Both of us aren't feeling too great, so we stayed in today. Rumors that this has something to do with Daddy starting P90X again yesterday are unconfirmed. We did have a good time laying on the floor, stacking blocks, and listening to music. Sometimes that's OK, too.
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Today we had probably our most productive music class to date. Maybe it's the extra practice he got at baby storytime on Monday. Maybe it's because his girlfriend wasn't there. Or maybe it's because he's 15-months old and is supposed to be completely unpredictable. Either way, he participated with the group and me more than ever. He still did his share of exploring and took a special interest in opening and closing the container marked "Ice Melt" that was haphazardly left on the floor. That's probably safe for consumption...
(No he didn't eat any.)
After music class, I dressed him up one more time in his Halloween costume, (this was actually the 5th time overall) and we went to visit my grandmother. Unfortunately, she was sleeping and didn't feel like waking up when I tried to get her attention. I can't say I blame her, as it must have been quite shocking for her to all of a sudden see us in her room. I wonder how seeing a fuzzy frog prince with a baby face standing in front of her ended up affecting her dreams. He waited so quietly and patiently, but we left when it became evident she wasn't getting up. I think his cute little costume and personality brightened the spirits of the rest of the residents even more than usual, so that made me feel better. He made his way into the dining room and paraded around, eagerly accepting the attention he was receiving.
I still had to clean out my Phillies locker for the offseason (because of the personel turnover, we're told that they will cut our locks if we don't remove them ourselves), so we drove down to Citizens Bank Park to take care of business. We parked "behind" the stadium (which works out to be beyond right field) because that's where the employee entrance is located and walked up the steps to our locker room. My son had fun maneuvering the inside of the locker room- no small feat due to all the uniform racks positioned throughout the interior. I wasn't sure what, if anything, I actually still had in my locker, and I wasn't at all surprised to find nothing but a 2010 schedule magnet in there. Regardless, I needed to take my lock, and it gave my son a chance to walk around inside the ballpark one last time this year, so it wasn't a total waste of time!
Our next stop was (of course) the team store, which was considerably less busy than the last time we were there. We didn't really need to buy anything, but honestly, when does anyone really need to buy something from such a store? Naturally, my son went right for the stairs, and made it all the way up to the Phanatic Attic without incident. I bought him a Phillie Phanatic Bop Bag and plan on giving it to him for Christmas. I don't want to encourage punching and shoving *just yet*.
We had a very late lunch at regionally famous Chickie's and Pete's, located nearby. My son and I split an apple and some french fries, but we had a separate beverage tab. He charmed the hostess, waitresses, and all booth-neighbors. Based on years of experience seeing it done the wrong way, I was always kind of worried that it might be difficult to keep my own child under control at restaurants. Fortunately, he manages to be inquisitive and adorable without being annoying to those around him. Or at least that's what I think. I could just be another delusional parent, I suppose. However, he rarely screams, and when he does, it's never the shrill shriek that no one wants to hear, ever. Hopefully we can keep it that way. As I type this, he just walked over and smacked one of our dogs on the head after waking her up via laughing at the dream sounds she was making. Maybe he'll use up all the annoying stuff on the dogs. Poor things.
Showing posts with label phillies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label phillies. Show all posts
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
Day 25
We were awoken by a combination of doorbell and dog bark around 9:45 this morning. Apparently it's important to ring the doorbell before aerating a customer's lawn; at least that's what I surmised while simultaneously decrusting my eyes and dressing my son.
By the time I completely gained consciousness, I realized that it was a pretty nice day outside. I decided there was no more fitting way to celebrate this than by heading to Philadelphia and sharing a real Philly Cheesesteak with my son. As you may recall, we had a cheesesteak at a Phillies game last week. However, this was just the generic ballpark variety version. That doesn't really count. Today he would make the most important decision in his young life: Pat's or Geno's.
He slept a little on the way, including passing by Pat's. As we approached Geno's (just a few hundred feet across an intersection), he began to make some noise. Clearly the choice had been made.
I ordered "one Whiz with" (I'll succumb to their ordering criteria, but I refuse to drop the "h" from "with") and nearly forgot to get my change when I got my drink. I have always been more of a Jim's guy, but their service is awful. I doubt they would have called out to me to remind me to take my change, let alone call me "sir" like Geno's cashier did. My son enthusiastically accepted each small bite of the sandwich, alternating between it and his Cheerios. He wasn't nearly as fond of the lemonade that I was drinking, as he spit it up as quickly as he took a sip.
