...going to sporting events, that is. Today Bennett had his first teeball/soccer game.
We've talked about this particular day for over a year. The build up has been enormous and I'm happy to report that the day and the event did indeed live up to the hype.
The day began early. One Starbucks latte, a Juliette dipe blowout, and "oh, stink I forgot your water bottle" later, we made it to the park. Bennett hopped out of the car, spotted Auntie Holly, took off in a sprint towards her, then screeched to a halt when he saw all the commotion around him. There were minivans, moms, strollers, crying kids, baseball gloves coming from every corner into the park.
I saw his "I'm not sure about this " look and quickly grabbed his hand with a "C'mon Buddy. It's gonna be a blast. Let's go get your shirt."
And then it was time...the moment we've talked about for a year, and waited for, the moment that I realized my little guy wasn't so little anymore and that I needed to let him go, stand back and watch him be himself.
They stretched, hit the ball off the tee, played catch in the outfield, and in true firstborn fashion, as he ran around the bases with the other 5 team members and crossed home plate first, threw his arms up in the air and said, " I won, I won." I smiled and made a mental checklist to have the Humility Talk later on.
After 30 minutes of pure joy, hanging onto every word and instruction Coach Holly, aka Auntie Holly, gave..
...it was over.
The tears began to flow. What Bennett thought was just a "run to Mom for a drink break" was really "your team is done. See ya next week".
A heartbroken Bennett cried, "I still want to play baseball".
Now that is sad.
Of course he did. It's like a vacation you wait for and talk about for over a year being over.
Thankfully, 3 year old are easily distracted with "Hey, let's go get your name and number printed on the back of your shirt" and a nearby playground.
We made a stop at Grimm's to get Bennett and #10 (like Auntie Holly...Ben's choice) silk screened on the back of his shirt and a celebratory treat.
As I relive the special moment, I am excited for all the many days and evenings that I am sure will be spent at Bennett's sporting events in the years to come. It's a little weird that it's now "my kid" instead of a sibling that I'm watching...a whole new world, for sure..but I love it and look forward to what's to come.
My little athlete, Bennett Toews.
