Just about Normal
We’re almost to week 5 after Steve’s injury, which means he’s almost back to normal. I still hear the chunk-klunking sound from the ice machine every night, and Steve still ices his shoulder regularly. But, he can now finally give the kids their baths. According to our doctor, we’ve got one more week until he’s pain-free. Fingers crossed we reach that milestone soon.
An Up and Down Week
This week has been one of extreme moods for Katherine – first apprehension and worry and then upmost satisfaction. Given recommendation of several folks, I signed Katherine up for group swim lessons with a private instructor this past week. Ms. Susie was fabulous and lived up to expectations.
Day 1 – Katherine got in the pool and followed teachers’ instructions…until it was time to jump in the pool at the end of class. I had to carry her to the diving board, with her crying up a storm. Teacher grabbed both arms, and plunked her in the pool. Katherine’s face didn’t even get wet.
Day 2 – Katherine went to class and whined for the first 10 minutes. She hopped out and started crying. I finally left the pool area (took a walk) after handing her to Ms. Susie. Katherine must have cried for another five minutes before doing everything the teacher asked, even jumping off the diving board. I re-appeared at the end of class to find her in good spirits.
Day 3 – Steve delivered her to class and tossed her in the pool to the teacher. Katherine did everything without complaint. I showed up in time for the jumping, and Katherine exclaimed proudly that she did everything!
Day 4 – At Katherine’s request, I sat by the edge of the pool and cheered her on. Everytime she did something with the teacher, she’d look up afterwards to make sure I saw her do it. Today she even went “googles down” to dive for pennies. Ms. Susie grabbed her arms and pulled her whole body into the pool from the diving board.
Katherine can now go goggles down, and swim from the teacher to the poolside seat (about 3 feet) underwater. She’s much more comfortable in the water, working with the teacher and/or a kickboard. We’re going to class again week after next to help solidify her learning. Meanwhile next week we’ll visit some other pools to play and practice. I’ll be sure to post pics of Katherine in the pool with her shark googles – which are hysterical. She would pull them down before working with the teacher. Then after finishing and while watching the other kids, she’d pull them back onto her forehead.