Here we go again!

Last night was Bella's first swim meet. She was so nervous and I had several chats with her about what to expect. Her big sister, Abby, swam for many, many years and now it was Bella's turn. I prayed she would enjoy the meet and get over her jitters.

A couple of hours before the meet the head coach sent me a "heat sheet". I sat down with Bella and explained her events and her heats to her. The first individual event, 25 yard freestyle, looked promising. She was racing two girls younger than her. I figured this would be the race she could win and earn a "heat winner ribbon". That would take the pressure of her to win one. I said a quick prayer that her heat wouldn't be combined with another one. My prayers were answered!

Bella's relay won first place (because the other team was dq'd). She also won her heat in the freestyle. Next up: breaststroke. A very hard stroke, in deed! Bella won her heat because the first place finisher did not do a two handed touch at the end. So, huzzah, another heat winner ribbon for her! And then backstroke: she placed third in her heat.

Overall, a very positive experience and Bella was floating on air at the end. I was so happy for her, but equally sad for me. While sitting up in the stands, sweating, I realized I just restarted the whole swim parent thing. I did that to myself! 

At her celebration dinner she began asking about Abby's swim career. When did she go "year round"? My husband and I quickly explained that we will not allow another child to participate in a year round sport again. Bella didn't act sad, but I think inside she was a little bit. Perhaps we should have rephrased it: we won't encourage a child to do a year round sport again. If a child of ours has the motivation to push us to let them, then we might consider it. Otherwise it is not going to happen.

I'm proud of my little Bella giving it her all. I'm so happy it was a positive experience. Now on to the next activity.