Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Haley is taking swim lessons this summer and despite a rocky start, it’s going great. She actually looks forward to class, so I’m glad she’s not just learning but having fun too. She’s getting better and better at floating on her back, breathing out through her nose and mouth instead of holding her breath under water, and is way more confident in general. I think knowing how to swim is such an important skill, and it makes me so proud to see her excel at it.

Hudson, too, has been a little fish lately. The local pool has a great kiddie pool. As soon as I release him from his stroller, he runs right into it. It’s been a great way for us to beat the heat.

I’m also looking forward to the Summer Olympics this year. It’s always good for Haley to see “professionals” participate in her extra-curriculars. It makes her enjoy and appreciate those activities so much more. She’s old enough to understand that we’re cheering for Team USA this time. I hope she gets into it. And perhaps she’ll be motivated to swim a bit faster herself.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
I enrolled both boys in swimming lessons this year.  We are half way into our second week, and so far things are going well.  Unfortunately, Jack’s teacher from last year wasn’t available this year.  We found another great teacher who came highly recommended.  The pool where the lessons are held is a short walk from our house.  It’s very convenient for us, especially during lazy summer mornings.

Jack is comfortable swimming underwater, and his breathing is improving .  He is starting to learn different strokes.  He isn’t quite Phelps or Lochte level yet, but showing improvement in his form. Previously, his strokes looked like controlled drowning… so we are headed in the right direction.  He isn’t getting frustrated as in years past.  I think learning in a fun environment is a big help.

These are Tate’s first swim lessons.  He was initially excited about them, but recently showed some apprehension.  I think it partially has to do with the cold water temperature.  Despite his fears, he is improving. He loves to flutter kick and splash everyone in his class, but blowing bubbles is not his cup of tea.

When swimming is a social event with our friends, Tate acts differently.  He is more adventurous in the company of his peers. He tries to swim and plays with his pool toys.  He jumps in (as long as I’m nearby) and will at least get his face wet.  However, he seems to be a little taken back when he is in a class setting.  Maybe he needs his mother close by for reassurance or warmer water.  Either way, I know someday it will click and he’ll be a little fish in the water.  Like I always say, as long as my kids are having fun, I’m perfectly satisfied.

Summer in a small southern town brings two things to mind…Heat and Humidity.  We lived in this same town about five years ago so we remember the hot temps and sticky humidity that creeps up during summer.  The only way to stay cool and refreshed is to have access to a swimming pool.  We asked some friends their recommendations on area pools and came to find that they joined a pool last summer that they absolutely loved.  Bingo!  We are official members of one of the local country clubs for the summer.

The last two summers, my husband has been away on deployment and not been able to spend time with our family.  Jack and I had the opportunity to visit family in PA for months at a time and took advantage of the nice swimming pool in his grandparent’s neighborhood.  My husband was a big swimmer growing up, and he still is.  He has been looking forward to swimming with Jack and teaching him all his techniques.  Jack has come a long way from two years ago.  Thanks to the help from his grandmother, he has learned a lot already.  I’m so anxious to see how he does this summer with daddy’s help.

I have a feeling we’ll be living at the pool, since there isn’t a whole lot to do in the hot hot sun here.  The heat is terrible at times so the pool will be our escape.  Being pregnant, I think the pool sounds like a great idea, although being in a bathing suit, maybe not so much.  The friends Jack has made so far also have memberships which will make it more enjoyable.  Opening day is the beginning of May so we will have our suits, sunscreen, flip flops and towels ready to ring in summer.