Lyla had her first swimming lesson today at the American Club, a high-security operation (we were not allowed to take our humble taxi in) with lots of ominous signs warning white people not to take their nannies into the fun areas (they were allowed though into the supermarket filled with imported essentials like Frosties and Nutella).
The class, with just one other baby, 11 month-old Henry, began just as Lyla should have been settling for a nap — our morning routine thrown out by her very welcome 4am start to the day. I thought we were going to maybe last five minutes before she’d scream (and bring the security guards running) but as soon as the initial shock of the cold water passed she was smiling and totally in her element. Hooray! It really was amazing to see her so comfortable. We’ll be getting in our pool every day now (so long as our nanny doesn’t get in — goodness, who knows what one might catch from the natives).
The Australian swimming teacher was lovely and very excited to have a four-month old (well, nearly) in her class and pleaded to be allowed to take some photos of her splashing around. Mum tried to take some photos but discovered her camera battery was flat. So Dad took this one of Lyla as she arrived back home. The cardie is from Nannie Sandra and was very much needed after more than half an hour in the unheated pool!
I think the look Lyla was aiming for here is: “I’m really very cool. I can swim or I can like totally relax in a car seat. What’s next for the sista?”
