Paddle, paddle, kick, kick

Daniel has been doing swimming lessons for almost a year now and he just loves it. We started last year just after his birthday and I am so grateful for the swimming teacher he got, Robina. She is so lovely, friendly, encouraging, funny and works with the kids where they are at. She doesn't just stick to the level that they 'should' be at. As a result she has been pushing Daniel further in his swimming lessons. We have been fortunate to have the majority of his swimming lessons as a one-to-one lesson time which has been great for both Daniel and I and Robina says that it is a highlight of her Wednesdays. 

I am so proud of how far Daniel has come and what he can do. After having Eliza I have had a bit of a break as you can't be submerged after giving birth to avoid infection. I am so grateful for Mum and Dad who have willingly taken Daniel into the water for his lessons (and they have also loved doing it). I have been able to do a few lessons with him since Eliza has been born which have been lots of fun. It is a real joy to share swimming with him.

Here are some videos of him swimming with Poppy and with myself last month. Sadly they have pushed back our lesson time and as a result we have 3 other people in our swim class but that's ok. Robina still enjoys using Daniel as her model to show different techniques and she has taught myself, Dad and Mum a lot of the standard she expects from him so we can push him a bit further even if she isn't there with us.

Swimming lessons consist of things like using the pool noodle to swim (without assistance) to get balls or ducks. He is gradually understanding that he needs to keep the noodle under him (even thought he doesn't always like it).
 

 Robina has been working with Daniel putting his head under when she says 'down' and he is getting very good at it. He is also getting pretty good at swimming short distances by himself which I am very proud of him for.

Robina also suggested that it would be good for Daniel to start wearing goggles. We bought him some but he isn't very sure about them. Today he asked to wear them and they did last about 10mins which was impressive. Slow and steady I guess.

Wearing Robina's goggles for the first time

Here Robina was using a duck under the water to encourage Daniel to use the goggles to open his eyes under the water. It did work a little bit.

Daniel still loves going under the water! Head down, and off he goes.

So we will power on through the winter months because he is doing so well.