Swim Lessons

We interrupt this tour through Italy to bring you the latest on Gavin. We started swim lessons at Hubenak Swim last Monday.  Ms. Cheryl and Mr. Gordon want the kids to be able to float on their backs when they're tired and to be able to get to the edge of the pool and get out.  Last Monday there were lots of tears.  I think Gavin and Dean were relying a lot on each other last week--in the sense of, "Hey, we're going to swim lessons with Dean today.  Won't that be fun?"  

I am impressed with all that Gavin can do.  At the end of the first class, kids had to dive to the bottom (guided down by Mr. Gordon) to pick up a ring.  Gavin was willing to go first because he had been having fun playing with the rings.  He came up empty handed the first time, but had two rings when he came up the second time.

By Thursday, the tears were less.  You can see Gavin swimming below.  I didn't capture him projectile vomiting into the water after screaming and swallowing too much water. Mr. Gordon had a great, "not the first time that has happened, won't be the last time" attitude about the vomiting.  Mr. Gordon has a great touch with the kids.  He's firm; the boys listen to him and do what is asked of them.  He also praises them and gives them high-fives for a job well done.

Over the weekend, we went to the pool to practice.  Gavin didn't want any part of the pool; he just wanted to play at the splash pad.  At the end of class Thursday, Lindsey and I mentioned practice to Mr. Gordon.  He reminded us to let the boys have fun at the pool, too.  I didn't push Gavin to go to the pool instead of the splash pad.  I really just wanted him to have fun, and he did.  It was apparent that the three other little boys, Dean included, had practiced and Gavin didn't.  However, by the end of today, he had made good progress.

Near the end of class, the boys raced in pairs to Mr. Gordon.  Gavin didn't want to jump into the water from standing, but would sit down and get in.  Oh well, we'll take what we can get. 

After the races, the boys had to dive to get rings again.  Gavin was ready to volunteer.  He likes diving--go figure.  When I asked him at dinner what his favorite part was, he quickly replied the race. 

We'll see what the next 3 classes bring.  Hopefully a little boy who doesn't cry for Mama.  And here's hoping our next trip to the pool will find an opportunity for G to practice what he's learning.