Caden Plays Soccer

We signed Caden up to play soccer. We would have preferred baseball, but no team had a spot for him because we were signing up a little late. So, soccer it was! They have had a couple of practices that he wasn't able to make due to various obstacles. My mom bought him a soccer ball, so we have been playing around with him so he wouldn't just be completely lost on game day. He had his first game today. He was so excited last night, couldn't wait! We didn't think we were ever going to get him to sleep! They had team and individual pictures this morning at 8:45 and the first game at 9:30. When we arrived to have pictures made, it was a little disarranged. We had to get him in his uniform as we hadn't had a chance to get it before today. He wears a 3T/4T, his shorts were at least a 6! Not being prepared for this, I got a rubber band from the photographer and cinched up his shorts! Now, those of you who know Caden well, could never imagine, but he is terribly shy. Meeting all these new people, all the chaos seemed almost too much! He was clinging to our legs, tearing up. He didn't want to have his picture made. . .he was a wreck! I had my doubts whether soccer was going to happen today!

He started to warm up and during stretching before the game, went on the field and observed everyone else doing jumping jacks and stretches.

The game begins. The ball is kicked. Kids are running around everywhere. Caden stands! He doesn't move. It is like he is frozen with fear. It is hilarious! The kids would run his way, he would have a shot at stealing the ball, he would shrink in fear of the stampede! If Coach Tony said once, he said 43 times in 32 minutes, "Caden come over here","Caden, get the ball." Joe and I could only laugh! By the last quarter, he had kind of gotten the hang of it and over the fear of being trampled and had started to at least run with the pack!

We are very proud of his first effort at soccer. His next game is on Tuesday, we are hoping for more assertive participation!