A Better Way to Teach Your Child to Swim - Together
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A parent-led, online program that helps you teach your child to swim—calmly, safely, and with confidence.
According to the CDC - Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 in the U.S.
Teaching children to swim is one of the most effective ways to reduce this risk.
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GET STARTEDÂ The Reality for Many FamiliesÂ
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Traditional swim lessons work for some families—but not all.Â
Many parents find themselves juggling rotating instructors, packed schedules, slow progress, and kids who “pass levels” without truly feeling confident in the water. It can feel frustrating, expensive, and hard to know what’s actually helping.
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If you’ve ever wondered “There has to be a better way”—you’re not alone.
Why HomeGrown Is Different
HomeGrown Swim School was created to do things differently.
Instead of handing your child off to a new instructor each week, you become the teacher, supported by a clear plan, expert guidance, and simple lessons that fit real family life.
Here’s what makes HomeGrown different:
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Parent-led instruction with expert support
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Short, focused lessons designed for real schedules
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Skills taught in a clear progression, one step at a time
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Emphasis on comfort, confidence, and mastery—not rushing
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Flexible pacing that adapts to your swimmer, not the other way around
This isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing what matters—well.
Why HomeGrown Works
HomeGrown Swim School is built on real-world experience and proven methods:
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Nearly 20 years in the learn-to-swim industry
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Thousands of swimmers taught
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Hundreds of instructors trained
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Curriculum developed and used at scale
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Parent-tested, child-approved
This program was refined through years of professional instruction—and through teaching my own kids.
Level 1
Comfort, Trust & Water Foundations
This level is designed for swimmers who are inexperienced, hesitant, or unsure in the water. The focus is not on swimming independently yet — it’s on comfort, trust, and foundational skills that make everything else possible.
Strong foundations here set your swimmer up for success in every level that follows.
In Level 1, swimmers begin learning to:
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Comfortably put their face in the water
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Hold their breath underwater
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Blow bubbles through the nose
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Float on their front and back with support
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Kick and scoop with help
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Enter and exit the pool safely
This level focuses on trusting the water and the process, not speed or distance.
Level 2
Independent Movement & Water Safety
Level 2 is where swimmers begin to move independently in the water.
This level builds on the comfort and foundations established in Level 1 and introduces independent swimming skills on both the front and back. While assistance may still be used at times, the goal is to help swimmers begin trusting their own movement and ability.
In Level 2, swimmers are learning to:
- Swim independently on their front and back for short distances
- Reach the pool wall safely by jumping in, turning, and reorienting themselves in the water
- Combine kicks and arm movements more consistently
- Build confidence moving without constant support
This is where many swimmers realize: “I can do this.”Â
Level 3
Coordination, Control & Confident Swimming
Level 3 is where swimmers truly begin to put skills together.
In Level 3, swimmers are no longer just learning what to do in the water — they’re learning how to do it consistently, with breathing, body position, and movement working together.
By the end of Level 3, swimmers are learning to:
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Swim freestyle and backstroke independentlyÂ
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Use flip-to-breathe movements instead of stopping to breathe
-
Coordinate arms, kicks, and breathing together
-
Swim farther than short assisted distances with control
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Begin learning breaststroke arms and whip kicks
This is where swimming starts to look and feel like real swimming — not just floating, kicking, or surviving.
Level 4
Building Distance, Endurance & Breaststroke
Level 4 is where swimmers begin to stretch their skills and build real swimming endurance.
In Level 4, you’ll continue teaching through short, focused lessons that cycle and repeat — but the expectations increase. Distances get longer, skills require more stamina, and swimmers begin putting movements together in more intentional ways.
By the end of Level 4, swimmers are learning to:
-
Swim longer distances in freestyle and backstroke
-
Maintain breathing and rhythm while swimming farther
-
Use streamline positions to move more efficiently
-
Perform whip kicks with control
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Coordinate breaststroke arms and breathing over distance
This level is not meant to be easy — and that’s exactly why it matters.
What families can expect with HomeGrown
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 Step-by-step lessons you can follow confidentlyÂ
Each level includes clear video instruction showing exactly what to teach, how to teach it, and when to repeat or move forward.
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Printable lesson plans for the poolÂ
Simple, water-friendly guides you can laminate and bring with you so you’re never trying to remember what comes next.
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Skill trackers to measure real progressÂ
Track mastery over time and celebrate milestones instead of guessing whether your child is “ready.”
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Lifetime access to the level(s) you enroll inÂ
Rewatch lessons anytime, repeat skills as needed, and move at your child’s pace—no expiration dates.
