Since the boys turned 1, Every.Single.Summer we have been at the pool 5-7 times per week. And we haven't just visited the pool, Jon and I have been IN the water with the boys. It's easy for us because our home (and our previous home) has a neighborhood pool within walking distance. But getting the kids this proficient in water wasn't easy, it didn't happen quickly, and it took a lot of effort.
For four summers, Jon and I played and played in the water with the boys, slowly getting them more comfortable. We fished toddlers off the bottom of the pool. We changed COUNTLESS wet poopy swim diapers. We got scratched and had our suits pulled off while the boys clung to us in deep water. We tread water for hours as the boys jumped off diving boards.
So perhaps you will understand when I say there was no luck involved. And you will also understand when, after five summers of more strenuous summer themes, our 2011 Summer Theme:
The Year Jon and Laura Reap the Rewards and Enjoy Cocktails Poolside While the Boys Exhaust Themselves Swimming All Day.
10 comments:
Doesn't merely the work "cocktails" make you happy?
You had me at "cocktails." Your pool allows/sells them? Might be reason alone to move to N.C.!
Congratulations on a job well done. My you enjoy your cocktails and may the straps on your bathing suits get a break from clingy kids.
Reminds me of malcolm gladwell's "Outliers.". The boys success is due to their/your countless hours of practice rather than pure luck. Cocktails are well deserved.
Well we a) do not have community pools as nice as yours b) didn't have two kids the exact same age and therefore c) did not put in quite the time and effort you did BUT this year we are definitely enjoying being able to relax by the pool while our "fish" of children play and SWIM happily. It is such a nice feeling. Enjoy those cocktails!
Waaaaah. Neither Lester nor I can swim (head hung in shame) and life keeps conspiring against me when it comes to getting the boys lessons. Also, no decent neighborhood pool. Waaaaah, again! I guess we'll just live vicariously through you guys.
So envious. Since we last checked in on this topic, my 6-year old has made enormous progress, able to swim 10-15 feet, but is still unable to navigate deeper water. The 4-year old is right behind him. So while I'm excited and proud of their swimming development, I am still a distance from cocktails. Enjoy!
Had to laugh because we are SO having issues with the poopy swim diaper thing this year with Summer. She's been banished from the pool until she knocks it off, and it is killing us ALL. :-) Before the pool embargo, it was THE place to be for the summer!
You have inspired me to spend more time with Cameron in the pool. We have "swim lessons" once a week but those are fairly useless since they don't ascribe to the whole put them under the water philosphy that I prefer. Our local pool is actually a JCC and has a splash park. Cameron has lately been preferring the pool but mommy prefers the splash park :-) I guess it's time to get off my butt and start acclimating her more with actual swimming. Thanks for showing me the light at the end of the tunnel!
You have inspired me to spend more time with Cameron in the pool. We have "swim lessons" once a week but those are fairly useless since they don't ascribe to the whole put them under the water philosphy that I prefer. Our local pool is actually a JCC and has a splash park. Cameron has lately been preferring the pool but mommy prefers the splash park :-) I guess it's time to get off my butt and start acclimating her more with actual swimming. Thanks for showing me the light at the end of the tunnel!
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