Swim Lessons

Holly is back in swim lessons after a long hiatus. After Hudson came along we took a small break, then our local pool closed for repairs, budget cuts refrained it from re-opening with public lessons and then we ended up on a waiting list at a different local pool. Finally, she was in.

We are really enjoying this pool and their program. It is a different program then she was in before and we are already seeing big changes in her abilities and confidence. They really focus and build one or two skills with the child versus each time they are out in the water it is a new skill. So, Holly has really time to work on and master the skill she is best at first - then they will introduce a new skill to build on. She can actually swim a bit now -- woo hoo!!!

Face In The Water

Holly is still in swimming lessons and doing a great job! For a long time she was not enjoying putting her face in the water - we tried working with her in the tub and in the shower. Finally she is trying to swim with her face in the water and I am so proud of her.... because I personally *loathe* swimming with my face in the water (shhh, don't tell her!).

The other night we took the camera with us to take some current photos of her in class - but the shots are 'in motion' and very fuzzy. I am still going to share them as they do show her enjoying class. I think next week I'll try some shots again to see if I can get some better ones.

Level Two

Holly finished up her second round of swim lessons this evening and was advanced to level two! She is so excited and proud of herself, as are we.

Holly has really enjoyed her lessons so far and has come a long way in her water confidence and abilities. She will now submerge in the water fully, open her eyes, learned some safety skills, knows how to blow the bubbles, deals with water in her eyes better, is getting good and practicing her front and back strokes with straighter arms and is super close to doing a back float alone. That is a lot to learn and become comfortable with in a couple months.

Lessons are over till November now if we stay with this program. I think in the mean time we will be doing a family swim night once a week to practice these skills with her some more and hopefully make a full breakthrough of 'letting go' for some of it... such as the back float (I know she could do it, she just needs to figure that out). The family swim nights have always been fun and we are looking forward to doing them weekly!

In the mean time, CONGRATS to Holly for moving up! :)

Lessons for all...

Holly has officially moved onto the big girl world of swimming lessons... without Mommy or Daddy. *sigh* That is really hard! A lot of mom's like myself are not typically fond of climbing in the water for 'Mom and Me' classes due to our own insecurities, it has nothing to do with the child at all... just ourselves. Now that my daughter is old enough to do them without me, I really wish I was in there with her - holding tight, watching carefully and guiding one on one. This is all a lesson to me, get over the insecurities and enjoy it. Trust me, this new insecurity of letting go in water with a complete stranger and other kids.... is much tougher!

Last night as we watched on the edge of our seats ready to jump the rail and dive in after her if needed.... she had fun. She had a blast actually! We worried for nothing because in reality, she was the best behaved little one in that class. She wasn't climbing out of the water, letting go of the edge, dunking and playing games, etc. Holly listened to what she was told and did really well! It was actually a good moment for Bryan and I as we watched her listen and follow directions - a moment where you stop and think "wow, it is all sinking in". We are very proud of her and wish her many good swimming lessons ahead.