On Sunday night, the pretext was an allergic reason to Ian’s medicine. It was not your typical allergy; swollen body parts or a rash. This reaction was nothing other then diarrhea.

It is not fun being a parent and changing diapers every hour but it is much worse when your helpless baby is crying in agony because his little butt cheeks are red, raw, and causing him so much pain that he can’t sleep. Ughhhh!

But, we made it. Morning came and with the help of Destin, he was beginning to feel better. His little cheeks still showed signs of discomfort, especially in those cute little rolls that wash over his butt like waves, but it was evident that he was not in too much pain.

The next night arrives and my goal was bedtime at 7pm. I desperately needed sleep and I was sure that the boys could use a good night’s rest too.

At 8:30pm, I was woken, not by an alarm but rather the sounds and smell of puke. Not just any puke but curdled milk and beans puke.

Yes, I bet you want to gag just reading it.

This time it was my little Xavi. And, a viral stomach bug was soon-to-be the reason for the sleepless night that was on the horizon. There we were, mother and her sick little boy. Every hour we were both awake, as my weak rag doll was throwing up.

I tried to place a bucket under his mouth, as I knew what was coming. But, he continually pushed it away. Rather then change the sheets and scrub the floor every hour, I just picked him up and stood in the bathroom with him. Eventually, he puked on my shoulder and fell right back to sleep.

Yes, you read it correctly! He puked on me. Time and time again! I guess that is what mother’s do for their children.

I would rip my shirt off, through it away and then return my sick little man to bed. Clean myself up and eventually crawl back under the sheets waiting for an hour to pass until it was time to repeat that same scenario.

Who would ever believe this story? Certainly not my friends/teammates because it is definitely something that only a parent would understand. I know that to be true because I can assure you if someone were to tell me this same story 3 years ago, I would think it was nuts.

When the alarm sounded at 5:50am, it was time to replace my motherly hat with the hat of an athlete training for the Olympics. For the next 8 hours it was about hockey. I was tired yet so happy that my boys were there with me (regardless of the past two nights) but I couldn’t wait to get back on the turf and take a little break from motherhood.

This scenario sounds normal for some working mom’s. But, as I drive to work (aka: national team training), I knew that the day is going to be physically exhausting. It also occurs to me that the events of the prior night are one’s that none of my teammates could truly relate with.

Then it dawns on me! I don’t “work” with any other parents.

For a split second, it was a very lonely feeling. When I arrived at the Chula Vista training center, I saw the faces of my friends and teammates and realized one thing. They might not truly apprehend but they care!

The last few days have been packed with numerous logistical concerns; concerns about how to balance the life of a field hockey athlete with a team in San Diego and the responsibilities of motherhood with a family in Ohio.   I would be lying if I said that my anxiety is not raised by merely typing such a sentence.

As my heart begins to pound harder, I remind myself that “where there is a will, there is a way.”  At least, I will try to prove that old statement true.

Now, back to focusing on “the way.”

There are two solid facts that will not change in this equation.  First, if I want to play, I have to dedicate myself to full-time residency in San Diego.  Secondly, I have to see my kids.  I struggle being away from them for two week and two months is simply not an option.

Many people tell me that they are too young to remember much.   But, the reality is that I will remember and I will certainly not enjoy this process without them in my life.  And, after all, it’s all about the process, right?

So many people have asked me how this will all work.  The truth is, I am not 100% sure yet, but I will give you an inside look on some possible options.

First, I need to find a home in San Diego.  Some place that I can unpack my bags and more importantly, allow my children to comfortably sleep at night.  This is a short-term stay and I would prefer not to purchase new furniture for a five-month visit?  So, my apartment criteria is; “furnished, short term.”  Needless to say, this severely narrows my options.

Secondly, who is going to watch the kids while I am training all day?   This factor has yet to be solidified.  I have some wonderful options and need to get commitment from all parties involved.  With a small budget, I am not able to hire someone full-time, but I am extremely lucky to have people in my life that are willing to help.  All I can do is cross my figures that it all works out.

Thirdly, the flight arrangements need to be planned and orchestrated.  This piece of the puzzle is more difficult.  The boys will not be here all the time, so who is going to bring them west and who will fly them back east.

I am so grateful for a supportive and loving husband and amazing parents.  Both parties are willing to do all they can to help put this puzzle together and I can assure you that I will add to their frequent flier miles over the next few months.

My Mom wants to fly out here and get the boys settled.  My husband will have to fly back out and transport them east when necessary.   And, so the story goes!!

And finally, I must ship the car…and don’t forget the car seats.  I never thought I would say this, but I actually miss buckling the boys in their Peg Pergo seats right now.

So, there you have it.  I brief glimpse into the logistical puzzle that has yet to be completely marshaled.  I will keep you posted as all the pieces unravel and I certainly hope that you enjoy this crazy ride with me.

My best,

Keli

I arrived last Tuesday and it’s been a whirlwind, until today, that is!

The training schedule has increased as the London Olympics are just on the horizon and the Australian national team is arriving in less then a week.  We pushed through the week; a three-day week that consisted of four practices, one lifting session, two conditioning sessions and one dreaded running test.