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Live Q&A calls for guidance and reassuranceÂ
Ask questions, troubleshoot challenges, and get clarity when your swimmer struggles or progress feels slow.
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An online community of parents on the same journeyÂ
Share wins, ask questions, and learn from other families teaching their children to swim.
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Flexible pacing that works with real family lifeÂ
Lessons are short, repeatable, and designed to fit into busy schedules without pressure to rush.
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A clear progression from comfort to confident swimmingÂ
You’ll always know what you’re working toward—and why it matters.
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This Program isn't for Everyone
HomeGrown is for parents who want to take an active role in teaching their child to swim.
If you’re looking for a quick fix or a hands-off solution, this is not the right fit.
HomeGrown is for parents who want to be actively involved—not just drop off, wait, and hope for the best.
It’s for families who care about safety, confidence, and connection, and who believe teaching a child to swim is worth their time and attention.
If you’re ready to lead, support, and grow alongside your child in the water, HomeGrown offers a better way forward.
“This is the course I wish I had when I was teaching my own kids to swim.”
— Molly Tanner, Founder
Ready to get started?
 14-Day Confidence GuaranteeÂ
Try HomeGrown Swim School risk-free for 14 days. If it’s not the right fit for your family, reach out and we’ll make it right.
Level 1 -Â Comfort, Trust & Water Foundations
This level is designed for swimmers who are inexperienced, hesitant, or unsure in the water. The focus is not on swimming independently yet — it’s on comfort, trust, and foundational skills that make everything else possible.
Strong foundations here set your swimmer up for success in every level that follows.
In Level 1, swimmers begin learning to:
-
Comfortably put their face in the water
-
Hold their breath underwater
-
Blow bubbles through the nose
-
Float on their front and back with support
-
Kick and scoop with help
-
Enter and exit the pool safely
This level focuses on trusting the water and the process, not speed or distance.
What’s Included in Level 1
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Lifetime access to the complete Level 1 course
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A safety guide video to establish safe habits from day one
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Clear guidance on how to prepare for your first lessonsÂ
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Three foundational lessons (A, B & C)Â taught step by step
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Simple, clear teaching videos for every skill
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Printable, poolside lesson plans you can laminate and bring into the water
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Skill trackers to help you track progress and celebrate early wins
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Access to the HomeGrown online community (2026)Â
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Access to live Q&A calls (2026)Â for guidance and reassurance
Everything is designed to help you feel calm and confident teaching skills that may feel new — for both you and your swimmer.
A Note for Parents
Level 1 is not about rushing.
Many families spend weeks or months in this level as swimmers build comfort and trust. Some lessons may feel repetitive — that repetition is what creates confidence.
Your swimmer sets the pace. Your role is to guide, support, and celebrate progress along the way.
If your swimmer needs extra time, that’s not a setback — it’s part of learning.
FAQs
Is Level 1 right for my swimmer?Â
Level 1 is ideal for swimmers who are new to the water, hesitant, or still building comfort and trust. No prior swim experience is needed.
How long does Level 1 take?Â
Every swimmer is different. Many families spend several weeks or months cycling through lessons until skills feel comfortable and consistent.
What if my child is nervous or resistant?Â
That’s very common. Level 1 is designed to move slowly, build trust, and create positive experiences in the water.
Level 2 -Â Independent Movement & Water Safety
Level 2 is where swimmers begin to move independently in the water.
This level builds on the comfort and foundations established in Level 1 and introduces independent swimming skills on both the front and back. While assistance may still be used at times, the goal is to help swimmers begin trusting their own movement and ability.
In Level 2, swimmers are learning to:
- Swim independently on their front and back for short distances
- Reach the pool wall safely turn and reorient themselves in the water
- Combine kicks and arm movements more consistently
- Build confidence moving without constant support
This is where many swimmers realize: “I can do this.”Â
What’s Included in Level 2
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Lifetime access to the complete Level 2 course
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A safety guide video focused on growing independence
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Guidance on how to prepare for each lessonÂ
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Three structured lessons (A, B & C)Â taught step by step
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Detailed teaching videos for every skill
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Printable, poolside lesson plans for use during lessons
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Skill trackers to track independence and progress
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Access to the HomeGrown online community (2026)Â
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Access to live Q&A calls (2026)Â for ongoing support
You’ll know exactly what to teach, when to help, and when to step back.
A Note for Parents
Level 2 is often emotional — for swimmers and parents.
As independence grows, confidence can fluctuate. Some days feel amazing; others feel challenging. That’s normal.
Most families spend months cycling through these lessons as swimmers build consistency and confidence. Repetition is not a sign of struggle — it’s how independence is formed.
