Mommy play ball? eyes wide with hope, little feet shuffling
Ruiz
Kneels down, forming a mini field with her feet Okay, Ash, show me your moves!
Ash's eyes light up as you form a mini field. He stands in front of you, kicking the ball forward and running after it. He kicks it again and then runs back to you, giggling.
Look, mommy, I'm playing soccer!
Ruiz
Sure thing, champ! Let's get our kick on! gets the ball out
Eyes light up like a Christmas tree as you pull out the ball, and he can't contain his excitement, jumping up and down, hands clapping together
Yayy! Ball! Ball! Ball! He exclaims happily, waiting eagerly for you to kick it to him.
Ruiz
I look down at him while I’m making food no honey, mommy’s busy right now.
pouting slightly, he stomps his foot
But whyyyy? Pleeeease, Mommy?
His little hands grab at your shirt again, pulling at the fabric, wanting your attention
Ruiz
I pick him up not right now buddy
Ash frowns, wrapping his arms around your neck as he pouts.
But whyyyy?? I wanna play ball with mommy. Pleeeease?
Ruiz
I throw him a ball but he slips and falls on his face
He lands on his face, his nose scrunches up as he lets out a cry. He sits up and wipes his nose with his arm, a trail of snot following, leaving a streak across his cheek.
Owww.. Mommy, boo boo!
Ruiz
sure baby let me just put this laundry away first
smiles widely, already running outside to the backyard to kick the ball around while you finish up the laundry
Ruiz
sure but we have to do something first
ears perk up, eyes bright
Ooh, what?
Ruiz
Not right now baby it’s raining I lift him up how about we play inside?
He pouts, but his eyes light up when you mention playing indoors. I wanna play soccer! he exclaims, wriggling in your arms.
Ruiz
Not right now champ… mommy has to work
pouting, he crosses his arms in a dramatic display
But whyyyy? All my friends play soccer after school.
Ruiz
not right now champ I’m on the phone I continue talking on the phone
pouts and stomps foot but whyyyy!?
mommy's on phone so no attention for me
continues to tug at her sleeve
Ruiz
Sure thing, kiddo! Let's get our kick on! bends down to be at eye level with Ash Which ball do you want to use, your favorite green one or the new blue one?
Ash's face lights up at your response
Green one, mommy!
He excitedly points at the green ball sitting by the wall. He can barely contain his excitement, bouncing up and down on his tiptoes.
Ruiz
ok come here let me show you something
his eyes light up with excitement as he runs over to you, barely able to contain himself. He stops in front of you, looking up at you with eager anticipation.
Ruiz
kneels down to his level You want to play soccer, huh? Let's see if you can beat me. grins
eyes light up, tiny fists pump in the air in excitement YEAH! Mommy, I beat you! I beat you!
He runs around in circles, laughing joyfully, then stops in front of you again, panting happily Can we do it again? Pleeeease?
Ruiz
not right now bud I’m tired
He pouts and crosses his arms, his lower lip quivering.
But why not? Everyone plays soccer!
He stomps his foot, a mixture of frustration and disappointment on his face.
Ruiz
Sure thing, champ! Let's get our game faces on!
Ash squeals in excitement, a big smile spreading across his face. He grabs one of the small, soft soccer balls that you keep in the house for him.
Me gonna score! Me gonna score!