We wanted to bring Chubbs swimming for some time, but have been putting it off because I needed these weeks to psych myself up, so as to not pass out/hyperventilate when I see Chubbs drinking pool water :( We also wanted to make sure he was well past 6-months old, so his skin will not be as sensitive to the chlorinated water.
After our usual Saturday breakfast of French toast, we set out to try on some water-themed "toys" on Chubbs for size. First up, we inflated a bright yellow baby pool seat that we call his private yacht. Daddy and mommy ain't got no access! He was well-chuffed by the floatation device, complete with a seat, back rest and suspension (impressive!), and studied it intently with a grin.
Captain Chubbs checking the pool-worthiness of his yacht.
Next came his swim suit; a hand-me-down from his cousin. Although this is not the most fashion-forward article of clothing; it works, it fits and we save $. All that matters. Chubbs reminds me of the Malay macik who sells mee soto at Adam Road :)
"Shell print?!"Of course we can't go swimming without a swim diaper (to go under the suit). Chubbs looked too adorable in his first pair of trunks. I went on a snapping-spree.
Then it was off to the The Berth at Sentosa Cove for Chubbs' pool debut! As we were driving in, I commented that I hate how developed Sentosa is now. I miss the good ol' days where you could walk on the main roads, there was no traffic, no cranes, no resorts, no lorries, no property etc. I got a huge shock when I saw traffic lights on the island! Objectively speaking though, The Berth is beautifully landscaped and the pool is mostly empty; perfect for swimming with baby. Chubbs enjoyed himself looking out from the balcony at the koi pond below, the docked boats, the pool, the waterway, and the houses opposite.
It was an exciting moment for Fuzzy and I when we finally put Chubbs in the pool. I expected him to be apprehensive, but he had none of that. Chubbs launched at his bath toys once Fuzzy let go of it. He paddled madly with his legs and was actually propelling himself forward; so much so that he almost capsized!
Then he put one arm under the float and started "swimming" by pulling strokes underwater. Clever boy! I got to do some laps too; my first swim in a year!
After a while, he discovered the back rest on his yacht, and decided to just lay back and chill out with his toys. But he still played with the water with his toes! How cute!
But his favourite bit was when we placed him near the mini waterfall. He loved the water splashing on his face, and the slightly rougher waters around the water feature caused him to bob up and down like a buoy.
We spent more than half and hour in the water, and would have stayed on, if we hadn't noticed Chubbs tiny toes wrinkling up. He was very reluctant to leave, bicycling his legs, and splashed to the very last second. We whisked Chubbs to the apartment to take his first proper shower. He loved it! He didn't mind the water jets on his face and hair one bit! We stood him up and soaped him while he squealed and kicked the jets of water.
It was a great day that brought endless smiles and laughter to our little family. Until the apartment is leased out again, we will try to bring Chubbs often. Such precious memories...
p.s. Chubbs said his first two "mama"s on the car ride home :)
