Soccer Mom

I think it's interesting to look back at the things that make you feel old. I thought I was old when I turned 25. It was a terrible birthday for me. I thought my life was halfway over. That sort of thinking just goes to show you how naive one is when they are 25. My life had not even started yet...my life with kids that is; this life. I felt that perhaps I was really getting old when I turned 30, or when I sent my "baby" to kindergarten. I definitely felt old when I turned 32 even though the day came and went with not much more than a thought. I will admit that being in Disney World for your birthday surrounded by all things "kid" definitely help ease that one a little.
I also think it's interesting to think back on the moments that you really realized that you were a mom. My first memory of this was shortly after McKenna was born. I remember peering into her crib, still shocked that I had a daughter. I was even more shocked to realize that I really was her mother. Other moments for me were not so glamorous. They include things like cupping my hand under a puking baby's chin like my grandmother had once done with my brother. As my own hand filled with...well, I'll spare you those details...I remember thinking that performing such an act was surely a rite of passage or admission into the coveted "Mom Club."
Tomorrow night I fear will be a night that I will really realize I'm a mom and I'll feel especially old. Tomorrow night I will officially join a new club. I will officially earn the title of "Soccer Mom." I will buckle the kids into the proverbial "SUV" and drive my oldest child to soccer practice. For an hour I will attempt to entertain a two year old while at the same time trying to keep him clean enough to ride home in the car. It undoubtedly will not be long until am asked to sign my name to a list promising that I will provide the team with carefully sliced oranges and water as my mom did SOOOO many times during her soccer mom tenure.
It's important to point out how much has changed since my very own days as a left forward. The most striking to me is the fact that shin guards, soccer cleats and soccer balls now come in shades of pink. I'm still trying to picture how that will look with a black and green uniform. But I guess it's important not to ruin your girly image while romping around on the soccer field. Soccer for 6 year olds also entails an hour and a half soccer clinic with the Bucknell girls soccer team. Wow, they really start recruiting early, huh? There's a lot about soccer that still feels great like dribbling the ball around the backyard with McKenna. But, my old sore knee has quickly reminded me that I'm not as young as I used to be. Yes, even my body is beginning to tell me that I'm no spring chicken anymore.
McKenna is thrilled for practice to start tomorrow. This is the first sport that she has ever asked to play and her very organized team sport. We are excited to see how she does, if she likes it and what she learns from the whole experience. If her enthusiasm tonight is any indication, I think it's going to be a great season for one little girl and one new soccer mom.