St. Louis wedding photographer Nicole Welch

Ok, if I’m really honest, he’s a sports FANATIC. Not a day, or probably hour – more realistically, goes by without my son swinging a bat, kicking a soccer ball, running laps around the house, swinging a tennis racket, dancing (he calls it shaking his bootie), or bouncing a basketball. Oh, and I forgot hockey. Hockey’s a big one. I shoudl also add that he doesn’t really even need the ball or the bat/aparatus needed for said sports. He can also play pretend sports. And sometimes he likes to play them naked, but that’s another story for another day. (But yes, that’s an at home only thing. Promise.)

During his 3 shorts years of life, he has played soccer, had swimming lessons, did a gymnastics class, but I knew baseball would be a good one to try… Honestly, I think baseball is his absolute favorite sport. He knows Albert Pujols’ face and number. He recognizes most teams by their picture and will say their team name. If we’re in the city, he MUST see Busch Stadium. He adores all things baseball. From the National Anthem, to the peanuts and Cracker Jax, and even baseball movies – most notably Angels in the Outfield and Rookie of the Year. When we watch those movies, he even puts his little baseball hat over his heart and stands very still until it’s over. That in itself is a small miracle.

When I found out our YMCA had t-ball for 3-year-olds, I knew I had so sign him up. He was so excited when I told him. On the way to what I thought would be his first practice, he asked if they would sing the National Anthem. I didn’t have the heart to tell him no, so I just kind of avoided the question. He did forget about it, but when we got there and realized someone had told us the wrong day, Aidan was absolutely devastated. I’ve never seen him so upset. No injury could match the pain he felt that day, and it completely broke my heart. I’m actually sitting here tearing up at the thought. That’s how serious it was. He sobbed, and we sat on the curb of the parking lot for a good 10 minutes while I had to explain to him that his t-ball wasn’t today. His team wasn’t here. All the little boys out on the field were older, bigger, more advanced t-ball players. T-ball for little guys didn’t start for 2 more weeks. I had to wipe his tears and bribe him with a trip to Target where we bought him a new glove, a bat, batting helmet and a t. And then his dad met us at the field where we played baseball for a good hour and a half. He didn’t care about the playground. He just wanted to play baseball, and he probably would have played until the sun went down.

So there you have it. An understanding of just how monumental this first t-ball practice was. He was so intense, listened so well to his coach, encouraged the other boys, ran hard, and even tackled a few teammates to get the ball. (We did have a discussion about tackling.) What a great day. And of course, I brought my camera. I am SO going to be that mom. Sorry, buddy.

So focused!

Could he be any more excited?!

Told ya. Tackling at t-ball.

And his favorite part – batting! I love the look on his face. And yes, he does bat lefty. The other parents at t-ball were very impressed…See the little twinkle of sun on his helmet? I love it.