What I love about 5 year old hockey

Last night the kids got to practice bringing the pucks down the rink (width ways) and shooting them into the makeshift 'net' of 2 cones. Elijah lost his at one point when another 5 year old passed him one and said, "Here you go". Where else in hockey would you see spirit like that?

22 Weeks

1st Practice

Here he is - Timbits hockey is all he has talked about for the past year (when he first found out it existed). Playing hockey he's talked about for much, much longer (and he's only 5!) Anyone who knows Elijah well, knows how much he loves hockey. He watches hockey videos, reads hockey books, plays street hockey, wears hockey clothes, gets excited when he hears the scores on the radio...he just absolutely loves it. I don't know where this love of hockey came from originally. Jonathan and I have always enjoyed hockey, but it's not a priority for us. In fact, most games out here are on after Elijah's bedtime. However it started, the fact is it did - and hockey love has hit him hard. There really was no doubt that he would play this year.
Last night was his very first practice. Not only that, his first practice was at Harbour Station - where the Saint John Sea Dogs play. How cool is that? How excited a child did I have in my house? You can just imagine. He is just so confident that this is something he is supposed to do. In fact last year when we were working on the mechanics of how to skate, he took to it as work, hard work. As soon as someone put a hockey stick in his hand, the work part of it was gone - skating is just part of hockey and he decided he could do it - motivation!
The first steps on the ice were wobbily ones. And he slipped. I was so focussed on watching him and encouraging him. This was the first time he'd been on the ice without one of us beside him. But he did so well and each time he slipped, he just picked himself up again.

I took a look around the arena and all at once noticed one of the cutest things I'd ever seen. All the little hockey players were laying flat on the ice. All of them were determined to get up. All kept slipping down. But it was good. They were happy! They were playing hockey!
I was really impressed with the coaches. There were 5 of them there. All very kind hockey-loving, understanding men. They took their time with each and every one of these boys and girls. Encouraging them to get up. Showing them how to balance. How to use the stick to their advantage in skating. And Elijah started to get it. The stretches he was up on the ice skating increased longer and longer. He listened to all the hockey rules (sticks stay on the ice, gloves stay on the hands and listen to the coach). He stood 'hockey ready' when asked. And they practiced getting up and down over and over again. (Quite funny to see 20 kids all fall down on cue). I must say I was really happy to see Elijah stick with it and not give up. I really am so proud of him.
At the end of practice he was sweaty like a real hockey player and just beaming for the love of the game!
We had to celebrate a little of course, with a hot chocolate and a couple of Timbits!

It's official, I'm a hockey mom

In 2 hours, my oldest son starts hockey. Not only does he start hockey, his first practice is at Harbour Station, where the Saint John Sea Dogs Play. If you know Elijah at all, you'll have some inkling of the amount of excitement that is currently in my household. Pictures and stories to come :o)

Dr. Jeremy

Just making sure that the baby's okay.

Tonight's A Night For Cary Grant

Every month, I get a night to myself. Jonathan works an overnighter with the youth. I make sure to get the kids to bed on time and enjoy some me time. Tonight is a night for a bubble bath, a bowl of warm, buttery popcorn and Cary Grant on the screen.
I love old Hollywood. I know it is getting cliche, but it isn't Hollywood like it used to be Hollywood. Cary Grant was debonaire. Jimmy Stewart was the lovable boy next door all grown up. Humphrey Bogart was manly. Clark Gable was suave. Yes, the women were beautiful, but the men! Where are those men today? Thank goodness for our DVD players!

Baby Update

I had my ultrasound today - here's the lowdown:
Baby looks good, no problems!
Heartbeat- 154 BPM
Weight 10 oz
Revised Due Date - Feb 16, 2010