Our neighbor Nicole, gave me my first piece of gum.  I was told not to swallow it.  I took one bite, chewed, and swallowed.  That was just a habit and I forgot.  Barbara was telling me how to chew gum.  I put the entire piece in my mouth and chewed it a lot longer than I did the first bite.  Then I forgot again and I swallowed.  I was ready for anther piece.  I didn't get another.  I guess I will need to be a little older before I try gum again.

I had my first 30 minute swimming lesson today with Miss Sherry, a long-time friend of Grandmas.  I will have them on Monday and Wednesday at 1pm at Miss Sherry's home which is very near my school.  Grandma and Barbara were there.  We started with me sitting on the first step of the pool while we discussed pool rules.  No running in the pool area.  No wheels in the pool area.  The most important rule was never, never, never get in the pool without an adult watching.  

The next rule was I could not say: "I can't, I won't, or I don't want to".  I had to say: "I will try"...
because Miss Sherry will only ask me to do what she knows I can do.

Then the swimming started.  I put my elbows on that first step, which gave me about three inches of water for me to blow bubbles into.  Then we danced around the pool while Miss Sherry sand a song to Here We Go Around the Mulberry Bush but with words about swimming.  I learned that if I got some water in my nose to pretend to blow my nose and that would knock the water out.  I also learned that if you are blowing bubbles you can not get water up your nose.... good thing to know.

I learned that I should keep my legs long, not bent at the knees to kick and to keep my hands cupped when making big strokes.   All the time we were singing songs that I know but with water words.

 A fun thing I did was learn how to float, looking like a starfish.  My arms and legs spread out long, and my chin and belly button up high.

I was very good at floating.  We counted to 10 several times while I floated.  I even floated for a few seconds by myself.

Another important thing I starting learning was how to get out of the pool if I fall in.  We practiced this five times.

For the first 15 minutes I was "shy" and would not really answer Miss Sherry's questions.  But the last half of the lesson, I answered all her questions and remembered all the things she told me to do.  She said I was "awesome."  Grandma and Barbara thought I did a very good job and will learn to swim easily.  Miss Sherry said after eight lessons, they would see a marked difference in my swimming ability.  $30 for thirty minute lesson.  Miss Sherry has a beautiful pool, play area for her grandchildren, and an outdoor kitchen.

I will be very willing to go back for another lesson.

Back home I played with Luke, playing construction in the dirt and riding my new bike.  I did not take a nap.  I happily went home with Mommy.