A few weeks ago Martin started his spring sport, choosing this time to give indoor soccer a try.  He played soccer for the first time in the fall, but mostly that season was spent understanding the very basics of the game.  I think he learned a lot, and also has matured this year, so I was encouraged that this season perhaps he'd do more actual playing.  And while it's true that he understands the most fundamental parts of the game now, I don't think that really gets the concept of the game yet.  Primarily, the paying attention and staying involved parts.  He does get that he should be active out there, but it's not always actively playing the actual game.  At one point I looked over and Martin was breakdancing in the goal.  The spinning around on his back, striking a pose sort of breakdancing.  And if it hadn't been so darn good, I might have been more embarrassed.

At another point, I stared in confusion at his spasmodic leg movement.  He wasn't anywhere near the ball, so I knew that it wasn't an attempt at kicking.  It clearly wasn't a breakdancing move, and I didn't think it was some new groove he was trying to perfect.  After five minutes, it occurred to me what the crazy leg movements were all about - he was trying to kick his own butt.  TO KICK HIS OWN BUTT.  But again, in his defense, he WAS doing it.


I should clarify, its not that he's always just fooling around.  Last week, he played his best game ever, engaged during almost the entire thing.  It's just that sometimes I think he gets distracted.  And sometimes I think he is self-distracted (see previous two examples).  And then sometimes, he's just trying to keep himself busy.  Like tonight - when he was sitting on the sidelines and ran over to see if I wanted to play a quick game of checkers while he was on break.  For the record, I said no.  I was too busy making lists and playing puppy with Sophie and her friend.