For some fun sport today, Veronika and I played her first round of soccer!

Lie a box on its side and present your baby with a selection of balls. Veronika was excited when she saw a growing pile of mini soccer balls, baby sensory balls, and other favorite toys.

I rolled one toward the box, and as it rolled in I said a very excited, “It’s a goal!” Channel your inner futbol announcer for this!

She picked up on the excitement immediately. Her expression demanded a repeat.

Then I encouraged her to make the goal.

Even if her ball was close but not quite in, I repeated the excited, “It’s a goal!”

She looked so proud of herself.

This led to lots of further ball play in her own way, tapping them together, holding several at once, or following them around the room.

A great morning of sport, in sum.