Loads of Fun

Relocation can be a lonely. Moving to Maryland was our first military move with a child, which can be more challenging than moving as a dual income, no kids family. At least I find it more challenging. But to ease the transition (thanks for advice from smart military moms), I've enrolled Olivia in various activities to fill our week, provide interaction with other toddlers and hopefully meet other mothers (potential future friends).

I started with the Frederick County Parks and Recreation Spring/Summer schedule booklet. I flipped and flipped. Loads of activities for three year olds. Not sure for two year olds. Review booklet again. Must find activities for my two year old. The header "UK Petite Soccer" for 2-3 years old. Bingo.

A six-week introduction to the world of soccer for 2 year olds using a games-based approach, providing every child the opportunity to develop motor skills, social skills, coordination and general athletic ability in a stimulating, motivating, educational environment. Activities include fantasy role playing and are designed to maximize the number of touches a player has on the ball. Individual skills will be taught by OK Elite Soccer's Professional British Coaching Staff!

Ugh. An exclamation point at the end of a introductory paragraph. Who writes this stuff for the registration booklet? And why isn't it me? Minus the exclamation point, I was excited.

Week No. 1

We drive 30 minutes to the closest petite soccer complex. Every toddler has mom, dad, aunts, uncles and grandparents to photograph this big moment. A one-hour class to introduce the most popular sport in the world. Olivia has me. Every kid immediately slips on his bright red team T-shirt. Olivia refuses to wear her shirt.

But she is excited about her pigtails.

Week No. 2
Olivia sees another boy who doesn't participate the entire time. Instead he eats snacks and drinks juice the entire time. Olivia takes the cue and decides to quit five minutes into the class. She eats yogurt bites instead of kicking the ball. I'm frustrated that we drove 30 minutes for nothing. Benny reminds me that Olivia is a two year old.

Week No. 3
Olivia organizes several other toddlers to chase butterflies instead of participate in soccer. She picks up the cones with 10 minutes left in class and says she is ready to go home. Benny reminds me, the competitive mother, that she is a two year old. The coach, Ian from Ireland, tells me the point is for Livie (yes, he nicknamed Olivia) to have "loads of fun." Olivia gives him a high five after he says this statement. She still refuses to wear her team T-shirt.

Week No. 4
Benny has the day off of work and is able to participate in parent-toddler soccer. The temperature is over 100 degrees, so we are able to play in the elementary gym instead of sweating outside in the open grassy field. Livie does her best ever, kicking and running the entire time. No stopping for snacks or drinks. I'm so confused.

Week No. 5
Olivia wears the cone as a hat.

Week No. 6 (the last week!)
Auntie Colleen and soon to be Uncle Adam were in town. Colleen was eager to encourage Olivia to kick the ball.

Colleen also tried to get Olivia to wear her team T-shirt. She refused.

Then at the end, Olivia needed to kick the ball from the free throw line to the baseline to "score" a goal past her coach. Once she did that she would receive her certificate of completion. I really didn't think she would do it. And she refused until Colleen said the magic words "Olivia after you kick the goal, you can go home." Olivia nodded and ran to the line.

The fall/winter schedule of sports for the parks and recreation department arrived last week. Petite soccer is being offered again. Livie and I are going to pass. Even though it was "loads of fun." I'm thinking an art class may be a better fit for our little O.