I find the week very hectic and physically exhausting, but it’s only been four mouths since Ian’s birth and I need to be patient.  I wake-up early and stay on east coast time.  Mainly because my stay is less then 3 weeks long but more importantly because the morning is the best time to catch up with my family.

I can talk to Inako over my morning coffee, tell Xavi that “I love him” before he arrives at daycare and send Ian kisses over the phone before his morning bottle.  But, also because the days seem extremely busy.

We have tough trainings and this old lady needs time to take care of her body.  So, in addition to everything on the schedule the last three days, I had one message, three ice bathes, one contrast bath (1 minute in an ice bath and 2 mintues in a hot tub and repeat 5 times) and three sessions in the “magic pants” (30 minutes in the amazing invention of NormaTec Pants).  I am not embarrassed to say that this is what an athlete at the age of 32 years old with two kids needs to do to stay healthy.

So, to use the word “busy” to describe the week is a bit of an understatement.

And then Saturday arrives……errrrrrkkkkkkkk.  Everything came to a streaking halt once I finished my Saturday morning 85 minutes jog, that is!

Now what?  My life is back east.  My husband and boys are over 2,500 miles away and here I sit……

….so, my attention walked 800 meters down University Avenue in the cute neighborhood of North Park.  First to a funky salon where I got my haircut and dried.  It’s tough to do something as simple as this with two boys under the age of two years-old.  Then, I proceeded four additional blocks north to Starbucks, where I sat for four hours.  I logged onto their free wireless connection and sat down with my cup of coffee, love it!  It was time to focus my energy on my girls in Charlottesville, the girls from my club that I am also unable to be with this weekend.

So, there I sat for hours, online doing administrative work and on my phone trying to keep up with every detail of their tournament.  Which, by the way, I am very proud of their improvements!  They played great today!!!

Then, I walked back home and spent one of the best hours of my whole week, on Skype with my boys.  Just watching them play and every once in awhile, throwing me a kiss through the computer screen.

Everything is a juggling act at the moment but I am very happy for my weekends!!  And, very thankful for all those in my life that are helping me and supporting me through this exciting but difficult time!

Love to all,

Keli

My last blog concluded with the team in Argentina back in February 2011.  I posted that blog the day before we played the home nation in the finals.  We lost the final by one goal.  And upon returning to the hotel, I revealed to the squad that I was three months pregnant with our second child.

It was a celebratory night for two reasons.  First, because everyone was excited that Xavi was about to become a big brother.  And, lets be honest, anyone that knows him can testify to the fact that he needs a playmate at home.

The other reason for celebration was the fact that we scared Las Leonas on that day.  They felt their Pan American rival closing the gap.  For so many years they have never felt threatened by our side.  But, on that night, something changed.  You could see it in their eyes.  It was a very exciting note to end the trip on and begin hibernation for baby number 2.

I did not actually hibernate.  In fact, I flew to San Diego to spend a week with the team the following month.  I wanted to keep training with them until my belly grew too big.

That week in March came to a quick end and it was back to Charlottesville.  Back to the family and time to seriously start organizing my first season of our new club team.  FH Life was starting the spring season that April and I was looking forward to meeting new faces, our future new stars.

With two season behind us (almost!  the fall season wraps up on Sunday).  Our first winter season is about to begin.  We have excellent coaches working with the group this year and a lot of exciting things coming down the pipe.

Finally, my personal life has been uprooted too since last February in Argentina.  My husband, Inako, was contacted by Miami University in Ohio back in April and asked to interview for the head coach position.

After much consideration, we decided to take the job and move the growing family to Oxford, Ohio.

It was an absolutely hectic few months to follow.  I had a commitment to the club, as well as my summer camps.  Inako had also accepted the position as head coach of USAFH’s high performance Mid Atlantic team and was commuting back and forth from Virginia to Ohio.  We would see each other only in passing.

Somehow, we made it through those months and that is the primary reason for my absence in writing blogs.  It was so hectic that I was lucky if I got my hair brushed and the laundry done.

Now it’s 11-11-11 and here I sit in our new living room in Oxford.  We bought a new house, established new roots in the Mid-West and most importantly, we have a place that we not only call home, but it feels like home.

Ohhhhhh and wait.  I forgot the most important news of all.  Remember at the beginning of this blog when I told you that back in February, we sent a clear message to the Argentine team?  Well, it was spot on!  The gap was closing in and this October the National Team sealed it!

With my boys on the couch (Ian was just 6 weeks old) and nerves in my throat, we watched and cheered for the girls at the Pan American Final.  The message was marked with a 4-2 victory and automatic qualification to the London 2012 Olympics.  Wow, it feels great to write that.

I am not sure what my future will hold but one thing is certain!  I better get off the couch and into the gym.

FHL 2012 Winter Registration (click here)

All practices this season will be held indoors at Saint Anne’s Belfield’s Upper School Student Activity Center.   We have a very exciting and talented coaching staff this season and each one is looking forward to working with our athletes.   Practices will be designed with 20% physiology training, 30% individual skill work and 50% game play.

