fun flying with kids
 

We're going to take a long flight in August, and are planning to take a red-eye in the hopes that wee people sleep.

fun flying with kids
 

I (mistakenly) thought you only had a wee person. What is this about people - or is your wife really short?

Wait it gets better
 

So I let this kid pitch today and he gets absolutely pounded to hell and back. The dad isn't there but the mom is (nasty bloody divorce) She goes on and on about why I let him pitch.

Wait it gets better
 

Sometimes, it's about letting them try something and learning that way where their talents are.

fun flying with kids
 

Never underestimate the power of Benadryl about 30 minutes before the flight takes off.

Wait it gets better
 

Surely she was very receptive to your explanation that his dad insisted that he pitch.

Wait it gets better
 

She thought that he and I should both be crucified on crosses next to each other.

Wait it gets better
 

It's good for him. When I think back to experiences in my life to give me strength to handle life's adult challenges, it isn't the games standing out in the outfield that mean something. It's the [seemingly at the time] soul-crushing defeats. Fortunately, my 5th grade little league team was able to provide me with an ample supply, as I think we went 1-[a big number] that year, with at least half the games ending under the ten run rule (is that still around? - good rule). I caught that year, and I remember the game we won was the worst one. The other team's major fault was they had three or four players who for some reason took a step back just before swinging ineffectively at the ball. I took five or six shots to the head (fortunately, all glancing) and by the end of the game was ready to kill someone. Sometimes, you just have bad days.

The thing that made it tolerable is that after each game my dad gave me a big hug and a stop at the Dairy Queen regardless of the outcome. I don't remember him once yelling at my coach, although he may have expressed some outrage at the ref on the third or fourth beaning.

Wait it gets better
 

The kid has started to develop a good attitude. He was really let down in the field but just shook it off. I think my constant acknowledgement of his great play behind the plate has helped him. But this is a perfect example of two selfish adults putting a kid in the middle.

The ten run rule is alive and well and saved the day.

Wait it gets better
 

Gosh, I got all verklempt reading that last paragraph. (not kidding)


I think my older boy would really like playing baseball. He's only six (I don't know when little leagues start), but he loves playing in the yard. He hates hitting lefty (he's right handed), but it's like he can't miss! He doesn't hit line drives 100% of the time, but nearly always makes contact. He's very proud when he hits a good one, and I think it would be great for him.

So, anyone know about LL in TCOTU?

Wait it gets better
 

Yeah, well, I wrote it just before lunch and my bloodsugar was a little low, so it may have been more mushy than helpful. And I just spent the weekend with my dad, so, you know.

Just an observation to push the mushiness: there is something very cool about your kids getting to be old enough to express being disappointed that their grandparents had to go home. It's even better if they manage to do it in the grandparents' presence.

Wait it gets better
 

Most little leagues start in the spring. Some may have fall leagues.

Does he hit well lefty but not like to? Hitting lefty is a great asset. Most pitchers are totally uncomfortable pitching to lefties. We have one lefty on our team and he walks 3x a game.

I bat lefty though I throw righty because I am left eye dominant. Check to see if he's left eye dominant.

Wait it gets better
 

Apparently I am too. Cool. This could explain maybe 10% of my total lack of ability to do anything sports-related? Or maybe not.

Wait it gets better
 

Chunky Monkey
 

So my kid is huge and I'm bit worried that he's gonna be wider than he is tall. Right now he is 95% for height and off the chart for weight, which is about proportionate for now. If our bathroom scale is right, he is about 26lbs at 8mos. He drinks milk and a little water and eats mostly veggies and fruit with some cereal for iron. He gets no sugar or juice whatsoever. I make almost all my own baby food, so he's not getting any fillers or added starchs.

Other than keeping the sugar away and keeping him active, any ideas how to keep him from being one of those 80lb 2yos on Jerry Springer? The ped has expressed some concern and hubby was a chubby kid. I am thinking more about what to do in the future since I *think* I am doing all the right stuff now.

-TL