Fear of the public pool

Today Chloe had her first swim lesson. She had a rough start, but warmed up so much that even the teacher seemed surprised. I was proud of her for getting over her fear and doing so well.

I will admit that I was probably almost as scared as Chloe, but for different reasons. I have a fear of public pools. I am not afraid of the germs or anything like that. It is probably only GYM pools that I really freak out about. I had only been to this pool once before and here is the story...

I was under the impression there was a toddler pool and it was outside and not too deep. I get to the pool area and see the sign. "No children allowed in the outside pool." Ok, toddler pool is not there. Walk into the indoor pool. Hot, humid, and everything is wet (surprise, surprise, haha) and no where to sit by the wadding pool. The wadding pool is elevated with bars around it so little kids don't fall out, but it makes it difficult for me to scoop out any children who fall face first and just float there like a... You know what? The phrase drop the kids off at the pool really is a very accurate expression.

Long story short I had to scoop out Ethan. Oh, did I mention I thought it would be a great idea to be fully dressed. FYI - Having capris half wet is a great look. Once I scooped out Ethan I realized that this was the worst possible plan EVER! Chloe did not want to go. I had to go in twice to get her because she didn't want to leave. I am holding both children now like footballs (American footballs) while Chloe is kicking and screaming the whole way out. FYI - it is a 1/4 of a mile walk or more (not even exaggerating a bit) out of the gym from the pool. Go out the pool, to the lockers, pass the tennis courts, the cafeteria, more tennis courts, offices, the main desk, and finally you are out of there.

I had a fear of GYM pools, but this made it that much harder to go.

Today for the lesson, here are all my thoughts to avoid anything like that ever happening again.

"Should I wear a bathing suit?"
"If I don't will I regret it like last time?"
"If I don't will there be a dry place to sit?"
"Do the other parents just site and watch?"
"Do I have a key for the locker?"
"Where do I hang our towels?"
"Do you rinse off before you get in the water?"
"Is the shower water going to be too cold for Chloe?"
"Can I wear flip flops into the pool area?"

As I ask an additional question the fear builds.

I embarrass myself too much and all the time. Most of the time I don't care, it is just another day in the life of Ashley. But certain situations I just can't cope with.

I do have to say Drew was home to watch Ethan. Normally went Drew works an all-nighters I don't ask him to do much except for sleep. But it took tons of pressure off. Chloe and I had a great time at the pool, so now I feel like I can face the pool alone and maybe even with Ethan next week. Depending on how that goes... there might possibly be another post coming to you soon.