Back in the days when I looked after R every Friday, we started to go swimming. Due to the unique way the Council makes decisions, our local pool, South Leeds Sports Centre, closed down so I had to drive to Morley for our weekly splashing session. This week the decision was taken to demolish South Leeds Sports Centre but you can read about that at South Leeds Life.
I'd arranged a play date for our swim and we decided to go to Armley Sports Centre. R was giddy with excitement as we looked out his swimming trunks, swim nappy and water wings. We chose an octopus to take with us and got in the car. R was still bouncing as we picked up our dates and ran into the sports centre.
All was fine until we got into the changing room, that was when the spell was broken. Suddenly R wanted to be anywhere but where we were and he certainly didn't want to go swimming. In the two and a half years since he was born I have never seen him have such a tantrum. Crying so hard he was almost fitting. Backing away from me like I was about to eat him. I managed to calm him down, soft gentle talking, making sure he was ok. But when I suggested that he might like to have a swim it all kicked off again. In the end we got dressed and our dates had a nice swim without us.
I was stunned to see R in this state. I was upset too. Firstly and selfishly, I wanted to go swimming and he had ruined my plan for the morning. Secondly, I can still clearly remember the fun I had learning to swim with my dad, although I was a little older than R is now. Thirdly, I don't want him to be traumatized by the idea of swimming. I'll leave it a while before we try swimming again, perhaps it will be easier with mum in tow as well.
Other than today's epic disaster this weekend has been great. I do love spending so much time with my little boy and I think he like hanging around with me too. Going back to work tomorrow morning will be a struggle but it wont be long until next weekend and more fun.
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