After finishing our lunch, we drove down 10th Street toward Citizens Bank Park. I had never taken this route before, and I imagine it would be a nightmare on gamedays. However, it is easily the most gorgeous way to approach CBP. 10th Street would allow one to drive straight across the field to home plate if there weren't walls in the way. The ballpark grows as the surrounding row homes dwindle, finally revealing a sea of brick, steal, and blue seats. I've been to that stadium literally hundreds of times in the past 8 years, and I never saw it so majestically as I did today.
We parked near the team store, and I carried my son across the street before allowing him to walk around on his own outside the stadium. Citizens Bank Way, the small street that separates the parking lot from the ballpark, was closed off for the upcoming playoff festivities, so I didn't have to worry about him running off the sidewalk. He walked around near the entrance for about 15 minutes, stopping to admire the statue of Mike Schmidt and perform for the workers setting up the nearby temporary merchandise tent.
I can only use my employee discount on days where there is no game. This policy changed this season, and it really, really sucks- especially for employees like me who are not required to work every game. We were never formally informed about it. I had to find out about it when I was at a game earlier this year with my son... celebrating his first birthday! We stood in line for several minutes, and when it was my turn, the cashier informed me of the "new" policy (that was being selectively enforced all season, according to coworkers). Apparently we can only buy things hours before the game begins or on days when there is no game at all. Since it is nearly impossible for me to get to games that early, my only choice is to drive down to the stadium on days when there is no game. However, this blog is about my son, so back to that.
As he walked around in the store, he kept trying to go to the outside portion where the registers are located. I couldn't figure out why until I relented and walked in with him. Ceiling fans. Of course! I gave him a few minutes to enjoy them, and then we did some shopping. I carried him upstairs to the Phanatic Attic children's area and was amazed as he figured out how to walk down the steps all by himself. Normally he reaches out for my hand as he attempts to descend steps, but today he used the metal mesh walls to balance himself as he walked. It was a major breakthrough, but it also means I have to be extra careful with him and steps now.
The Phillies had a "Rally Trolley" promotion today, which essentially was a bunch of team personel travelling around town in a trolley spreading good cheer and rally towels. The trolley's final stop was the stadium, and they happened to arrive just as we were checking out of the store. Radio announcer and former Phillies relief pitcher Larry Andersen was on the trolley and was kind enough to stop and take a picture with my son. It was surreal to hear "L.A." babytalk to my son and take such a genuine interest in him. He even suggested I take another photo when my son put his head down in the first. (Facebook friends can see that the picture was pretty terrible anyway. Oh well.)
We walked over and watched as my son's new friend was interviewed on the local sports talk radio station that was broadcasting nearby. One of the hosts, Glen Macnow, motioned for my son to come over and gave him a Phillies rally towel- the same rally towel that I had previously failed to procure at the final home game of the season! We thanked him and I tried to get him to wave it, but he was showing signs of sleepiness so we went on our way. There was just enough traffic to allow him to get in a decent nap before returning home to his eagerly waiting Mommy.
By the time I completely gained consciousness, I realized that it was a pretty nice day outside. I decided there was no more fitting way to celebrate this than by heading to Philadelphia and sharing a real Philly Cheesesteak with my son. As you may recall, we had a cheesesteak at a Phillies game last week. However, this was just the generic ballpark variety version. That doesn't really count. Today he would make the most important decision in his young life: Pat's or Geno's.
He slept a little on the way, including passing by Pat's. As we approached Geno's (just a few hundred feet across an intersection), he began to make some noise. Clearly the choice had been made.
I ordered "one Whiz with" (I'll succumb to their ordering criteria, but I refuse to drop the "h" from "with") and nearly forgot to get my change when I got my drink. I have always been more of a Jim's guy, but their service is awful. I doubt they would have called out to me to remind me to take my change, let alone call me "sir" like Geno's cashier did. My son enthusiastically accepted each small bite of the sandwich, alternating between it and his Cheerios. He wasn't nearly as fond of the lemonade that I was drinking, as he spit it up as quickly as he took a sip.
