Photo365: Day 7

It's the little things in life: A brand new Zebra ready for use.

Photo365: Day 6

Snow day, too cold to go outside. Working on their letters.

Photo365: Day 5

Definitely a lifestyle shot. This cupboard is emptied countless times a day. We fill it, she empties it, we fill it, she empties it. Why would anyone put a lock on this when it is such a fun game?

Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming.

I never understood why some of the swim schools were so expensive. Why wouldn't you just pay 30$ for a class at the YMCA instead of the outrageous cost of 200+ for the swim school.
We've been doing the "Y" thing off and on since Olivia was a baby and never saw much growth or specific development of skills. After just one session of testing her skills at the new school, I now know why they cost what they do. I leave there amazed EVERY time.
Olivia tested into 1 level in early November and by the end of December was moved to the next level. Her coach was one of the best as well. He said she is a natural and is catching on to proper technique very well, just has to break a few bad habits.
She is my very uncoordinated, hates sports, doesn't want to do any sort of competition/recitals where she has to get up in front of people to perform. Swimming seems to be right up her alley and we are excited to see where she can take it.

Working on her backstroke

Having a little fun at the end of the lesson. The coaches really know how to keep them excited to come back!

After such great success with Olivia we discussed the options for Owen. Sticking him in a class will not work and to do private lessons it costs an arm and a leg. BUT they have a program for kids with special needs, score. Private lesson for semi-private rates, awesome.
Owen's biggest problem with swimming is he doesn't care if he can swim, he will jump in and if he can't get back to the top, well it doesn't bother him. He has no fear of the water. We usually have him in a life jacket when we are around water for this very reason. We need him to understand how to safely tread water, get to safety and also to float if he is ever struggling.
We have tried teaching him on our own. We have tried private lessons at the Y (with him and Olivia together) and we just have not been able to get him on the right track.
And then today, his first lesson at the new school, it happened. Their technique, their ability to tailor to his needs, the way they know exactly what he needs and their willingness to try different approaches was amazing. And Owen did it. I saw improvements after just 30 minutes of class!

 

I can't wait to see how he looks in 10 weeks!

 

And for Zoey, well she is getting some swim time with dad for now. She is still fearful of water and I don't need to pay for a swim teacher to tell us that. She does look pretty darn cute in her swimsuit though!



Photo365: Day 4

A simple task like coloring a picture for some. Therapy work for Owen. A year ago he refused this kind of "play". Today he stood at the table for over 30 minutes coloring pictures and writing our names on them. And he only needs 1 marker for all pictures, green - his favorite.

Photo365: Day 3

BRRRR. It is cold outside.

A happy 8

Two days after Christmas marks a big milestone in our house. The day Owen was born. The day our lives changed. New parents, unexpected news, the start of a new journey. There is a lot to reflect on the past 8 years and how blessed we are. The "anniversary" of that day is always one of mixed emotions as we remember those moments shortly after his birth. The joy, the happiness, the fear, the unknown, the worry. And now 8 years later, we still experience those same emotions. Mostly joy but our days are still filled with ups and downs. We are different than most families but we are also very much the same.

Over the past year Owen has made tremendous growth. Growth in school, at home, in his strength, in his language development and his independence just to name a few. Little things like being able to zip his own coat, ride his bike(with training wheels) around the neighborhood and "unlock" the iPad were some examples of his big milestones. It has been a big year.

 

We spent his birthday at a local hotel with a great pool. He loves to swim and we are excited to get him in enrolled in private swim lessons this month.

 



 

 

 

He is a happy, loving boy. We are VERY proud to call him ours.