In my life before kids, soccer was an integral part. Growing up, I played every spring and fall. My freshman year of college, I snuck onto to a rec high school soccer team (I had a late birthday). I played college intramurals whenever possible. I coached a little boys soccer team for 8 years. I had a soccer wedding shower on the field right after the game in my wedding dress.
And then there was the last year that I coached. That fall, I had awful morning sickness. I would drag myself from work to the game/practice, coach, and then go home and collapse until 8 am the next morning. The next spring I was coaching 9 months pregnant. Belly and all I ran up and down that field. I was bummed that my doctor wouldn't release me, 12 hours after AJ was born, so I could go coach the tournament game. After the game, the team stampeded the hospital for a baby shower bringing every soccer baby item imaginable. Less than 3 weeks later, AJ and I headed down to Cedar City for the state games. AJ's eating schedule was adjusted to fit around game time.
Al warned me that I would be kooky when our kids starting playing soccer. I told myself I wouldn't be. When 18 month AJ didn't want to do soccer drills, I let it go. I have kept my passion hidden until 2 weeks ago, AJ's first soccer game. The kid loves playing. In fact, he runs around with a huge smile on his face following the pack. But when it comes to actually kicking the ball, he lets other people have a turn, including the other team. I have tried telling myself he is just unselfish. I have tried setting up goals in the backyard to practice. The new plan is to give him a dime everytime he touches the ball. But, I can feel my competitive nature creeping out. Now just to contain it until the end of the season.
And then there was the last year that I coached. That fall, I had awful morning sickness. I would drag myself from work to the game/practice, coach, and then go home and collapse until 8 am the next morning. The next spring I was coaching 9 months pregnant. Belly and all I ran up and down that field. I was bummed that my doctor wouldn't release me, 12 hours after AJ was born, so I could go coach the tournament game. After the game, the team stampeded the hospital for a baby shower bringing every soccer baby item imaginable. Less than 3 weeks later, AJ and I headed down to Cedar City for the state games. AJ's eating schedule was adjusted to fit around game time.
Al warned me that I would be kooky when our kids starting playing soccer. I told myself I wouldn't be. When 18 month AJ didn't want to do soccer drills, I let it go. I have kept my passion hidden until 2 weeks ago, AJ's first soccer game. The kid loves playing. In fact, he runs around with a huge smile on his face following the pack. But when it comes to actually kicking the ball, he lets other people have a turn, including the other team. I have tried telling myself he is just unselfish. I have tried setting up goals in the backyard to practice. The new plan is to give him a dime everytime he touches the ball. But, I can feel my competitive nature creeping out. Now just to contain it until the end of the season.
3 comments:
I love it, expecially the wedding dress. It is going to be hard to hold back that competitive side, but hey - you can handle anything right?
OH MY GOSH!! Y'know how we talk about us being total opposites? Well, you JUST confirmed it to me!! haha!
For example, The other day I was on the phone with Mark when he suggested that I get Lena into soccer, and I seriously almost started bawling (those crazy pregnancy hormones!) as I practically yelled at him, "I CANNOT be a SOCCER MOM!!!!" And I then proceeded to call my sisters and mom and complain that he even SUGGEST that I become a soccer mom!
Why? You might ask? Being a soccer mom both intimidates me and frightens me beyond anything imaginable because I am like the ANTITHESIS of anything sporty. I feel comforatble around tu-tus and ballet shoes, with the closest team like sport being gymnastics!
Oh my goodness no wonder you were always kicking the ball during volleyball!! That picture is priceless!
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