Swimming Lessons

In February we decided to enroll the kids in swimming lessons.

  Matthew needed them because he was convinced he was an olympic swimmer and I am afraid that he is going to drown himself with his confidence.  He is our water rat.

Alex needed them because he had perfected his barnacle impression leading us to believe he needed to get more comfortable in the water. He is our water cat.

Daddy and Mummy traded off getting in the water with Alex.  Here he is showing off his back float skills.  He has gotten so good in the water.  If only I had a before picture.

He does his best when he can show off his impressive skills to someone.

  In order to get him to back float for me I have pretended that Daddy is watching from the bleachers then when he is done and pops up for a wave, I have had to explain that Daddy had to go to the potty. insert sheepish grin and shoulder shrug here.

This might not look like much but at this point (near the end of month 3) he is actually jumping up and in on his own although he continues to hold hands for security.

Then he actually gets his head and face wet.  You would not believe this kids ability to keep his head out of the water even when an adult is trying to (gently) force it under.

At our second to last class, on the count of three he would hold his breath and let me dunk him under.  It was such a massive leap forward that we did it over and over and over almost all class.

The moment he figured out how to not suck water up his nose. I was so proud and thrilled.

Water rat getting ready to jump. His favorite part of lessons.

10 points for unique style.

Alex's favorite pat of lessons.....hiding in the lockers as mommy finishes getting dressed.