Swim Lessons Day 1 and 2 at Mt. Washington Swim Club

We were so excited to join the pool and had hoped that Connor would "loosen up" a little compared to his dramas of almost a 1/2 hour of crying to even put on a bathing suit last year.  Well, you can get the bathing suit on and get him to the pool without hysterics but if you try to get him in to the big pool -- he is almost trembling in fear at the idea of sinking.  This is, despite the use of a puddle jumper that won't let him sink, and watching Jackson in the same puddle jumper maneuver around and not sink. We have had slight breakthroughs but the almost choking efforts on his part have to be adjusted and I realize that I "may" or may not have pushed him a little too far so it was decided that it was time for swim lessons.

This is from their 1st lesson.  They are observing the box of water toys waiting on Allie to finish and get ready for them.  Toys and water = a win. There were tears but in the end, Connor, was relaxed and walked all the way out to the rope on his own which if I asked him to do would be met with crying and screaming. 

 

To fit in 5 lessons before our vacation and the instructor's last day before she returned to college, we had to include lessons during the week. I was concerned about having to take them by myself. In addition to having a tight time frame relative to getting their suits on and getting to the pool,  I decided to make a strategic decision and not wear my suit.  I wanted to encourage them from a distance and let Allie do what she needed to do and get them more comfortable with her.

Getting in. I heard "it is cold" a lot.

Connor getting his ear wet.  Jackson was not willing to try this.  Connor is very eager to please and good at following other people's instructions, just not ours :(  So, we knew that he would do well following Allie.

Paddling around and kicking on his own.  That face verifies how proud he is of himself.

Jackson trying to get more wet.  Connor was kind enough to try to tickle his feet.  No worries -- Jackson returned the favor when it was Connor's turn.

Connor after he got more wet. And, he is still smiling!!!

Photographic proof that he is standing at the 2 1/2 feet market on his own.  Prior to swim lessons, he wouldn't get off of the steps without someone holding him.  And, for distance purposes, this is 1/2 way between the steps and the rope. Definitely making progress.

And, the big event of the lesson was definitely paddling and kicking on the OTHER side of the rope.