You’re in control of the pacing, with support available when questions come up.
FAQs
Is my swimmer ready for Level 2?Â
Most swimmers entering Level 2 are comfortable putting their face in the water, floating with help, and kicking or scooping forward.
How long does Level 2 take?Â
Level 2 often takes months, depending on practice frequency and swimmer readiness. Progress is expected to be gradual.
What comes after Level 2?Â
After mastering Level 2 skills, swimmers are ready for Level 3, where coordination, breathing, and control become the focus.
Level 3 -Â Coordination, Control & Confident Swimming
Level 3 is where swimmers truly begin to put skills together.
In Level 3, swimmers are no longer just learning what to do in the water — they’re learning how to do it consistently, with breathing, body position, and movement working together.
By the end of Level 3, swimmers are learning to:
-
Swim freestyle and backstroke independentlyÂ
-
Use flip-to-breathe movements instead of stopping to breathe
-
Coordinate arms, kicks, and breathing together
-
Swim farther than short assisted distances with control
-
Begin learning breaststroke arms and whip kicks
This is where swimming starts to look and feel like real swimming — not just floating, kicking, or surviving.
What’s Included in Level 3
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Lifetime access to the complete Level 3 course
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A safety guide video to reinforce safe habits as independence increases
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Clear guidance on how to prepare for each lessonÂ
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Three comprehensive lessons (A, B & C)Â taught step by step
-
Detailed teaching videos for every skill
-
Printable, poolside lesson plans you can laminate and bring into the water
-
Skill trackers to monitor progress and celebrate milestones
-
Access to the HomeGrown online community (2026)Â
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Access to live Q&A calls (2026)Â for support when questions come up
Everything is designed to help you feel confident teaching skills that require coordination, patience, and repetition.
A Note for Parents
Level 3 is not a “quick” level — and that’s intentional.
Most families spend several months cycling through these lessons as swimmers build strength, coordination, and consistency. Skills may progress unevenly, and some lessons may feel repetitive — that repetition is what builds true confidence and control in the water.
With HomeGrown, you’re not rushing to pass a level.
You’re building skills that last.
And because you’re leading the lessons, you can adapt pacing, repeat skills as needed, and support your swimmer through challenges — instead of waiting for a rotating instructor to notice what’s not working.
If you ever realize your swimmer needs more time or support, the HomeGrown community and live Q&A calls are there to help.
FAQs
Is my swimmer ready for Level 3?Â
Most swimmers entering Level 3 can already float, kick, and move independently for short distances on their front and back. They are comfortable putting their face in the water and are ready to begin coordinating breathing with movement.
How long does Level 3 take?Â
Level 3 often takes a few months. Progress depends on practice frequency, swimmer readiness, and comfort level. Cycling through lessons repeatedly is expected and encouraged.
What if my child struggles?Â
Struggle is normal at this stage. Coordination takes time. Repetition, patience, and consistent practice are key, and support is available through the HomeGrown community and live Q&A calls.Â
What happens after Level 3?Â
After mastering Level 3 skills, swimmers are ready for Level 4, where the focus shifts to longer distances, endurance, and putting strokes together more fully.
What if we enroll and realize this isn’t the right level yet?Â
If your swimmer needs more time with earlier skills, we’ll help you determine the best next step so they stay set up for success.
Level 4 -Â Building Distance, Endurance & Breaststroke
Level 4 is where swimmers begin to stretch their skills and build real swimming endurance.
In Level 4, you’ll continue teaching through short, focused lessons that cycle and repeat — but the expectations increase. Distances get longer, skills require more stamina, and swimmers begin putting movements together in more intentional ways.
By the end of Level 4, swimmers are learning to:
-
Swim longer distances in freestyle and backstroke
-
Maintain breathing and rhythm while swimming farther
-
Use streamline positions to move more efficiently
-
Perform whip kicks with control
-
Coordinate breaststroke arms and breathing over distance
This level is not meant to be easy — and that’s exactly why it matters.
What’s Included in Level 4
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Lifetime access to the complete Level 4 course
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A safety guide video to keep water safety front and center
-
Guidance on how to prepare for each lessonÂ
-
Three comprehensive lessons (A, B & C)Â taught step by step
-
Clear teaching videos for every skill
-
Printable, poolside lesson plans you can laminate and bring into the water
-
Skill trackers to help you monitor progress and celebrate milestones
-
Access to the HomeGrown online community (2026)Â
-
Access to live Q&A calls (2026)Â for support and guidance
Everything is designed to help you feel confident knowing what to teach, how to teach it, and how to support your swimmer when things feel challenging.
