Sunday, January 12, 2014

Relegated to Spectator

Today was a particularly significant milestone...one that was harder than I expected it would be. 

At the end of Elena's last Parent & Tot swim lesson session, the coach said that she was more than ready for the next level, Splash A. However, the next series of levels are for 3-5 year olds. On the one hand, I was very proud that Elena was excelling so well at an activity I enjoy so much...on the other, it made me whistful for that very 1st lesson, way back in August 2011 when she was just 5 months old. Lately I've had to deal with Elena being ready for things I'm not ready for. Is it right to hold Elena back just because I'm not ready? Absolutely not! 

This lead me to inquire if it was even possible to sign her up for the Splash A. I was told that, as long as Elena turned 3 before the end of the session, she was allowed to enrol. Elena turns 3 March 4th, the session ends March 9th. I signed her up & today was her first lesson. 

As I sat there watching her new coach lead her into the pool, the 1st time ever Elena would be led off for a lesson of any kind all on her own...without me, my heart was very heavy & I was astutely aware that not only was this a first, it was a last. It was the last time I would sit & watch my baby take her first lesson on her own. And I cried thru most of it...

14 comments:

  1. A bittersweet moment. It is so hard to let go, I sure hope the letting go gets easier with time but somehow I don't think it will.

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  2. Aww, I can imagine how emotional that would be. These kiddos are growing up, and fast, whether we like it or not. I hope she had a good lesson!

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  3. We had a first on her own lesson this weekend too at SR's theatre class. It's a big deal. Thinking of you.

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  4. It's really hard, and it doesn't necessarily get easier. Sending a hug.

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  5. Oh, I'm so sorry you had such a rough time with this. It doesn't bode well for my future, either.

    But every time I get sad thinking about how fast it's all happening, and how quickly Jordyn is growing up, I remind myself of all there is to come. How many more fun things we'll be able to do when she's a little older. The funny things she'll say when she can talk more. How much more fun there is for us in our future. Try it, and see if it helps you. It helps me some.

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  6. So bittersweet. Everytime Annelise hits an independence type milestone there's something in me that wants to scream "no, your not ready yet" even though its me that's not ready.

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  7. I have tears in my eyes just reading it! It is hard to let go, but sounds like you are doing a great job and not inhibiting her because of your own needs - amazing mama as always!

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  8. I'm new to your sweet blog. Elena is adorable!
    -Char
    http://www.lifesbettertogether.com/

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  9. Here from Creme de la Creme... What a beautiful post -- a proud moment but a sad moment at the same time. The first of many letting-go moments that come, I imagine, with parenthood. You may not be there for the lesson, but you'll be there when she comes out and shares her excitement with you.

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  10. Here from the Creme de la Creme too. A beautiful post, explaining that firsts are often lasts too.

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  11. Here from Creme de la Creme too, laughing at myself as I worry that my 3.5 year old daughter, who is supposed to go into the water for the very first time without me this coming week, is probably going to refuse to go and flunk the class. That is my worry. Damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

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  12. I often feel the same way about my 4yo! Your daughter is lovely.

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  13. Oh yes, I hear ya! This post resonates so clearly with me... It is so wonderful to watch them grow up but it is so hard to let go. It is so hard to feel time passing so quickly... I wish we could really slow things down!

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  14. Little ones growing up...ouch. So hard and painful and beautiful and wonderful at the same time. Sorry this particular experience was so tough. Hope she's doing great in swim class.

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