Doing just swimmingly thank you!

Friday early evening Joshua took his first foray into the wonderful world of swimming (outside of floating in the bathtub)
Joshua was awesome! He was certainly taken aback somewhat at first. Such a big place with all the voices echoing off the high ceilings and water sounds *everywhere*. Pretty overwhelming! But he just wide eyed through the opening stages until eventually he realized it was like being in a big bath and began his usual bath escapades of floating on his back and kicking on his stomach.
Fun time had throughout with no panics or upset noises in the least and quite a few smirks as I think he was a little cautious for the out and out smile. I'm guessing next few times we go he's going to really start to enjoy himself!
We were also *very* pleased with how family geared Aylmer's new public pool is. They have a "family" change room where they have about 5 large private stalls with the Koala pull down change tables where families can get changed and then place their items in the lockers outside. The pool itself is not as warm as the cozy bathtub at home but certainly in a lukewarm state so that it's refreshing but comfortable for adults & babies alike. And, of course, the air temperature is at a very nice level so there's not worry about shivering coming out of the pool. Having grown up in Manotick with the Manotick Aquatic Club outdoor pool...this is a HUGE bonus! They've got a *wealth* of flotation devices for kids to use ranging from family flutter boards (a board shaped like a big hexagon) to a fish like flutter board with the middle cut out and a baby harness (like in an exersaucer) so a baby can be floated about the pool. And there's a shallow children's pool and an adult pool as well that are completely seperated which lessens the concerns of a younger child getting sunk like an anchor as others kids Marco Polo over top of them in a frenzy. There's also some wonderful fun water sprinklers and tunnels and dumping buckets (you can see a couple of the sprinklers in the top picture) they'll be a load of fun when Joshua gets bigger. And to top things off, for those that don't know, it's a *salt water pool* which just feels amazing compared to a chlorinated pool and is much healthier for everybody.
We're really looking forward to going back this Wednesday where our friend's Derek & Heather and their almost 5 month old little girl Finley will be joining us. Finley was Joshua's first crush so I'm sure it'll be quite exciting to have a friend join him this time and Derek is also pretty geared since he can't tolerate chlorinated pools very well so it'll be fun for him to be able to enjoy swimming with his daughter.
It's just great to have such neat public facilities so geared towards families having fun with their children..babies included!

Enjoy the rest of the wonderful weather this weekend!
Mark

ps. Josee here - Congrats to our friends Sonia and John (and pup Riley) who welcomed baby boy Mathis Grant at 3:56am this morning, weighing in at 5lbs 15 ounces. Can't wait to meet him!