Avery's swimming lessons

Last week Avery started swimming lessons. It's 30 minutes, every day, for 2 weeks. Last summer she was in beginner, and she passed, so this year it's level 1. If Liz and I had to guess, she'll probably be taking level 1 again, and you'll see why. She likes being in the water, but not all the way. Avery says that she doesn't like the water in her eyes, whether open or closed, so she doesn't have put her whole head underwater.

At the same time, they do expect a lot from them. She's been swimming in the deep end, with her swim belt on, which makes us a little nervous, but she does well. Hopefully we can get her in for another 2 week session after this one ends on Friday.

Below you'll see a 24 second clip of her trying to jump off the edge of the pool into the water, last Friday. This was what she did for over 10 minutes while her instructor tried to her to jump. All the parents we sit by crouch with her, trying to "will" her to jump.

Finally, after about 12 or 13 minutes (again, the class is only 30 minutes), she finally jumped in while holding his hand. Now, she had jumped with his help all week, but he was really trying to get her to jump on her own.

A couple of minutes later, he had her try again. This time it only took about 2 minutes, and this was the best jump we've ever seen her do. Of course, it took some assistance, as you'll see.

And then to show you something besides jumping, here she is learning to swim on her back. The belt helps her float, and she gets a chance to work her arms and legs.