Gymnastics with Gavin

One of my goals this summer was to find an activity that Gavin could begin this Fall when Emma went back to dance.  It was important to me because I wanted him to be involved in an organized sport, have a place to channel his energy and I did not think it was fair for Emma to always be involved in things while he sat on the sideline and watched.   After searching and searching, I realized the only thing a TWO year old could be involved in was gymnastics.   Emma started gymnastics at 18 months old, so we returned to the same gym to register our little man for the weekly Parent & Tot class.

Last night was our first night at gymnastics and it was WILD!  Gavin was overstimulated from the second we walked in the door and he never slowed down until we walked out or should I say ran out.  I know people think I am kidding when I say this, but I promise you this little boy has more energy than five two year olds combined.  

Mrs. Ronette was super surprised to see us walk in and even more surprised to see how big Gavin had gotten.  He was a newborn when Emma was in gymnastics.  It took her about 3 minutes to observe Gavin and start laughing hysterically saying, "Wow, he is so much different than Emma." 

There were about 8 little girls that showed up for the 1st night of class and Gavin was the only boy.  I wish you could have seen the looks on the faces of all the first time, stay at home girl mommas when we made our grand entrance.  All of them were sitting on the floor Indian style with their pink leotard wearing daughters glaring at the only boy that entered the room.  Class began with stretching and Gavin decided he wanted no part of sitting still and stretching, so I got up and just followed behind him as he tested every piece of equipment around within 4 minutes.  After testing out all the equipment he decided to start hopping around like a frog shouting, "ribbit ribbit" and shooting his imaginary gun at the pictures on the walls in the room.  By this time it was obvious that all the SAHM's were not impressed, nor did they appreciate the rambunctiousness of my little boy.

Gavin was afraid of nothing and needed no explanation on what he was suppose to do at each station.  He ran around like a maniac but never acknowledged the other kids in the room, so why did their Momma's think it was important to comment on my very active two year old toddler, oh and let me not forget...that is a BOY!

Mrs. Ronette kept laughing and tried to assist Gavin at each of the stations.  At one point she tried to pull him by the legs on the trampoline and quickly realized Gavin is strong as a mule.  I think she was honestly blown away by his level of energy.  All I could do was LAUGH!

About 20 minutes into class I was sweating like a pig and Gavin was soaked from sweat.  Thank goodness Daddy came along with us, so we decided to switch and Daddy came in to chase around our overstimulated, two year old, very active little boy.

Here are a few of the comments we heard within the 45 minutes we were in class from the stay at home girl mommas:

• Wow, he has alot of energy
• Me and my husband really wanted a boy this time since we have our daughter, but man after seeing him I am thankful I am having another girl
• Is he always like that?
• Stay away from that little boy, I don't know what he will do
• Uh, if he is going to be on the trampoline just get off, get off now! 
• He is all boy
• How do you keep up with him?
• I bet if you would have had him first, you would have never had her.

Seriously, are you freaking kidding me people?  This is my SON you are talking about at a level where me or his Daddy can hear you!  What was I suppose to say? I just kind of smiled, responded and tried to keep up with Gavin.  By the end of class, I had heard enough of their comments along with the looks they continued to send my way every time Gavin moved.  I wanted to tell them to STOP staring and pay attention to their own whiny kid.  However, I kept quiet and thought that I would have acted the same way if this wild man had been in our class when Emma started gymnastics.

Now look at this little face and tell me if you think he had a good time jumping off the trampoline into the foam pit.  This boy had a blast and when it was time to go, we were all EXHAUSTED.  I figure we will take small steps with Gavin and hopefully in a week or two he will be accustomed to class and participating in the warm up (a Momma can wish).

In the meantime I saw a sign for indoor Soccer that allows them to start participating at two.  I plan on checking into those details and possibly letting him do soccer opposed to gymnastic.   I am not sure I can keep smiling week after week if the SAHM's keep making comments about my child (ha ha).  If they catch me on a not-so-good day, I might end up in jail or letting Gavin get em'.

Gavin, you did an awesome job in your class little buddy.  We were so proud of you and how brave you were when it came to trying out new things.  It is safe to say that you LOVED gymnastics and enjoyed all of the climbing, jumping, running and rolling that you squeezed into 45 minutes.  I am thinking all the bow head Momma's were just a little jealous of your ability to hang from the rings while squealing like a little monkey.  Heck who knows, perhaps it was how fast you cleared the rock wall or dove off the trampoline.  Whatever it was, they better WATCH IT because your Momma is out their trying to recruit more rambunctiousness to join the class.  Yep, I am proud to be in the boy club.

I have said it once and I will say it again, I can not imagine Gavin being any other way than the way he was at gymnastics.  I love that he is so active, inquisitive, rambunctious, athletic, busy and wild.  Yes, it makes for a long day and one tired Mommy, but I love my little man with everything that is in me.

Gymnastics was tiring for me and Daddy, but so worth it to watch Gavin be able to release so much energy and have fun doing it.  Thanking God for my rowdy little boy tonight, loving the fact that he is so different from his BIG sister, appreciating his zest for life and so blessed and honored to call him my SON!