Easton Loucks. Ryan and I decided Easton can be either the next Olympic Gold Medal Swimmer or President, we haven't set out sights too high for him, have we!? *wink wink*

So, as I am sure you now know, Easton's first swim class at the YMCA was today and boy did we have a blast! Easton loved swimming in my parent's lake this Summer, so Ryan and I knew we had to continue to get E in the water. The class was fantastic, there were 3 other kids in the class (2 boys both a little over a year old and a little girl that is 11 months). Easton was the youngest and the best swimmer, believe it or not! :-) The goal is to not only have fun, but for the babies to eventually be able to swim by the end of the class, can you believe it!?

We started out singing "All the babies in the pool" (to the tune of "Wheels on the Bus") and we swam the babies along with the flow of the water in a circle and then we continued our lesson by beginning to teach them to kick, hold on to the side of the pool and to "crawl" up onto the side of the pool. We also did a bit of going "under" the water, helping them get used to getting their ears and faces wet and we also began teaching the babies to float! Easton was the best at holding on to the side of the pool! Our little babe is SO STRONG! The instructor couldn't believe our little 8 month old could hold himself up on the side of the pool with no assistance, all of the other babies had trouble! Easton was also a master floater! The instructor kept praising him and even used him as an "example" for the rest of the class because he was so good! Move over Phelps!

We are so excited Easton is a "natural" in the water as Ryan and I are both water lovers. Easton had a blast (and I did too, if you couldn't tell!). He smiled and laughed the whole time! It was a really great experience and we can't wait for next week's class!

I leave you with some pictures! I took some pictures of Easton in his "warm up" suit before we left for class and then I took some of him (and myself, I'm a loser) in the locker room after the class, I was hoping to take some in class, but uh, leaving your baby with a stranger in the pool while you go get your camera is frowned upon! ;-) Hehe! Hopefully Ryan will be able to come observe us during a class and take some pictures!

Easton before we left for class.

"Hey Phelps, I betcha you don't have puppy dog ears on your warm up suit, do ya!? BOO-YA!" Easton says. Awfully cocky for someone going to his first swim lesson, don't you think!?

After the lesson, all wet and revved up! This kid did NOT want to get out of the water!

"Seriously mom, you're embarrassing, but you begged and pleaded for me to smile for one of your utterly ridiculous self-portraits of us, so I will oblige. Just remember this favor I did you when I am 16 and want a brand new convertible please."

Easton absolutely ZONKED on the car ride home after his big swim. When he woke up, he was all riled up and looked so cute before lunch, so I snapped a quick pic!

ANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNND....I am the WORST MOMMY EVER! I did not post anything about the INCREDIBLY special birthday that we celebrated yesterday! Ritzy and his brother, Bentley, both turned 4 years old yesterday. I cannot believe they have been in our hearts and homes that long. Time flies! Ritzy, you own a key to my heart. You are such an incredible little companion. You are your daddy and I's little furry pride and joy and we love you so much. Happy BELATED Birthday. Hugs and Kisses, Mom, Dad and Easton.

Do know that, although I did not mention Ritzy's birthday ON THE BLOG yesterday, we did celebrate his birthday. It was not forgotten, I just forgot to post about it. He received presents and had birthday ice cream, a day enjoyed by all! Smooches Ritzybutt!

Bentley (L) and Ritzy (R) the day after we brought them home!

Ritzy and Bentley at 10 weeks old.

Ritzy after learning "sit pretty"

Ritzy with his family this Summer. A very proud big brother, we're proud of him for how well he has taken to Easton and the special bond they share.