I moved

So, I forgot to mention that I got frustrated with wordpress and moved to ruckerlife.blogspot.com and maybe I’ll see you there!

Add a comment September 4, 2009

Just catching up

We went to Florida the last week of July to stay with TK’s aunt and cousin in Palm Beach and since getting back, Ive barely had time to think for myself!  The blog has suffered as a result.  I’m sure no one noticed!  lol

While in Florida, we swam at the pool almost everyday and Boo is truly an amazing sight to behold.  I’ve read the warnings about ISR kids being so comfortable in the water that you actually need to watch them even more closely and it’s true!  She wants to get right in without someone with her.  This past Saturday, she miscalculated the distance between the steps at least twice and struggled to keep her head above water.  Good thing I was sitting right next to her!  To make matters worse (not sure if that’s the phrase I want to use) this is such an independent age.  She can definitely hold her own in the water, but we’re still VERY cautious of her.

Moo is doing great at 5 ½ months.  TK found out yesterday that she no longer fits into a 6-9 month onesie.  I told him I’ve been putting her in dresses to avoid fit issues.  She can still wear a 3-6 month dress, but she’s too long for the onesies.  I’ve given up on tops and shorts too.  She’s just too long in the torso.  Dresses are more fun anyway.  She’s struggling with a little cold right now, but is otherwise healthy.  Everyone comments that she’s a happy baby.  She can sit contented in your lap or smile, giggle and converse.  She has a very pleasant temperment.  And she’s cute to boot!

I should really get to adding some pics of the kids, but I don’t use the computer much at home.   Someday soon I’ll update all the posts with pictures.  Promise.

Add a comment August 11, 2009

Graduation!

Boo had her final lesson yesterday for ISR.  I am so proud of her!  I haven’t been able to go since her first lesson, so I was really excited about it.  When the instructor feels that the child has reached the point of completion, they “test” their capabilities fully clothed.  Boo wore jeans, a tee, a jacket and sneakers.  Her instructor put Boo into the water at different angles to ensure she could manage her float every time.  It was great.  Did I mention how proud I am?  Boo was able to swim to the edge or the stairs depending on which was closer.  And her float was great.  It’s just amazing how far she came in eleven lessons!  Granted, she learned the float last year.

I can’t tell enough people about ISR.  It really saves lives.  I’ve heard doctors say that they can’t advocate for the program because there isn’t enough research.  Hello?  What?  The prgram has been teaching kids and infants since 1966.  No graduate of the program has ever drown.  That’s a pretty good statistic.  It’s not like these kids take the course and never get near water again.  Stories from parents on the ISR site and at other sites make it obvious that many children are alive today because of ISR lessons.

I remember a story I read when I first happened upon ISR.  A grandmother was wading in the water of a lake with her two grandchildren.  Each grandchild was on an inflatable raft.  The grandmother was fussing with the younger of the two and the older child slipped off the raft into the water.  When the mother came out she only saw one child and they began to panic.  They were looking all around and expected the worst.  The mother grabbed the raft out of the water and there was her little girl.  She was in her floating position under the raft the whole time.  Thankfully she had ISR and thankfully she is still alive.  The program really saves lives and there are hundreds of parents that will say the very same thing and look to their still-breathing children for the proof.

Add a comment July 23, 2009

ISR (one week later)

Nanna took Boo to her lesson yesterday, and the instructor said Boo would probably need another week, but no more than that.  That’s great!  For one, I’m glad Boo is doing so well and picking it up easily.  She’s only two and she’s learning to swim.  I was hoping she’d be done before we leave for Florida, so that’s another good point.  And finishing soon means it’ll cost less and I know that’s what TK wants to hear.

I think I’ll take some time Monday morning to go to her lesson.  I want to see how she’s progressing and I want to see what I can do to practice with her on weekends.  TK went with her this morning and said she walked up to the instructor with her arms out and said “My turn!”  That amazes me!  With all the tears I’ve seen during her lessons, willingness to get in the water is huge!  TK said she didn’t want to kick to the wall, but let her body glide instead.  Lazy swimmer.  That’s certainly something that needs to be corrected before she can complete the sessions.  I see her in the water every weekend, but this is different.  I can’t wait to see her using her new skills like she should.

TK doesn’t think she’s really learning anything.  I think that’s because he only sees her.  He needs to see how an average 2-year-old behaves in water.  He’s unimpressed because he doesn’t see her skill as anything she shouldn’t already know.  I admit, when you see how easily Boo pops into her float or swims for the side, you’d think she was born doing it.  He allows me these “frivolities” like swimming lessons because I make the decisions for the kids.  I read and ask questions and do all the legwork to make sure the choices I make for the girls are the best.  I admit to making mistakes and sometimes taking the easy route, but when everything is said and done, they are healthy and happy and well adjusted.

Her lessons are going great and that’s what matters to me.  I’ve now told several friends with young kids about the program and they are planning to register as soon as possible.  I want to ensure the safety of every child, not just mine.  I can’t wait to be an instructor so I can help protect kids every day.

Add a comment July 15, 2009

Lesson 2

So grandpa took Boo to her second lesson today and called me afterward.  It sounded like it went pretty much the same as yesterday, but with less crying.  He said Boo was wary as soon as they got there and was reluctant to get in the water with her instructor.  However, after crying and fussing for the first few minutes, she completed her lesson with little objection.  Her instructor gives rewards in the form of shortbread cookies at the end of each lesson.  Her grandpa said that when she was finished with her lesson, she made it clear that she remembered she got a cookie last time and would like another.  I was happy to hear it was a better experience.  Maybe tomorrow there won’t be any crying… maybe.

Her nanna (my mom) is taking her to the lesson tomorrow and then wants to take her to the water park after if it isn’t rainy.  Nanna will have two of Boo’s cousins with her and the boys dote on my girls.  We’re really blessed that we have family that is willing to help us with our kids.  So anywho, it was only the second lesson, but I’m hopeful that the remaining lessons will go smooth.

Add a comment July 9, 2009