Reality Check

I haven't had a good "pull my hair out" story in a while so I thought I would share my experience last night at soccer practice. Jared worked late so I was on my own. This doesn't really phase me because during the week I always go places by myself . It is always when you have that false sense of confidence that you get your butt kicked and that I did. :) Never underestimate a 3 year old much less 2 of them.


Neither of the boys napped yesterday which set us up for a bit of failure but I didn't concern myself with that. I was just thinking beautiful, sunny day, outdoors, and soccer. Bring it on. I mean yesterday when I told them that they had practice Alex pumped his fists in the air and did a little dance followed by a big hug for Mama because he was SO excited. Today I was met with "I don't want basketball" (they get a little confused about which sport they are playing). I pressed on as they resisted their shin guards, or as I keep calling them "shin splints". I managed to get them dressed and over to their field only for Eli to decide he didn't want to do anything. I didn't press him. I just worked with Alex and invited Eli to do a few things here and there. He, of course, joined in when it was time to kick the ball in the net.

Things were a bit hectic but I survived. The real drama was saved when it was time to leave. Alex was having fun standing inside the soccer net when some sweet 10 year old came over, and while his mom chatted on her cell phone, began kicking the ball with all his might at my 3 year old. I had decided this was officially our cue to leave before Alex was bloodied. Alex didn't agree and proceeded to throw the biggest fit I had seen in MONTHS! I was carrying water bottles, 2 soccer balls, my bag and trying to corral them to the car when I realized he wasn't budging unless I picked him up. There were lots of stares and lots of kicking and screaming. I finally managed to buckle him in his car seat which any parent knows is next to impossible when they are adamant about not letting you.

Once he was in I figured my problems were over. As I walked Eli around to the other side of the car Eli was saying "I'm a whale". I responded "cool, like Jonah and the Whale". As I buckled him in he began squirming and crying and pleading "no, Mama, I a whale, I a whale!" Apparently me putting him in his carseat put a cramp in him being a whale. I had to laugh that I was fighting with a child who was screaming about being a whale, for goodness sakes! I mean how do your respond to that. I just kept saying you can still be a whale in your carseat.

Jared and I are pretty sure that 3 is going to be harder than 2. I had girl's night last night with ladies from church and the 2 that have had and currently have 3 year olds agreed with me. I am still not sure if I am glad that I was right or if I am dreading the next 12 months that lay ahead. :) God knew what he was doing thought because 3 is also the MOST hysterical age so I think it kind of balances out.

I wrote this post last week and there is practice again tonight so I am REALLY hoping it goes better. Jared works late so I am on my own. I am also thinking that I may lug my double stroller to the field in case we have "issues" again. What can I say? Live, learn and go to girl's night to get tips from women who have "been there done that". Works for me!