Bend it like Jon David

Things were looking a little rough and I had my reservations about what to expect at yesterday's first soccer game for Jon David. His team, the feared Jellyfish, were to meet for a 30-minute practice and a 15-minute game. So, when Jon David woke up late from his nap and was more than slightly cranky, I did not see a great afternoon in our future. He then announced that he did not want to go to the soccer game. Big surprise. Ugh!

I really wanted to focus on Jon during this big event - it was a totally new experience for him. So, I lined up a good friend to watch Josiah. At the last minute, I found out that her whole family (including the dog) had a stomach virus. So, baby brother would be joining us. This could be REALLY interesting!

Once we arrived, things looked somewhat promising. Jon David greeted his teacher and allowed her to put his orange jersey on him. So far, so good. He somewhat participated with the 30 minutes of practice. You know, 30 minutes is kind of a long time so I'm not surprised that he got bored. Yeah, two pictures capture this perfectly. Yes, his face is really in the soccer net.

The team was on another field.

So, now it's time for the BIG game verses the pesky Goldfish. At this point, Jon lays on my lap (what's left of it) and announces, "I'm tired!" Oh boy - so this child may not actually play in the game today, I thought. But then, I reached into my mommy bag of tricks and pulled out "Bribery." Well, bribery might be a bit strong of a word - I provided a much needed incentive. I just sweetly whispered into his ear that there would be a big surprise if he actually played in a game. My goal was sometime within the 10 games of this season (2 a week), that at some point, he'd actually choose to participate. I had no idea what the surprise would be and quickly thought of something that would be a win/win for the whole family - dinner at Moe's followed by ice cream.





So, this was a HUGE success for my boy. Really, it was. He's not always excited about change and new experiences. He's often VERY fond of his own plans and not so much of any plans that are contrary to his. He's never shown a great interest in soccer and tends to prefer building elaborate train tracks. So, this was all new for him and he really did well. We go again Wednesday and take on the Clams!

Opening Day 2009

If you are in our little family and it's Opening Day for baseball - you are THERE - no ifs, ands or buts about it. This is Jon's 4th opening day and the 3rd at the DBAP. His first was actually in the BIG leagues with the Washington Nationals. Si has made 2 so far (unless you count the time while in my belly). Here is 2007 and 2008.

Daddy likes to get to the park early. There is a real buzz of excitement in the air. And the DBAP is such a nice ballpark. But, this year, I had another idea. I felt like we used all up the boys' good behavior before the first pitch by an early arrival. This year, we had about 2 minutes to spare before first pitch.

The plan worked because we made it through 3 innings - a family record! Seriously, there have been years where we are there for about 4 pitches. Josiah probably had a few more innings in him if the hot dogs and popcorn kept coming. Jon Jon - well, not so much. After the thrill of sharing cotton candy with Mommy subsided, he was d-o-n-e, done. Still, we consider the night both a victory for the winning Bulls and our family.

As you see in the video, Josiah deposited his shoe at the Will Call booth. I guess he figured Daddy did not have enough money for the tickets and maybe his new shoe would cover the costs. Thankfully, with a little hoofing it from Daddy, boy and shoe were reunited.

One thing is for sure - baby girl better get with the program. This is a SPORTS family! We'll get her a little Durham Bulls cheerleader outfit! Yahooo!

PLAY BALL!

(special shout out to my sister for this video!)