Swim To It!

Shane started swimming lessons today. Don't worry; It was indoors.

Shane and I signed up for a Mommy and Me class with Kids First Swimming. Ironically, it was all Daddy's in the water. What a racket! There were a few lady folk watching from the viewing area, but they'd all figured out/conspired to put the men in the water.

Today was the first of six 30 minute classes. It wasn't anything life-altering. Mainly I held Shane in the water and had him kick on his belly, his back, and practice holding his breath while I dunked him. The instructor maybe talked to us each for five minutes or so. The real value was to practice in a heated pool while the snow fell beyond the windows.

I think it was worth it. Swimming is a life skill that I think is crucial. It's a skill that isn't difficult to pick up and can save lives. The exercise and negating the fear of water are great, too. I know that if left to my own devices it would be easy to stick with the current routine of Shane-care. This class will give Shane and I something to do which will give him opportunities to grow and allow me to be an active father and participate with him. The whole experience of packing up, swimming, showering, and return trip filled an hour and a half of an otherwise cold and snowy night we would have been trapped indoors (and Mommy was sick, so there was lots of TV to start the day!).

Next week, Shane and I will go to class two. I wonder if it will be more of the same or if we will do some sort of drill or exercise. Shane doesn't show any real fear of the water. He's much more concerned with doing what he wants to do! He would have raced around the pool with a toy boat in each hand if I let him out of the water.

I think this will be a great way to spend Tuesday nights when Carrie is working. I'm looking forward to next week's class.