Learning to Swim

It's hard to believe that summer has come and gone...it truly did fly by. I must admit, I'm ready for some of the lovely 80 degree days like we had today...how refreshing!

This summer we definitely made progress in the swimming department. Graden was not having anything to do with the water at the beginning of the summer when we went to the beach. He took a couple of sessions of swim lessons at the YMCA and Holding Park Pool and is slowly getting the hang of it. Sometimes I wonder as a parent how much to expect a little one to be able to do when it comes to a monumental task as this. It really takes a couple of years (or seasons) to figure it out, I guess and he really did enjoy his time in the water this year.

During his first lessons at the Y, his idea of going under water was sticking the tip of his nose in really quickly. By the end of his second round of lessons, he was going under completely and having a blast. He took lessons with his girlfriend, Ava, and I think he just wanted to impress her...:) He worked on his icecream scoops and trying to kick on his own, but really he just got comfortable going under and holding his breath. Baby steps...for sure.

Graden is definitely a pleaser in every way. He wants me to have my eyes on him at all times and is constantly screaming at the top of his lungs in extreme urgency, "Look at me mom...look at me! Watch me mom!" and won't stop until my eyes are glued on him. He was very proud of himself when "swimming" from one side of the pool to the other with his teacher and went down the slide and off the diving board one time each...took a little bribery...this kid will do anything for a piece of gum!

Graden is growing and learning so much every day. He is very excited about life to say the least!