Thor drives me nuts to no end. Out of my kids he's always been the one to get into everything and try my patience. Most days I feel like beating him at one point or another and now that he's older it has magnified. He's strong willed and defiant most days.
Taking Thor swimming is an experience in and of itself. The fact that he is the offspring of two self-proclaimed merfolk, we were completely surprised when he didn't want to blow bubbles, let alone get INTO the water.
After getting him in he would cling like a baby koala bear, wrapping his arms and legs around me and making it near impossible to move. Trying to get him to do a supported float with kick was hard, too.  Back floats? Out of the question. And jumping in? Nope. No way. He'd sit on the side and grab onto my upper arms (since my neck would be out of reach) and slide in.
5 weeks ago we thought it would be a good idea to sign him up for swim lessons. Those first few days were spent with him standing to the outskirts of the group and occasionally getting water poured onto his head by his teachers. They would carry him to the deeper side and have him jump in (deeper meaning 4 feet). Good luck teachers.
The class session ended after 3 weeks and by the end of those three weeks Thor had an amazing turn around. He was putting his face in the water, blowing bubbles, even doing a front float without being held on to! He was a regular little fish. Supported back floats? No problem. Supported front floats with a kick? Piece of cake! That kid made me proud!
But he still wouldn't jump into the pool.
After a week long break, the next session of swim lessons started back up again.  (That's last week, folks.) He was in the same level (preschool) and luckily had the same awesome teacher. Last week was spent showing off his skills that he's been working on in the bathtub and kiddie pool - unsupported front floats and holding his breath for extended time frames. His teachers were so excited at his progress and it showed! He's improved so much - becoming independent in the water and so comfortable - almost a regular fish!
But he still wouldn't jump in.
Yesterday he tried with all his might to take that plunge. I could see the battle raging in his head as he'd go to jump and then balk at the thought. Finally his teacher would hold one hand and he'd jump in.
Still progress from sitting and clinging, but not what our ultimate goal is.
So last night for family night we went swimming. Popeye was in charge of Grand Duchess while I gave a private swim lesson to Thor. I had him pushing off my legs to the wall and then pushing off the wall to me. I would hold his wrists (not let him hold me) while he jumped in.Hhe even jumped in like a soldier and was able to touch the bottom before floating to the top! He made such huge progress and was so excited to show his teachers this morning.
But he chickened out again.
Finally, with a certain toy hanging in the balance from his teachers (and a quick poolside pep talk from me, with the promise of 3 warm fuzzies) he did it! He jumped into his teacher's arms and came up with a grin!
And then he did it again. And again. And again.
And NOW I am a super proud, overjoyed momma and can officially say that swimming lessons have paid off!
And he can't wait to go off the diving board. :)
Way to go Thor! You are one awesome dude!