Swimming With Baby- Freaks Me Out

Miss A has been swimming a lot this summer. Splashing around... Learning to kick... etc. etc

IT FREAKS ME OUT.

First, she licks the water with her tongue out like a dog... Then she insists on dunking her face in until she realizes, WHOA, I CAN'T BREATHE! She holds her head up high, freaks out slightly, and then when she is okay, she does it again.

And again...

And again...

I panic. What happens if she can't breathe again? Then what? Slap her back... Try and get her to choke out the water? And if that doesn't work? CPR. I don't know how to do CPR!!

IT FREAKS ME OUT.

We use life jackets and baby floaties but it doesn't prevent Miss A from dipping her head in the water. I'm glad she's not scared of the water but like I said... IT FREAKS ME OUT. My fear haunts me throughout the rest of the day and night after swimming because I am so paranoid about the WHAT IFS...

So to calm my nerves, I'm going to re-watch these emergency rescue videos I posted earlier and relearn infant CPR. If there is anyone else paranoid about swimming with their baby, I recommend them to you as well!

Wordless Wednesday: Don't Leave Your Child Unattended

If you leave your child unattended with a bag of food nearby... This is likely to happen!

Goldfish crackers all over!!!

Boating on Elk Lake & Torch Lake

My mom and step dad have a seasonal pass at Whitewater Township Park up near Traverse City, Michigan this summer. They go camping and boating on Elk Lake & Torch Lake. [Torch Lake is the one of the most beautiful lakes EVER!] So over the fourth of July holiday, we decided to visit for some outdoor adventures. I was nervous about how Miss A would react towards the fireworks and boating but she did great. She wasn't afraid at all. I think she really enjoyed seeing the fireworks. She was definitely curious about them at least. We did a lot of swimming because that's one of her favorite things to do. We taught her how to kick her legs in the water and she's teaching herself how to put her head under water! Scares me to death! First, she tries to lick the water and then she dunks her face into the water. I don't like her doing that because sometimes she chokes on the water... but I'm happy she's not afraid!! Crazy baby.

Swimming right before the Fireworks! (with my brother & sister)

Miss A's present from Grandma-- Brand New Floatie!

Miss A watching Fireworks on the boat!

Fireworks on Torch River

More Fireworks on Torch River

AND More Fireworks on Torch River!

Trying to Show You Her Bare Butt! Miss A is a Nudey Baby!

Family Photo!

NUDEY BABY Practicing kicking her legs in water!

Extremely Tired Baby. This is How To Wear Your Baby Out!!

Torch River Entrance from Elk Lake into Torch Lake

My Cute Lil' Sister

My "Cool" Lil' Brother

Me trying to get rid of those stinking tan lines!

Sleepy Baby in Boat Cuddy

Dragonfly stopped to visit on our trip down Torch River

BABY SWANS!!!!! Incredibly cute!

We are almost through the 45 minute Torch River!

Torch Lake Sandbar!! WE MADE IT! Look at the beautiful water!

So many boats on Torch Lake Sandbar! So much fun in the sun!

Me and Valerie <3

Me & Miss A who is sweating in her life jacket!

BABY TOES!

MOMMY TOES!

DADDY TOES!

My mom took these last pictures of our toes! Silly Mama~!

Anywayss-- We sure did enjoy our trip! I highly recommend Torch Lake to anyone visiting Northern Michigan! 

Wordless Wednesday: Miss A Refuses Red Bow for Independence Day

I just wanted her to wear her cute red bow for the holiday today... She looked so adorable! But Nooooo! Miss A didn't want to wear her red bow! I'm going to ignore the signs of her independence and pretend this isn't going to happen again! ;)

Red & Blue Baby Toenails for Independence Day!

You know who won this argument don't you? I sure didn't win.
I took off the red bow... Instead I put a cute sparkling red hair tie in. <3

How to Get Your Child to Sleep for Twelve Hours

If you want your children to get a good solid night's worth of sleep you have to tucker them out!

My daughter slept over twelve hours the past two nights because we had some long days out in the sun and water. Sun, water and just some fresh air will wipe your child right out! You will exhaust them and they will get some long quality hours of sleep.

Take your child to the beach.
My little girl is barely one year old and we spent all day strolling around downtown Grand Haven, MI. We walked through several shops, walked the boardwalk and onto the pier, and finished by resting on the beach. We all dipped our bodies into Lake Michigan for about a half hour and then laid out while Miss A ate some snacks and drank her water. (She also ate sand and rubbed it into her eyes... so watch out for that!) She napped twice in her stroller because she was so worn out from being out and about. We went home and she slept for thirteen hours!

Take your child to the pool. 
Yesterday, we went to Miss A's great grandma G's birthday party and spent time socializing and swimming in the pool. We were probably in the water over an hour. I let her stay in until she was ready to get out of her floatie. She got to see a lot of family, play with all the other kids, and even go in an infant swing. Before this party, I took her to three garage sales. She had a long day! ...She slept twelve hours!

So you can see that SUN + FRESH AIR + WATER = GOOD QUALITY SLEEP! This is how to get your child to sleep for twelve hours in a row! ;) It's the winning equation for parents all around. If you want to have a fantastic day with your child, follow this and you will even be rewarded with a little extra free time for yourself too.
(If you don't sleep through it, that is.)

Wordless Wednesday: Protesting Naptime

My tired, grumpy monkey refusing to nap. 

Protesting Naptime

Happy Family Photos

I am so happy and proud that we have created such a loving family of our own. These are our first real family photos that we've taken together. I think they turned out great! Thank you R & R Photography.

Mommy & Baby

Precious... Daddy & Baby Girl

Very happy family <3

Look at those cheeks!

She's telling us a funny joke

So Darn Cute! Look at our happy baby girl!

Yes, we are in love <3 Check out the hubby's pants! Hahaha

Having fun being silly!

Kisses for the mommy <3

One Year Photos

(Technically these are 11 month old photos but it's close enough!) 

These photos were taken courtesy of R & R Photography.
:)