My Little Gymnast

The most exciting thing that has happened this month is that Eden started gymnastics! 

We went back and forth on whether or not we would let her try something like gymnastics.  She is so hit or miss with these types of things... she will either participate and love it or sit in the corner while she cries and hate it.  We wanted her to try an activity and see if she liked it but didn't want to pay money for her to cry every week and not want to go.

 

I called the gym and found out that we could do a trial class so we decided that would be the route we would choose.  If she hated the first class, we could reevaluate and think about what we would do next. 

 

We started talking with Eden about going to gymnastics a week before the actual class.  We picked an afternoon class so that she would not be overwhelmed with seeing bigger kids practicing at the same time.  She seemed very excited and asked every day how much longer it would be before she could go.  We bought her a cute leotard and tried to prepare her about what she would see and do in class.  We even drove by the gym and let her look inside so that she would know what it looked like.  Finally, we prayed!  A lot!  She can be so shy and I just didn't want her timid and shy personality to get in the way this time.   She has missed out on so many things in her life because of her fear to be looked at by others.

 

Last Monday was her first class and I am happy to report that she LOVED it!  As soon as we walked in the door, another little girl came over and started talking to Eden.  She immediately felt as ease with this little girl and when it was time to go into the gym, she walked in with no reservations.  She didn't even turn around to wave or tell me good bye. 

 

She stretched, jumped, flipped, walked on the balance beam and participated like she had been doing it her whole life.  I was so proud of her that she had finally overcome her fears and tried something new!

I have no idea what next Monday will bring.  Her shyness may rear it's ugly head again and she may refuse to participate, but I am thankful that the first day was a success!

 

The only drawback to the class is that it is right during Lily's nap.  She was sound asleep the minute we left the parking lot! 

UPDATE:  Eden had her second class yesterday and did GREAT!  She participated with so much confidence and excitement that I had to look and make sure that it was really her in the class.  After watching her yesterday, I'm pretty sure that the Olympics are not going to be in our future, but it doesn't matter as long as she gains some self confidence in this process.