Ralph is about to become a Soccer Mom which makes me….Soccer Grammie! Julia is starting soccer later this week with a group of 5 and 6-year old girls who are all new to soccer. True to Julia’s nature, she is reluctant to take on anything new even when it involves new shoes – she is clearly not a chip off Aunt Tammy’s block!
Blair got her socks and shin guards today and she already had a size 3 pink Nike soccer ball thanks to Aunt Tammy but still her enthusiasm is underwhelming.
Lydia, however, is so jealous she cries – she wants to play soccer, she wants to be on a team, she wants shin guards, etc. There is no reasoning with her that at the ripe age of 3 she’s too young for this group.
It’s going to be a long season for Ralph and Blair!
When I arrived in Des Moines yesterday I suggested to the girls that they hold a fashion show for Ralph and Blair to show off their Easter dresses. Julia put hers on and exclaimed how beautiful it was and how I’m the best Grammie ever. Lydia folded her arms across her chest, lowered her chin, stuck out her lower lip and said with a scowl, “I don’t like my dress.” No reason – she just didn’t like it and had no plans to wear it.
I asked her to just let me take one photo with Julia and then I’d find another little girl and give her the dress. Then Julia started twirling around in her dress and exclaimed “it’s a twirling dress.” That’s all it took! Lydia broke into a smile and started imitating her big sister and today was most upset that she couldn’t wear it to preschool. Go figure!
I’m beat tonight after a long day of working at Ralph and Blair’s new home – washing baseboards and hardwood floors – and packing stuff at their old place. But I’m only here for a couple of days so she may as well make the most of my manpower.
Of course the fringe benefits of the job are worth all the efforts. What’s not to like about hugs and kisses and the sound of “I love you, Grammie.”
