Batter Up!

Today we took E to his first ball game. It was the Dbacks vs. LA and it was an eventful day at the old ball game:

- E asked for his food the second we sat down.
- The Dodgers scored 3 runs in the first inning, the Dbacks didn't score.
- E asked for his ice cream the second he finished his corn dog and popcorn.
- The Dbacks scored one in the 3rd inning. The Dodgers were up by 4.
- A presumably drunk fan jumped the wall and attempted to run across the outfield waving his Beat L.A. sign. He was tackled and forceably removed before making it across.
- T took E to the play area as a diversion for the kiddo who wasn't really into the game. The play area had a line wrapped around it ensuring entry after at least a half hour wait.
- Returning to the seats, I was presented with a teary toddler who was angry at his dad, "I WANTED TO WAIT IN LINE. I WANTED TO GO TO THE PLAY AREA. DADDY WOULDN'T LET ME GO!" I have never known this child to wait for anything.
- After sulking into his seat, kicking his feet and continued rants about the play area, we left the ballpark in style.
- Dodgers won, 8-1.

The Big Day

There seemed to be just a moment of hesitation in him on this big day of change and new experience. Otherwise, he was excited and curious and ready to dive in at school. He wanted us to stay, of course, and hang out; but, he was more than fine when we said we couldn't.

It was me that lost it just a little bit as he hugged me and kissed my cheek.

Sunday

We had a busy day, this last day before a new school starts. A play date, professional pics done, and a few over tired tantrums. How is it that kids can go from deliriously happy to a puddle of tears in 60 seconds?

A highlight of the day had to be when E completed his first homework assignment - decorate a paper house and be prepared to describe your home during Monday's Show and Share.

E's house is full of garages, windows, his red night-light and one of our three dogs. He doesn't seem to live there. Nor do I or T.

Ditch Day

E's not even in Kindergarten yet, but today he had his first ditch day. It was to be his last day of daycare before starting Pre-K on Monday and I kept him out for a family day. He and I ventured downtown for breakfast at Matt's Big Breakfast, a quaint and oh so tiny restaurant that makes you feel like you aren't just one of millions, but one in a million. A place where they would remember you and know your name if you had the luxury of time and proximity to be a regular. It's just simple food prepared really well.

After breakfast, we swung back by the house to pick up T and take E to his first-ever water park experience. He LOVED it. I had my camera for a few shots, but had to put it away and enjoy the slides myself. He surprised us both after riding a few of the slides with the protection of a raft and one of us, with his request to brave the body slide (read: no raft, no parent to hold onto) by himself. I was thrilled he was willing to do it.

I watched my baby step into the pool of water and hoist himself up and look to the lifeguard for the go-ahead. He pushed off and it was me saying in my head, "WAIT! I am not ready for this! What if he flies off the slide? What if something HORRIBLE happens?"

And then I saw him bonk his head on the side of the slide at the first turn and then the water whisked him out of sight.

"Oh my God!" I thought to myself. "He's got a concussion and will drown in the wave pool!"

Let's not forget the wave pool is probably 15 feet long and 10 feet wide and there's a lifeguard in the middle of it. But I was crazed right now and all I could do was take my turn and get to the bottom of this thing as soon as possible.

I lay myself down, crossing my arms over my chest and free fell (or slid, I guess) down this monster slide. For a moment, I forgot my fear and just felt suspended, both quiet and chaotic, and yet completely relaxed. Then 8 one-hundredths of a second later the slide took it's last turn into a straight-away and I swear, I started sliding 300 mph. I crashed into the pool and struggled to pull myself up, catch my breath and make sure my bathing suit was still covering all the important parts.

It was then that I looked up and saw his gap-toothed grin and heard, "Let's go again Mommy!"

Them Boots Was Made for Wearing

It's not raining. It's not winter. In fact, it's hovered close to 110 degrees this week. Yet, E insisted on wearing his new Lightening McQueen galoshes from Gramma Kathy to school two days this week. All day, both days.

Sweet and Spicy