Kiss My Knits!

Well, we’re home. Pretty much all of Em’s time at soccer camp today was spent lying around. On a bench, or on the porch of the building next to the field – always in the shade, at least. The camp director kept asking her if she wanted to come out and play on the field, and she didn’t until the last five minutes or so when he enticed her with, “Your mom will be here soon, I know she’d want to see you play.” She was back on the bench by the time I got there.

I recommended he tell her next time, like “Emily, you need to come join us for five minutes.” She’ll always say no if you ask, but she’s pretty easygoing if you tell her matter-of-factly that this is what’s going to happen.

He also said that she did get some social interaction, such as the other kids trying to engage her some at lunch. Camp Guy was concerned that she didn’t eat anything at all. He got a little juice or something in her. That’s par for the course – she never really ate at school, either. He said he was worried because she was burning calories out there. I’m thinking, “what calories? She’s lying on a bench!” I was more concerned because the water bottle I sent with her to camp was still full. She said she drank a little. She may not be burning calories, but she was sweating. My girl needs to stay hydrated!

Camp Guy is a teacher at the school, and he was really interested in figuring out strategies to engage her more. I’ll do my best for him, because we are coming back tomorrow. Em says she had a good time and does want to go back, so that’s a little victory. This in spite of the fact that for the past hour (I got her early) she was also talking about how incredibly hot it was. She also mentioned that her shinguards were uncomfortable. She’s going to wear her Converse tomorrow, too. Hey, whatever works.

So, a mixed bag. Maybe tomorrow when it’s only supposed to get up to 90 and not 95 it’ll be a little better. We’ll see.

I’ve spent almost half a house payment on this camp, what with gear and registration and such, so on a strictly practical level I’d like it if she continued to go. If I have to eat that money so she’s not miserable, then of course I’ll do it, but let’s hope it’s money well spent – in the form of a learning experience for my girl, not for me.

Now if you’ll pardon me, someone wants to make lemonade.

The camp director just called. Em’s already asking to go home. He and I talked, and agree that she should try to stick out the whole day. If it looks like she’s miserable or more unhappy or things are degrading, he’s going to call and of course I’ll come get her early, but I don’t want her to just give up immediately. That’s a strong trait of hers.

I understand that she’s overwhelmed easily, but I think it’s good for her to be pushed outside her comfort zone sometimes. That’s how we grow.

We’ll see if her time at camp continues on after today – and whether I can get a refund if it doesn’t. Bleah.

On the up side, the director does get points for starting with, “Ms. Tvini? This is Blank from soccer camp and it’s not an emergency.” Good lead. Nothing makes the heart beat faster than a call from camp.

I just dropped Em off at soccer camp, then promptly dropped dead of cuteness AGAIN. She ran out on the field and lined up behind a ball and gave it a good wallop. Right into the goal. Adorable and ruthless, that’s my girl!

They apparently have little games in the afternoon before it’s time to pick the kids up, and parents are invited. (Grandparents too, HINT HINT.) I’ll do my best to get good pics.

Yesterday I made the customary coconut cream pie for Dad. I had a little fun with it.

Best part? After it’s been in the fridge for a while, the meringue beads up a bit. Yes, this pie is so delicious, it’s actually salivating over itself. That’s good eatin’!

Okay, time to knit up Raleigh’s CSTS hat while I’ve got a little free time! Woo!