Fish Lessons for the Monkey

Depending how long you've been following my blog updates, you've likely seen lots of posts about Emerson and water. He loves it. I had him in a blow-up swimming pool at just a few weeks old, he's always loved the shower and bath, and can't get enough swim time! For a 3-year old who has been to Florida more times that most adults, it should come as no surprise that he's turning into a total fish. As a former competitive swimmer, and a child who had goggle indentations and stringy, green hair most of my youth, I am crazy kinds of proud.

We were in Florida most recently in May of this year. Emerson swam to his little heart's content. We'd put his water wings on him, and he'd swim for hours on end. We'd pull him out long enough to shove a granola bar or banana in him, apply more sunscreen, then allow him back in.

Emerson has always been a little dumb-brave. He's forgotten a few times over the years that he wasn't a full-fledged swimmer, and would jump in anyway. This has resulted in either me or Jason quickly following him in, fully clothed. With last night's swim lessons, this should no longer be an issue! In fact, he's sworn off water wings forever! I think we'll hang onto them, for the visits to the deep-end. More on the lessons...

We have a fantastic neighborhood pool, which offers group and private lessons in the summer. One of Em's neighborhood buddies was also interested, so we signed them up. We knew Luke might be in a different class since he was 5 years old, but still fun to go together.

Last night was the first of 8 half-hour classes. He was grouped with other kiddos his age, 3-4 years old. After about 3 minutes in the water with this group, he was sent to the other corner of the shallow end with the 5-6 year olds (I followed, beaming with  pride).

Can you see him on the far right of this picture? He's like, "Seriously? We're kicking our feet?"

This face tells me he's about to do something...

Yep. There he goes.

This next class up was much more appropriate for Emerson. He was quickly swimming back from a few feet out, pulling himself up for breaths along the way, and following instructions on floating on his back. Day one...a total success.

Emerson and Luke...reunited and it feels so goooooood!

Zen.