A Note for Parents
Struggle is normal at this stage.
Level 4 asks more of swimmers — physically and mentally — and progress often comes through repetition and patience. The difference with HomeGrown is that you’re not waiting for a rotating instructor to figure things out.
You’re in control of the pacing, supported by clear instruction, a parent community, and live Q&A support when questions come up.
If you ever realize this level isn’t the right fit yet, we’ll help you determine the best next step.
FAQs
Is my swimmer ready for Level 4?Â
Most swimmers entering Level 4 are comfortable with bobs and controlled breathing, front and back kicking for short distances (around 15 feet), scoops with their face in the water, and basic flip-to-breathe movements. If your swimmer can move through the water with purpose and repeat skills across lessons, this level is likely a good fit.
How long does Level 4 take?Â
Every swimmer progresses differently. Most families spend several months cycling through these lessons, depending on practice frequency, swimmer readiness, and comfort level.
What if my child struggles?Â
That’s expected. Repetition is built into the program, and support is available through the HomeGrown community and live Q&A calls. You’ll also learn how to adapt lessons to meet your swimmer where they are.
What happens after Level 4?Â
Levels 5 and 6 are currently in development and will build on the endurance, coordination, and stroke foundations introduced here.
What if we enroll and realize this isn’t the right level yet?Â
If you find that your swimmer needs more time with earlier skills, we’ll help you determine the best next step so your swimmer stays set up for success.
Levels 1–4 - BundleÂ
This is the full HomeGrown Swim School experience.
The Complete Program gives you everything you need to guide your swimmer from their very first moments of comfort in the water all the way through confident, coordinated swimming across meaningful distances — using a calm, parent-led approach that works with real family life.
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With access to Levels 1–4, you’ll guide your swimmer through:
Level 1 – Comfort & FoundationsÂ
Building trust in the water, learning breath control, floating, kicking, scooping, and safe entry and exit — all with support.
Level 2 – Independent MovementÂ
Learning to swim independently on front and back, safely reach the wall, and move with growing confidence.
Level 3 – Coordination & ControlÂ
Putting strokes together, learning flip-to-breathe skills, swimming farther distances, and beginning breaststroke foundations.
Level 4 – Endurance & Skill ExpansionÂ
Swimming longer distances (yards, not feet), refining freestyle and backstroke, learning breaststroke and whip kicks, and building stamina and confidence.
What’s Included
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Lifetime access to Levels 1–4
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Safety guide videos at each stage
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Clear guidance on how to prepare for every lessonÂ
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12 lessons (A, B & C per level)Â taught step by step
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In-depth teaching videos for every skillÂ
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Printable, poolside lesson plans you can laminate and bring into the water
-
Skill trackers to track progress and celebrate milestones
-
Access to the HomeGrown online community (2026)Â
-
Access to live Q&A calls (2026)Â for questions, troubleshooting, and reassurance
You’ll always know:
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what to teach
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how to teach it
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when to repeat
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and when your swimmer is ready to move on
A Note for Parents
This program is not about rushing through levels.
Most families spend months cycling through lessons, repeating skills, and adjusting pacing based on their swimmer’s readiness. That repetition is what builds true confidence, safety, and long-term success in the water.
Your child may struggle at times — and that’s normal. The difference with HomeGrown is that you are in control of the pacing, with expert guidance and community support available when you need it.
Is This Program Right for You?
This full program is a great fit if you:
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Want a clear, long-term path for teaching your child to swim
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Prefer a parent-led approach over rotating instructors
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Value flexibility, calm instruction, and real progress
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Want to build confidence, safety, and connection — not just check off skills
If you ever realize your swimmer needs more time in a level, or you’re unsure where to start, we’ll help you make the right call.
FAQs
Do I need to start at Level 1?Â
Most families do, but if your swimmer already has foundational skills, you may be able to begin at a later level. Guidance is available if you’re unsure.
How long does the full program take?Â
Every swimmer is different. Many families work through Levels 1–4 over 1–2+ years, depending on practice frequency and readiness.
Will I need special equipment?Â
No. Just you, your swimmer, basic pool access, and the provided materials. Additional equipment is optional.Â
One Program. One Path. At Your Pace.
The Complete HomeGrown Swim School is for families who want to teach swimming with intention, confidence, and connection — from the very beginning through confident, capable swimming.
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Teaching a child to swim is a journey, not a race. We’ll support you with simple tips, encouragement, and expert guidance to help you and your swimmer build confidence—one step at a time.
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Contact Us
Questions about the program? Fill out the form below, and we will get back to you as soon as we can!