Today is gonna' be the day....

That #1 Son plays his first game of t-ball.

Actually he's already done playing. It was so much fun! We nearly froze since a cold front came through last night bringing 60 degree weather & a pretty strong wind, but the kids didn't seem to mind.

There wasn't a single instance of someone running to third base instead of first, so I guess all that practice paid off. #1 Son was the catcher first inning, covered 3rd base second inning, and hung out between 1st & 2nd base for the third & final inning. We play last batter, meaning everyone gets a chance to bat during each inning. #1 Son did a good job batting & he loved catching. I think he got a bit bored during the other 2 innings. We had to remind him a few times that he needed to be standing up, not sitting on the base line.

I've decided I need a t-shirt that says, "Proud T-ball Mom to the kid sitting on third base playing in the dirt!"

BabyGirl had a brief (but rather public & dramatic) moment when she didn't want to be there, but when I told her she could go sit with her friends, things changed. Eventually she wandered back to us & even dug into her egg money to buy herself some popcorn. Much to my surprise, she bought a bag for B.B. & Bitsy to share, too. I was very proud of her. Her Uncle Little BIL was so proud of her, he gave her a dollar so she wouldn't be out any money....that she then spent on a Dr.Pepper.

Bucka & Busha came with Uncle Gick to watch the game as did Little BIL & his wife, And Chair (as Bitsy calls her). #1 Son had his very own cheering section. Bitsy loved the game. What's not to love about sitting on old wooden bleachers, being encouraged to yell "Go! Go!" at your big brother, and eat your very own popcorn?

Deep Breath in.....

Hold it....and Exhale slowly.

Tomorrow we enter the world of competitive sports. T-Ball to be precise. This is our first foray into team sports. #1 Son decided to play this summer.

Actually it started a few months ago when Husband picked out ball gloves, bats, and balls for the three oldest FarmHands. I was unexpectedly caught up in a swirl of tee-ball, summer, ball diamond, pitch & catch, so much fun, wait 'til we can play, etc., etc., etc. Silly me thought he planned on signing the kids up for summer leagues.

The kids & I discussed it when they brought home the info sheets from school. Husband was suddenly unsure. I was confused. I thought that was the entire point of all the goodies purchased. Turns out, he was thinking more of playing at home than playing on a real team. In the end, #1 Son was the only one who really wanted to sign up & play. B.B. decided he'd watch this summer & possibly play next summer. BabyGirl flip flopped so many times, we decided she should spend a summer watching as well.

Tomorrow is #1 Son's first practice. One hour at the ball diamond at school to meet his team (mainly kids from his class & the kindergarten class), meet his coach (the mom of one of his buddies), and collect our schedule for the season.

I never played team sports. To be honest, baseball bores me to death. But #1 Son needs an outlet. He needs to participate in something with other kids his own age. He needs to see that you cannot expect to be perfect at everything the first time you try. He's a bit sensitive & gives up entirely too easily. I'm hoping the sight of his class mates missing a catch or not hitting the ball each & every swing will be enough to instill that in him.

Maybe I'm expecting too much. I am hoping to see at least one child run to third base instead of first. I know that's not too much to ask.