He started swim lessons with Coach Bill last week. The lessons are Monday-Thursday for two weeks. There are 5 in his class (2 four-year-olds, 2 three-year-olds, and Drew). I was the only mommy required to get in the pool, so, needless to say, I got an early start on my tan this year :)
The first week was NOT fun! Every single time I handed him over to Coach Bill he WAILED! Even when Coach Bill was working with the other kids and we were on a break, Drew was very uneasy and whiny. Just as I managed to get him calm, along came Coach Bill and the wailing returned. By day four, I was seriously considering pulling Drew out of the lessons; it seemed neither fun nor functional. But, that night, Drew started dunking his head under the water during his bath! This made me think that maybe he did like swimming, and it was just Coach Bill that upset him so much. Well, long story short, today was day 7 and Drew was having a BLAST! He still cried with Coach Bill (though not at the sight or sound of him, so that's a major improvement) but when he was practicing his "swimming" with me he was so happy!
Drew really has made great progress! He's learned to hold his breath under water and reach (for me, the edge of the pool, the ladder), and he's even starting to kick! He loves to sit on the edge and throw himself in (not so safe, but very fun). We are also working on him floating on his back, though he hasn't mastered this skill yet. I am truly amazed at his progress and am so happy that enjoys the water!
Oh yeah, and he started walking! Crawling is still his preferred means of transport, but I'm sure it won't be long until he really takes off!
I don't blame him for being afraid of Coach Bill--that hat would scare me too!!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures, thanks for sharing!
I concur! I would wail and pitch a fit if someone who looked like that was tryng to coax me into water too! Poor Drew.
ReplyDeleteGlad he's doing better with it and you're seeing improvements!