My Three JPMs: Let's Play Ball!

It has truly been a learning experience playing base/tee ball this year since this is my first time having both kids truly playing a sport. And, by that I mean two practices a week and two games a week..and keeping in mind alot of those games fall when I have to work. So, guess what? Paul has been "SuperDad" in more ways than one. And, while I know he probably was exhausted and stressed during it, now that the season for Preston at least is approaching its end he really is glad we (and he) did it. We have some adorable, unforgettable memories.

Jackson, we have learned, is a much better soccer player than he is a baseball player..but really who cares? He loves them both and is thoroughly enjoying this season. At first, we were worried the coach might be a tad too serious for our liking (man, you should see some of these coaches and parents!? These kids are five and six!!! Come on!) but it has all ended up just being perfect.

Now, Jackson is not a bad player. Don't get me wrong. He is very active on the field, runs after every ball, does an awesome job not getting "outs", runs those bases fiercely, and is a great outfielder! But, he just isn't doing as good as some other kids hitting when pitched to. It's okay though. Again..he is five. :) We are definitely not worried about it. :)

He is number six in the black jersey.

But, we all know if Jackson lacks in anything it is NOT in the department of personality. He is so outgoing and talkative, and he surely enjoys the making friends part and the socialization that comes from doing sports. :)

Preston, on the other hand, I think is equally good at soccer and baseball and loves them both..however, he only really enjoys the batting part of baseball. :) He gets kind of agitated when we switch sides. :) That is where his age (really he didn't even pass the age cutoff..we squeezed him in) comes into play because he doesn't understand yet the concept of the game. But, still...the.most.adorable.thing.to.watch. :)

He has hit a few balls during practice without the tee (his coaches are great pitchers!) and a few at home practicing with me, but mostly during the games he uses the tee.

This was his first game, and although he clearly knew which way to run during practice his practices had always been on a grassy field. So, this looked so different he stalled and ran straight out onto the field! It was hilarious! And so cute!

His first game it was FREEZING and that is putting it mildly. And, let me tell you. He is SO Paul. We all already knew that, but he was not at all interested in playing and frankly I am positive he thought I was nuts for even thinking he might want to play. With watery eyes and a runny nose though he managed to get through it. :) I felt bad but also trapped like, "Uh-oh..if I let him stop now am I setting a bad example? And, yet what kind of parent forces their kid to play in the freezing weather?" Mind you, I didn't realize just how cold it was until we got there. They had turtlenecks on but no jackets. And, I had on short sleeves and no jacket!

Still, though I managed to capture a few grins. :) His biggest issue is not understanding they are all on the same team, and if you miss the ball but your teammate gets it that is a good thing. Instead he cries because he feels they "took" it from him. :)

But, we have some awesome coaches God sent our way that are VERY patient with him, work with him, and try to keep it all fair. :)

So, even though I set a good example that first game, I told him later, "If you don't want to play, you don't have to.." I hated to let him quit but figured honestly he was so young, why force it. His answer was priceless. He looked off in deep thought and said, "Is it cold outside?" I was confused and said, "No..why??" His answer: "I told you I wouldn't play if it was cold outside. But, if it is warm then I want to play." And, so he is still playing..and getting better and cuter every week. :)