Fathers, Sons and Baseball

Doug and I don't exactly see eye-to-eye on everything. And while we share many of the same values, our interests are quite varied. Really, how boring would a relationship be if we were exactly the same anyway?  But one of his very great passions (that I simply do not get at all) is baseball. But the thing about it? I think it's so adorable. I mean the way he just loves the sport.  And now that our Cole is growing up and taking an interest, I see this eagerness growing in Doug's eyes. Like "yes, the bug is growing in my boy as well..."

I can't decide if it's the fact that

1. fatherly affection is always a sure way to warm a mother's heart, OR
2. Doug's ability to throw, catch and hit a small and dangerously hard ball baffle so me to the point that I must assume he possesses a bit of magical powers.

Either way, Doug's connection to baseball is one of the many reasons I love him so. And my memory of him in his baseball suit still makes me smile. A lot! Wonder if I could talk him into putting on the pants, just for old time sakes?

Went to the Royals/Twins game the other night. Despite the 19-1 loss for the Royals, it was a great night. Doug and Cole paying their respects to one of Doug's childhood favorites- George Brett!

Pee Wee Baseball

Okay, so I'm not trying to brag (well maybe a little), but I just walked in from throwing out the clippings of a philodendron and my kitchen smells deliciously of cookies freshly baked. The laundry room is still seeping of the Tide's Mountain breeze. And my floors aren't covered with dirt, food or the typical undistinguishable goo. And guess what else? The walls-dings got covered today. I hung that shadow box that was still in a box from our move, uhhhh, from six years ago, was it? That cat got its annual shots. Our car is washed. My zinnias are blooming. And suddenly I feel like a domestic Goddess!  Okay, I still have a bit of dusting to do. And my cupboards are still a mess. But I don't feel like a complete wash-up....ANYWAY, the real reason I wanted to post this blog was because at the beginning of the summer (despite all of the sadness of my grandmother fighting cancer), there was a very fun diversion going on in our life. Pee Wee baseball! A friend of ours has this $45,000 camera and took some very cool pics that just got emailed to us.  (Thank Lyn! Since I didn't once bring a camera.) So, I must share.

Does anyone believe that Pee Wee baseball is somewhat of a cult? I thought the night out and visiting with the Mom's was kind of nice - enjoyable, actually! Already, I miss it.  Cole was one of the youngest on a team of 16 boys, so he got his share of messing around in the dugout. But he got to play lots more than I thought he would. And it's so adorable to see your son in that little uniform. It'll bring a smile to any mom. But I tell you what - no one, I mean NO ONE, takes Pee Wee baseball more serious than the Dads. (See Cole's serious father to the right? Well, he is on the job, coaching a base here.) Holy cow. Don't even get a pee wee dad started. Whether you're talking about a kid stealing a base when the signal is given, or not swinging at a full count. Jiminy Crickets. It's serious stuff. Just ask them. Or, don't ask them.  Either way, we all look forward to another year of hitting, pitching, catching and "no crying in baseball." (Well, not sure if big sister will. Unless someone shows up with a really cute big brother...)

The Remarkable 2010 Earling Pee Wees Baseball Team