Baseball

Wednesday night was Kate's first T-ball practice, Thursday Jack had baseball practice. The thing to mention first is that it was pretty cold both nights.

I kind of thought Kate would be touch and go, and so she was. First she clung to me. Then she knelt on the ground and buried her face in her hands. Then she cried. Then when I tried to stand her up she went limp. Nothing I hadn't seen before, but always difficult. I cajoled, threatened, warned, implored....20 minutes later, she was about the same. Not participating.

Finally, by offering to restore the TV privileges I had taken away, she stood up, went over to the coach, joined the team. She batted a little, not as exuberantly as in the backyard, but I will take it. She stood in the field near a girl she knows from school and actually seemed happy. Totally oblivious to the ball being hit by other people, of course, but having fun. Babbling happily on the cold walk home, too.

Next week is another practice. It will be warmer, and I dearly hope Kate, in her second experience, is more comfortable.

Jack is a little different. I don't remember his first T ball practice (I know he was a year older), but I am pretty sure he was more into it. The sport is far more male, obviously; I am not sure he has had a female teammate in three years. Anyway, to him practice is like a big party. He loves playing baseball, loves hanging around with his friends ... The ones he knew beforehand, and the ones he's made 15 minutes into practice. He's good that way.

He's going to be trying out for a summer travel team, which has up to 4-5 practices or games each week. At that point he will either get really into baseball, or not enjoy himself because it is a little more serious...should be interesting.

I hope they will both be into it as the season moves forward. And, you know, as it gets a little warmer.