David passed the swim test! This, as regular readers know, is a huge deal. A. Because the swim test is rather hard--freestyle one length of the pool, backstroke back. B. Because even though David has had the physical skill to pass for awhile, he has been afraid to try.

I noticed in the swim class that he's been taking this week that they've been swimming half the length of the pool and then turning around and coming back without touching the wall. In other words, the freestyle part of the swim test. Today was David's last day, so I asked the very accommodating teacher to make the swim test part of the lesson. He thought this was an excellent idea. David dove off the block and did it.

This is a milestone for me as big as the last kid going to kindergarten. Technically, I no longer need to be in the pool within touching distance at all times. I can swim laps. I can not be in the pool. I mean, I plan to still play with my kids in the pool, but I now have a choice. And David has the freedom to go to the deep end whenever he wants.