Last year around this time, when the warmth of the sun was just right and the blue sky was dotted with white fluffy clouds, we would head out. It was the weekend after all.
We could go anywhere
San Francisco, Monterey, or stay local. We would leisurely enjoy our just right, early spring weather. There was nowhere we had to be. It was nice.
The four of us, mom, dad, Big Brother, and Little Sister would cruise past our local t-ball, softball, and baseball mecca and wonder what all the hoopla was. That park was always crowded on Saturdays, from sun up to sun down.
We’d drive past that park, on our road to anywhere, and my husband and I would look at each other until one of us would say…oh, those poor parents, stuck on the baseball field…all.day.long.
Thank goodness that’s not us. We’re out of here.
We knew it was only a matter of time…and my friends, the time has come. We are now those parents.
We are the ones schlepping chairs, blankets, snacks, jackets, entertainment for Little Sister…you name it, out onto the baseball field. Big Brother leads the way, lugging his bat, helmet, and glove while proudly donning his t-ball uniform.
T-ball season has officially begun, and we are along for the ride.
The thing is, I completely get it now. Our car is now in the crazy mix of the perpetually full parking lot.
I get the allure, I get the commitment. I get it.
Just like the rest of the parents, we are here to support our kids. Not because we think our kid is going to be the next baseball sensation, or, maybe some of us do. But, we see the value and importance of our children participating in a team sport.
We see them working together, learning something new, having their self-esteem buoyed, and stretching themselves beyond their comfort zone.
Yes, I am a big believer in sports of any kind for children. It’s just good all around.
Sure, we may have seen the last of our weekend freedom and are now relegated to attending sports games and birthday parties. If we’re lucky, we may even have time to squeeze in a Costco trip.
We have accepted and are now embracing this phase of our life. Besides, watching your own child out there on the baseball field is quite entertaining. Bring the popcorn.
Seriously, this game has it all; hope, disappointment, triumph, embarrassment, pride, laughter, and inevitably, there may be some tears.
I have no idea what the future holds for our little t-ball player. What I do know is this: he is having fun, he is learning something new, he is proud of himself when he accomplishes a new skill, and you know what? To both my husband’s and my surprise, we are enjoying it too.
So I say, take me out to the ballgame. I’ll be there in the front row, popcorn and all.
What do you squeeze into your weekends these days?
Oh, I loved those first few years of t-ball! I loved the social aspect of seeing all your friends on Saturday morning. I may have complained . . . just a bit at the time, but it really was a magical few years.
Until the real competition begins in coach pitch and then kid pitch. But that is another story for another time. ; )
I need to get my boys involved in sports. I think it's wonderful, but so far haven't found the time. I need to stop making excuses and just do it.
I can completely relate to this post. My son played T-Ball last year, and even though it took a while to get used to, we all ended up loving it! This year, he moved up to baseball, and the practices are more frequent! It is such a rewarding experience for him, though, so it's well worth it!
I so want to get my kiddos into t-ball. I love this post!!
Awwww – yay! Love it, melissa!
So much fun! I love the picture!!!
All 5 of my parents' kids played sports. And sports paid for 2 years of my college before I transferred to a different university.
I loved sports, I hope my kids will too!
I remember fondly the days of Saturday baseball and tee ball games, with four boys playing. We'd just pack a lunch for everyone and stay at the field all day, going from game to game.
It was great for them. So many lessons to be learned from sports. I miss those days!
I've been enjoying my daughter's soccer games. It's only an hour-long commitment though, so it's easy to enjoy!
We are all about the sports in our house! And as a result are crazy busy all weekend long, but would not have it any other way!
Good for you for embracing the spirit of youth athletics!
My 4 year old twins have done gymnastics a few sessions. We plan to do swimming lessons again this summer along with t-ball I think. My daughter also wants to do ballet. Whew! We'll be busy (as always!)
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April is Autism Awareness Month. I'm blogging all month for Autism Awareness.
My boy is not quite 3 and already completely obsessed with baseball.
We have another year before T-ball starts for him – so I foresee a summer of lots of trips with his own tee to grassy areas in the park for him to 'practice' and lots of minor league games. We took him to a minor league game this past Sunday and he was zomg super intense about it!
I worry a bit that he's NotYet3 and already his baseball obsession has persisted for many months. But there are worse things, I suppose!
I feel the same way. I mean, the team sports here are soccer or rugby, but still – I love what it does for the kids. It's worth it for the parents, all that effort.
Yes, kiss your weekends goodbye!
We have Little League and softball, birthday parties, blog events – all while toddler wrangling.
I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Melissa – wishing you the best of luck. After 7 years of baseball my son decided he was done with it and only wants to play soccer. This is our first Little League-less year and I am so grateful for the time.
Have fun!
We are still plenty busy with two soccer games a weekend but at least the games are shorter!
You've arrived! The Sporting Parents, complete with younger sibling in tow. Oh, I remember those days well….my favorite Big Brother baseball memories were when my 2 year old daughter decided it was time to potty train. In the midst of baseball season.
Can you say "gross" to spending all that time in a porta-potty?!
We still do soccer for my daughter, and it does become a big part of your weekend. I love watching them have fun, but I'm also pretty sure my parents didn't spend this much time watching me play!
Have fun!