Newly proclaimed water baby

Here in NC it has been mind meltingly hot.  Today is the first day in weeks that the temperature has been only 90.  That explains why we've been spending a lot of time at the pool recently.  

Did I mention A LOT of time?  (Like on average three days a week)

Because it is HOT? (Real temps in the upper 90s, heat index in the mid 100s)

Anyway, I've been amazed at the transformation in my big girl.

Just last summer we celebrated this moment.

Miss the monumental moment?  There were water droplets on her face.  All over her face in fact.  And she didn't run for a towel.  Last summer (her THIRD summer home) was the first time she'd leave water on her face.  By the time the summer ended she progressed, voluntarily I may add, to submerging her face under water in a pool.  Mind you it only happened once, but it did happen!  And then just as she was getting comfortable getting her face wet, the public pools closed.

This summer began with her being a bit timid, but she carefully watched her friends that swim.  So I went out on a limb and bought goggles and little fish dive toys.  Turns out that was $10 well spent!

Little by little I watched her gain more and more confidence until one day last week she suddenly said, "Hey Mommy, count and see how long I can stay under water."  I agreed, figuring she'd just put her face in.  Wasn't I surprised when instead she did this:

(pictures from today when I finally remembered to take the camera)

 

The first time last week she stayed under for two seconds.  Today's high was ten ~ most of the attempts without holding her nose.

But even more exciting than totally submerging her body is what else she's decided she can do.

Yes, we've got a way to go on stroke technique, but she is, on her own free will, going underwater.  Completely.  Usually without holding her nose.  And kicking her legs while making movement with her arms!  That's a lot of accomplishment in a few short weeks!  Her daddy and I couldn't be prouder!

You've come a long way big girl!