Day 9 - Redux

Gotta tell you about a milestone moment I shared with Andrew. This was something he won't remember and I always will. There are important moments in a kids life; crawling, taking their first step, eating with utensils on their own, learning to ride a bike, etc. Andrew crossed off a major one on Saturday - he attended his first Tribe game. We had this date in the works for a while; it was a Saturday afternoon 4 PM start time - perfect post-nap activity. There would be no rush getting down there since he wouldn't be lasting the whole game, and there is always plenty of parking. The weather Gods were smiling on us as well. It was probably 78 and sunny, and where we sit, you are in the shade at that time of day.

Vintage that Andrew decided to take his longest nap in two months Saturday. We left the house at 4, Mom, Leah, and me. No traffic had us off at 9th street at 4:15. Andrew was in his Tribe shirt and was ready to watch some ball. He took turns between my lap and Leah's. Sat and took in the sights of the Jake while stuffing Goldfish into his mouth one at a time. He clapped when everyone else clapped and cheered. Even when Ryan Garko hit a home run and the fireworks went off, he clapped. I was worried the fireworks would freak him out, but it didn't even faze him.

It wasn't all roses though. He kicked the seat in front of him a bunch of times. He wanted to beat the back of the guy in front of us a few times as well. After about three innings, he clearly did not want to sit still any longer. I walked him around the concourse on my shoulders for a little before heading back down to the seats for some photos. We then headed for Kids Land, which I have to say is a solid operation down there. Its way out in the right-field mezzanine section, they have a ton of Step-2 toys for kids between the ages of 16 months-3 years. It was right in Andrew's wheelhouse. It's a small enough area where kids won't get lost and one parent has to be in the area at all times. He loved it. We had to drag him out of there because it was the 8th inning at this point.

We sang "Take Me Out To the Ballgame" to him and he laughed and smiled. He was so happy, that he decided to drop a huge dump. Nothing like having to change a kids diaper in a Stadium bathroom. Regardless, fun was had by all. He ran around the left field plaza for a little and we all walked to the car and headed home.

Again, this is something that he won't remember. But its another one of those moments that I

will never forget. I took photos and a little video. For me, it was special. I grew up going to games with my father and I look back at those moments so fondly. Once Andrew is a little older, I'll do what my father did for me, explain the game, answer questions, and just have fun. I'd say we are still about two years away from that. But his first game was a success. I kept the ticket stub and want to frame it, along with the picture above. The only thing that saddened me was that it was a moment that I always thought I would be able to share with my father. Three generations together at the ballpark. I know he was with us in spirit.