I’m saying it, here, now: this kid will teach herself to swim before summer is out.

After a busy morning of dirt exploration, we slipped into a pair of swimming pants and headed to the hotel pool.   Best part, pool lets me skate on a bath.   we started by walking around the pool, to tire her out a bit and make her a little more compliant.   at first G headed right for the edge of the 9 ft section, of course, the most dangerous section.   She had no idea about the drop-off; our pool may have given her false confidence.   Then she moved to the ladder, which i figured was an acceptable risk and opportunity for continuing education.   She started by putting her feet on the top rung and kickity kicking and stomppity stompping, with much delight.   some back, some forth, some running out of the pool and back to the first rung…it was pretty amazing watching her get it down better with each repetition.   Then she tried to go past the first rung and I grabbed her harder and said “NO”.   and she tried it again and heard my command, and she got it.   Its just like the dog, as long as you give her really clear signals.

but she was having too much fun playing in the water, so it was time to go in!   She cautiously approached the top step, figured out she was safe, and then the fun began!   First step, 2nd step, she knew what she was doing.   I didnt know if she’d be scared in a new pool but she was totally cool with me taking her around.   She was having much more fun then she ever had with me before…her increasing comfort with the water is just incredible.   Back on the steps, she was trying each time to get the water closer and closer to her mouth.   It shouldn’t surpise me but its just like her with everything else — she just keeps pushing her limits.   jumping off the 2nd stair for me to catch her, flopping her way back to the 1st stair, each time getting more comfortable.   She laughed when I went underwater, and it was only like a month ago that move got her crying.     I kept thinking it was too much, cause after awhile her face got and stayed real serious.   But each time I moved to get out she kept going “no no”.   must have just been the water in her eyes.   she just kept splashing and putting her face in.   finally, she miscalculated a jump and a landing and wound up going underwater by herself on the 2nd step.   I figured that would trigger a meltdown, and she ran to the top of the steps, but then changed her mind and came storming back for more.

a brief nap, then back outside for more!