Each player needs proper indoor field hockey equipment.  The surface is a rubber-based court.

1.     Indoor field hockey stick

2.     Padded knuckle guarded Glove (left handed glove)

3.     Shin guards

4.     Mouth guard

5.     Sneakers (no cleats)

Indoor Field Hockey Highlights can be viewed here:

November 19: National Team vs NCAA DI Senior All-Stars, Louisville, KY @ 3pm

November 19: 3PC Players Reunion.  Past and current National Team Members reunite in Louisville, KY @ 8pm

December 8-17: USA vs Great Britain @  Olympic Training Center, Chula Vista, CA

The tournament has been a great learning experience for this fairly inexperienced USA Team. We have many players with few caps (international games) under their belt. Playing here, against the world’s top teams, has been a glimpse at what it’s like to be in this company game after game and not just play, but compete with the first, third, and fifth placed teams in the world.

We started off the four-nation tournament in Mendoza with a little dust on our sticks and nerves in our spines.After the first thirty-five minutes against Argentina, we had a nice eye-opening experience. We started the second half five goals down but finally began to play like we are capable of and finished the second half tied (of course, losing the game due to our poor first half performance).

The next two games were tough battles with Australia and Germany. Statistically, we outplayed our opponents but couldn’t find the back of the net. This reality sent us to the final game battling for third place. Our final game in western Argentina ended with a win and many smiles as we finally put goals in the back of the net and won in a stroke competition against a quality team, Germany.

The second phase of this trip sent us to Rosario. We have started the final four-nation tournament and so far the experience here has been wonderful. The accommodations are an A+ in my book. It is not too often that I find myself in the hotel spa for an hour massage or lounging by the rooftop pool in our off time. These little perks help to keep your mind at ease and balance during these team experiences. It can sometimes be hard to find time to yourself on tour. Most activities are spent with a group of 17 other women, all great and special in their own individual way. But like every humans, you need to find time to be alone.

My alone time has been spent on skype with my family or shopping in every kids store in town. I had to put an end to the gifts because last time I checked, Santa just visited 7 weeks ago and the next big holiday is not for many months. Looks like I might have to spoil Xavi…..just this one time J

Good night from Argentina! Game 7 tomorrow, USA vs. Australia.

Until next time,

Keli

My parents were watching over Xavi for the duration of my trip to Argentina, while my husband needed to return to Virginia to work. After ten minutes of transferring the car seat and all the necessary baby items, it was time to say farewell. I have learned over the years that fast departures are the best option, the least painful route. Of course, I always cried once I turned around to leave, but at least the event wasn’t prolonged like a bad dramatic film.

Inako and I buckled our seat beats and off to the airport we drove. I watched my parents enter the highway headed north and my eyes couldn’t help but fill with tears. My husband was sad to leave our son (and me, I like to think), but strong and realistic about the short two-week period.

The difficult moment was over and now we were moments away from check-in at LAN airways and the separation from my other half. This part was hard, but not emotional. We were used to being at a distance (we spent the first 5 years of our relationship in different cities) and have become comfortable with these moments. Although, it’s not the preferred scenario!

Nineteen hours and two meals later, I finally arrived in Mendoza, Argentina. I meet up with the rest of my team on a stopover flight in Santiago, Chile and have been with them ever since. Together again and this time, we have new challenges ahead.

We are scheduled to play four games in Mendoza and four games in Rosario. Each block of games represents a new tournament but with the same four teams. Here we will get an opportunity to play Argentina, German, and Australia; #1, #3, #5 in world rankings respectively. It will be the first time many of my teammates have had the chance to play these three countries. Big challenges await our team and I anxiously look forward to the opportunity.

Stay tuned for results and the latest happenings in sunny Argentina!

All the best,

Keli

Here I sit again! I am on my laptop in a Chula Vista hotel just waiting to head to the Olympic Training center for practice. For some reason, this scenario is all too familiar. It seems that I have done this before. But, there is one significant difference. This time, I miss my little boy back home.

The National Team is together for the first time in 2011 and we have kicked off the New Year with new goals. It is wonderful to see the faces of each teammate. They all come from different backgrounds and are currently living life outside the National Team under very diverse circumstances. But, for these particular weeks, we all have the same goals, breath the same air, and conquer the same daily obstacles. It is refreshing to have people to share the experience with and encounter the physical pain together. There is just one main difference.

When the sunsets and the day comes to a close, I am walking through a different reality outside the pitch. I rush out of the training center, not to complete my college homework or call my best friend to see how last night’s social activities ended. Rather, I depart quickly so that I can call my husband and catch my 1 year-old son, Xavi, before he goes to bed.

The balancing act of being a wife, mother, and teammate is something that is still very novel to me. I have days were it seems impossible to do all three and other days that all the pieces fit together like a perfect jigsaw puzzle. But, no matter what type of day I am experiencing, one thing in very clear; I am a lucky woman! Not many people get to play the sport they love, with a group of amazing teammates, and then come off the field greeted by a supporting husband and adorable son. With the right amount of support and the right attitude, it is possible!

Until next time….

Keli