Z and I decided to sign Jameson up for soccer this fall. We were quite hesitant about it because he doesn't do super well in situations that are so fast pace, loud and overstimulating. He is similar to his dad in that he is more sit back, watch, and take it all in. Over time we are learning that he is more of an introvert, needing more time alone and small bursts of stimulation. Soccer was a big step for all of us.
For me it signals the start of all this over-scheduling. I don't like kids to be crammed full of activities and I think it's nice to decide each day what we want to do. Some days we just feel like being at home while others we decide we want to meet some friends for a couple of hours of play. We decided though, that with our neighbor being the coach, that this would be a good opportunity for Jabes to play on a "team". Thursdays are practice and Saturday mornings are games, phew it seems like a lot and both Z and I were pretty hesitant. Our hesitations increased as we watched Jameson at the last practice and today for his first game. Not wanting to participate at all, clinging to us, whining and not being very into the team game. He seemed lost on the field (can't really blame him though, he has never heard a word about soccer from either of us and he's only just turning 4). After a lot of coaxing, negotiations, sitting out for the first half and his Nama showing up he was ready to go in with his neighbor buddy Logan.
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| Having his neighbor buddy beside him helped him ease in to this. |
And while Z and I stood on the sideline exchanging looks of "I'm not so sure this was the right choice", all while trying to not get frustrated and continue to encourage him to play. The moment he stepped on that field we both looked at each other with close to tears in our eyes, feeling so proud of him. It was a huge step for him, putting his anxieties aside and trying something new. At the end of it all, he really enjoyed it. I'm not so sure what next practice or game will bring but for today, it was a success. My little carrot topped almost four year old amazes us yet again. A few more from the remainder of his two "shifts" in his little 40 minute game. Don't tear up too much Oma!
xo
Megs
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| He insists that he scored a goal! With a smile on his face, feeling so proud! |
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| This was the end of the game. Waiting to high five the other team and not quite certain what he was supposed to do! He looks so little and melts me in this picture. |
