T-ball - Spring 2016 Season

Ballet wasn't the only thing keeping us busy this spring. Yep, Caleb signed up for another season of t-ball. 

He bounced back and forth about whether he wanted to do it again or not, and I tried not to push even though I enjoyed watching him so much last year. Since we homeschool, I also knew it would be a great experience for him to both socialize and get in a little physical education, so when he finally decided to give it another go, I was a happy momma.

One of his main concerns was that he'd be on a new team and have a new coach. As they say though, most things you worry about never happen anyway, and that was the case this time. Coach Kevin Jackson agreed to be head coach again and tried to draft the same players he had last year - minus the ones who had moved up. We even got to be the Knotty Pine team again which meant the parents didn't need to buy new team shirts. Thanks to another kid who traded with us, Caleb got to be number 6 again too, saving me from having to hurry after each game to get his uniform clean in time before the next since we could alternate with last years' set.

I didn't go as picture crazy this year taking photos of all the practices and games. Instead, I spent a lot of time just keeping up with Hadley and Reid and trying to savor the chances when they were still enough that I could watch the game. Once Reid even got away from me for a couple minutes when I turned to talk to another parent and had me scared to death. Not to worry though...he was sitting right in the empty dugout, checking it out....he'd been dying to get out there with his daddy and brother.

I did get several pictures from opening day.... 

...and the very first game of the season.

Caleb even had his own fan club...who spent a lot of time enjoying the dirt.

Even though we missed a few games when we went to Orlando, Dave and I could both see a lot of growth in Caleb from the previous year. Last spring, he mainly just wanted to play in the dirt, but this go around he tried to go after the ball here and there and seemed more attentive when the coaches were trying to work with them. With homeschooling, I always worry about how he's developing socially too, but he made lots of friends and joined right in with the other guys doing their little boy shenanigans in the dugout, driving Daddy (the dugout coach) a little crazy at times but good fun all in all. There's still plenty of room for him to learn how to hit and catch better, so we're hoping he do fall ball because he'll have to move to coach pitch next year. Still, we are really happy with his progress and that our little introvert found a good spot for him to connect at his pace. Despite telling us some days that he just wanted to stay home, once he got on the field he always perked up and enjoyed himself.

When the end of the season came, it felt relieving in some ways since a bunch of rain days had caused us to do make-up games way into June. On the other hand, I was somewhat sad our t-ball family would be going their own ways again. Caleb's been hoping to try Tae Kwon Do or karate, so we'll see if he decides to switch, but I sure do think he looks awful sweet in that little baseball uniform and I hope this won't be the last time he suits up.

Our last game ended up being a scrimmage since the other team didn't show up. My grandparents had planned to come but Grandma was sick, which was a bit disappointing. Thankfully, Granddaddy and my mom were able to make it though and I was so glad. Caleb loved when anyone came to watch him play and got disappointed if someone said they might but then couldn't make it. We learned to be careful about telling him someone was coming just in case something came up at the last minute.

In particular, he loved to know I was watching him and would request I stand at the fence right behind him when it was time to hit. As he rounded the bases, he'd look for me to see if I saw him as he ran into home plate. Nothing melted my heart more than when he noticed me standing there and would get the most beautiful sweet smile on his face and wave. He might be getting bigger, but in those moments he was my baby. He was happy to see his mommy, was proud I was there, and wanted my eyes on him. It won't always be that way and I so wish I could have recorded his expression. I hope it is forever engraved in my mind.

My friend Meghan, Kevin's wife, did a great job getting trophies and medals for the kids again this year. They were all so proud to receive them.

Caleb getting his medal from Coach Kevin (Jackson)

Shaking hands with the other Coach Kevin (Jenkins), who also helped coach last year. Next to him is Coach Bubba, who was a new coach to our team. And then, of course, Coach Daddy!

We ended with a pizza party and parted ways - at least for now. As I said with Hadley's ballet, I am definitely glad we were a part of this in this season of our life. It was a good choice for us.