Swimmie

When we bought our house one of my biggest hesitations was our pool.  What would we do when we had a child?  How would we keep them from falling in the pool and drowning? 

Since Paige was born I have been really protective of what we do outside and I try to avoid actually going in the backyard so that we are not tempted to get near the pool.  At the beginning of the summer we established different rules like don't cross a certain line around the pool, do not get in the pool with out momma or daddy, don't get in the pool without floaties, and no running.  While these rules were great, we still didn't feel like it was enough to keep Paige safe while doing one of the things she loved (swimmie as she would say it).

Swim lessons were in order!

We talked to the lady at our pool store and as a regular swim instructor she offered to come to the house and teach Paige to swim.  So, for the past 4 weeks we have been meeting with Ms. Debbie while Paige learns to swim. 

She is learning all sorts of things, like how to get in and out of the pool safely, when to close her mouth, how to blow bubbles, jumping on command, swimming back to the wall, and floating on her back.  The first couple of lessons were a learning experience for all.  Paige did not want to close her mouth for anything.  This didn't surprise me because I don't think she has closed her mouth since she has been born - ha!  She would just look and laugh at us while we would close our mouth.  Same goes for blowing bubbles - Paige just loved watching us blow bubbles.  Floating...she was not a fan!  Poor thing just couldn't relax, well until the very end.  Now, she is putting her head back and her feet in the water - yay, Paige.

I think of one her biggest accomplishments through swim lessons was improving her listening.  This probably sounds really corny but Paige is just like her momma and we are pretty stubborn.  She learned that there are rules and that there can be treats along the way if she listens and follows directions (cheerios work wonders).  While we have a ways to go, I think Paige knows what to do and with practice we will all be more comfortable!