Fall Sports

We're in the throes of a busy sports season with both kids. Hilarious that I'm including a 2-year-old, in that "both," right? Scarlet is way too crazy to not jump right in at a young age...with both of her fat little feet.

Emerson is playing both soccer and baseball this fall. This means that most of our weeknights are filled with practices, games, washing dirty uniforms for the next game, and lots and lots of Donatos take and bake pizzas. And...we love it. The added kicker of schedule nonsense, is that Jason is coaching both of Emerson's teams. He has counterparts for both, though, who are good friends, which makes it all manageable. We have our systems, too, to combat the crazy. There are two big baskets in the entry way. One gets all things soccer (uniform, cleats, ball, shin guards, etc) and one gets all things baseball (uniform, cleats, glove, etc.). As soon as we walk back in the door, that's where things go. And once uniforms are cleaned (well, as clean as they get), that's where you can find them. It's the little things.

As the sports season only has a few weeks left, I'm starting to already think about what I'll miss. What I won't miss is chasing a poorly-behaved toddler around the soccer and baseball fields while 7+ months pregnant. That girl needs a leash. In an effort to harness some of her boundless energy, Scarlet is signed up for weekly indoor soccer classes. Scarlet's the youngest one in the 2-year-old class. Which is 45 minutes of organized chaos. But this gives her a chance to be social (read: push other kids) and part of an organized class (read: run around in circles while everyone else stretches).

I know the parents of multiple children will tell me we won't be doubling up on seasonal sports for Emerson after we have another child. And my answer is...I know. We wanted to give Emerson an opportunity to do both sports he loves, and at this age of sporadic practices, and shorter games, it's doable. And for Scarlet...after soccer this fall, we're considering gymnastics. Why not, right? Newborn babies are portable! Bring on the next season of mayhem!

Waiting to see if that fly ball lands. You'd be surprised at this age just how many are caught! Darn those eager base runners and double plays!

Coach Jason, with Jack. Jack is older than Emerson, but also goes to St. Matt. Loads of friendships being built for this little boy.

Ball in the air, Emerson on the move...

At the ready!

Pep talk before one of the games from volunteer Dad and coach helper, Brian. So many cute little butts on the bench.

This kid.

His determination and faces he makes when he runs the bases are the best.

Speed is on this child's side. This will serve him well as he continues refining that swing.

And for an inning here and there, Emerson follows in his Momma's cleat-prints. Making me proud in his catcher's gear.

And then there's this one.

She can connect with the ball really well...now, let's get her to focus! "Oooh, Daddy, look! FILL IN THE BLANK."

There are two little girls on Emerson's baseball team. Of course Scarlet was drawn to their gear.

She has the look down...with the exception of the backwards helmet. But cute goes a long way.