Soccer 2.0

Cole had such an awesome experience with his summer soccer team that as soon as it was over in late July, he wanted to know when he could play again! So I registered him for the fall season, hoping that autumn weather would continue late into October. When we got our roster assignment, I was so excited to share with Cole that Will, a playdate pal of his from ECFE years ago was on his team and that Will's dad was his coach.

Cole is always a wee shy still when he starts something new but soon into his first practice, he was at ease. The St. Louis Park soccer association has held two drill sessions with talented instructors for Cole's age group which has been a nice change from his regular practices. Unlike with his summer team which were a group of VERY energetic personalities, the kids on his fall team really have begun to work as a unit (still with some comedic moments). Sometimes they win and sometimes they lose but Cole has certainly improved and become quite skilled with the ball. Of course like most almost-six year olds, he has been reluctant to pass the ball but when he does so he does so very well. One month into the season, we have spent some Saturdays watching games basking in near 70 degree sunshine and spent several Saturdays bundled up against a windchill. Welcome to Minnesota in the fall.

The fall soccer program is a shorter six week stint and I'm sure as we wrap things up, Cole will be asking about when he can play again. Unfortunately, it will be a long winter of waiting. Hopefully, his avid interest in football will placate him until the ground thaws in six months.

004 from David Denham on Vimeo.

My support team...

I have been so lucky the past three years to have such a fantastic support team as I trained and ran 11 half-marathons. It was important "therapy" for me back in 2010 to find something to dig my heels into as I recovered from our loss in January 2010. Though my body was recovering from the trauma of the ruptured ectopic, my mind still struggled. Hence, my decision to begin running again with these goals in mind.

That first summer, I registered and ran 3 half-marathons. Dave ran the first one with me (well, not WITH me but in the same race). I vividly remember hitting a wall at mile eight only to see his smile as he looped past me on the return path motivating me to continue on. I trained longer for subsequent races that year and felt strong and accomplished. Near the finish line for two of that year's races, Cole sitting atop Dave's shoulders cheered me on through the final shoot.

My first race of 2011 was a cold and blustery early May day. It felt more like March than May and the wind coming off Lake Minnetonka was unrelenting. Dave and Cole rode the route in the truck and found me about mid-way to give me a boost and found me again at the end where my cheeks were chapped and my feet cold but I was oh so happy that I finished. Three more races that summer with my loyal cheerleaders dropping me off early at the starting lines and meeting me with their waves and blown kisses as I completed another 13.1 miles.

My goal for 2012 is five races, consecutively building each year. I have tackled four of them thus far with my first B2B (back to back), two half-marathons with less than a week in-between. Surprisingly, despite some bruised toenails, my body has acquiesced and allowed me to conquer the mileage. I haven't been able to beat my best time of 2:04 but I am pretty happy with myself regardless that I have dedicated myself to this cause, myself. LOL

I think it has been good for Cole to see me committed to something that means a lot to me. He gets excited when it is race day and he even wants to be sure he wears something that will make it easier for me to see him (like a red shirt or hat). He has even asked me if there are kid races. There are and I'd be happy to get him involved next summer (most entries require them to be six years old).

Imagination...a life skill...

I know it is not easy on Cole being an only-child. He loves to play and wants someone to play with him! However, Dave and I cannot accept his every invitation to build, race, kick the ball or play hotel. Playdates as plentiful as I have tried to maintain them are more difficult now that everyone has varying activities and schedules. So sometimes grudgingly, Cole retreats to his playroom to find something to do. The guilt I feel when he frowns and stomps off is relieved when I hear him ten minutes later using his imagination and creativity to entertain himself. This is a crucial life skill which in my opinion is becoming lost in his generation with over scheduled kids and too much TV/computer/device time for many of them.

I believe Cole has a nice balance of alone time, sports/activity and electronic media. Sure, some days, it leans towards one more heavily but overall, I'm glad to know he can find his own way out of being bored. I love that he will run through the house playing various football positions giving a play-by-play analysis. I revel in the prolific artwork that adorns my desk, the refrigerator and his playroom walls. I smile when I hear him lower his voice in "conversation" as he talks to the "other" superhero/ninja.

I have no doubt that Cole would prefer to have a real person engage with him but I also have no doubt that the fact that he can't all the time makes him work different areas of his brain that would otherwise go dormant and that can only be a positive thing in this world that grabs for our attention 24/7. We all need a little "alone" time.

Another "first"...

I remember the moment you were born amidst the bright lights of the OR, hearing you yowl at being evicted after such a lengthy labor; all I could see were your feet since the drape was blocking my view, thus I commented on how large they were and to this day, that vision flashes before me...

I remember endlessly walking circles with you for almost four months in our Washington, DC brownstone's main level pleading with you to stop your colicky crying.

I remember watching you sleep so peacefully since it was such a rare event.

I remember your first smile, your first words, your first foods, your first steps, your first birthday. As your mom, I remember them all as they slowly weave together to form who you are and are yet to become.

I realize that each "first" means you are one step further away from depending on me and relying on yourself and that is how it should be.

As you got on the big yellow bus yesterday to embark on a new and exciting adventure, I was so thrilled to see you so excited. You showed no apprehension, just a curiosity and confidence that made me proud. I hugged you extra tight as the bus rounded the corner and you squirmed away as you wanted to watch it come down our block. Dad and I waved as you bounded aboard and took your seat, not looking back, just ahead. We waited as the bus turned and headed out of sight. My feet remained glued to the corner as the tears rolled down my face. I was so happy for you and yet felt such melancholy as the morning was such a bittersweet reminder to my psyche that things were changing.

Some of your "firsts" just etch themselves more vividly in my heart. Your "first" day of kindergarten will definitely be one of those.