After finishing our lunch, we drove down 10th Street toward Citizens Bank Park. I had never taken this route before, and I imagine it would be a nightmare on gamedays. However, it is easily the most gorgeous way to approach CBP. 10th Street would allow one to drive straight across the field to home plate if there weren't walls in the way. The ballpark grows as the surrounding row homes dwindle, finally revealing a sea of brick, steal, and blue seats. I've been to that stadium literally hundreds of times in the past 8 years, and I never saw it so majestically as I did today.
We parked near the team store, and I carried my son across the street before allowing him to walk around on his own outside the stadium. Citizens Bank Way, the small street that separates the parking lot from the ballpark, was closed off for the upcoming playoff festivities, so I didn't have to worry about him running off the sidewalk. He walked around near the entrance for about 15 minutes, stopping to admire the statue of Mike Schmidt and perform for the workers setting up the nearby temporary merchandise tent.
I can only use my employee discount on days where there is no game. This policy changed this season, and it really, really sucks- especially for employees like me who are not required to work every game. We were never formally informed about it. I had to find out about it when I was at a game earlier this year with my son... celebrating his first birthday! We stood in line for several minutes, and when it was my turn, the cashier informed me of the "new" policy (that was being selectively enforced all season, according to coworkers). Apparently we can only buy things hours before the game begins or on days when there is no game at all. Since it is nearly impossible for me to get to games that early, my only choice is to drive down to the stadium on days when there is no game. However, this blog is about my son, so back to that.
As he walked around in the store, he kept trying to go to the outside portion where the registers are located. I couldn't figure out why until I relented and walked in with him. Ceiling fans. Of course! I gave him a few minutes to enjoy them, and then we did some shopping. I carried him upstairs to the Phanatic Attic children's area and was amazed as he figured out how to walk down the steps all by himself. Normally he reaches out for my hand as he attempts to descend steps, but today he used the metal mesh walls to balance himself as he walked. It was a major breakthrough, but it also means I have to be extra careful with him and steps now.
The Phillies had a "Rally Trolley" promotion today, which essentially was a bunch of team personel travelling around town in a trolley spreading good cheer and rally towels. The trolley's final stop was the stadium, and they happened to arrive just as we were checking out of the store. Radio announcer and former Phillies relief pitcher Larry Andersen was on the trolley and was kind enough to stop and take a picture with my son. It was surreal to hear "L.A." babytalk to my son and take such a genuine interest in him. He even suggested I take another photo when my son put his head down in the first. (Facebook friends can see that the picture was pretty terrible anyway. Oh well.)
We walked over and watched as my son's new friend was interviewed on the local sports talk radio station that was broadcasting nearby. One of the hosts, Glen Macnow, motioned for my son to come over and gave him a Phillies rally towel- the same rally towel that I had previously failed to procure at the final home game of the season! We thanked him and I tried to get him to wave it, but he was showing signs of sleepiness so we went on our way. There was just enough traffic to allow him to get in a decent nap before returning home to his eagerly waiting Mommy.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Day 17
I'm really not sure where to begin about today. I guess the easiest way to put it is it was one of those days that I am certain I will always remember. Today we went to the Phillies. It wasn't that it was our first game- he's been to roughly 10 of them, and I've saved all the tickets. It wasn't even the first time just the two of us went to game- that happened last week. It wasn't that it was an overly great game- they lost 4-3 in 10 innings. They didn't even play all the regular starters. It was just a great day.
My son woke up around 7, much to the chagrin of my wife who had to be at work early and therefore couldn't hang out to calm him down. He had no interest in going back to sleep after she left, but he fell asleep soon after we got in the car. We left about three hours before the game started. As I have driven back and forth from Philadelphia countless times in the past seven years, I know all too well how unpredictable traffic can be on the way. We arrived approximately an hour before the game started.
Since our ticket (only one needed until he turns 2) was in the Diamond Club, we had plenty to explore before the first pitch. My son had little to no interest in checking out the swank surroundings and instead chose to trot around in the handicapped section directly behind my seat. During the player introductions, he pointed out the Phanatic to me, much like he finds the animals before I do. He made a few friends along the way, some of whom were kind enough to pick up his sippy cup each time he dropped it out of my reach.
It was supposed to rain. It didn't. Since the Diamond Club also includes a large enclosed area with plenty of TVs and other things at which to look, I figured that we'd be fine either way. The sun even came out at one point. Truthfully, the weather wasn't really on my mind as my son and I shared experiences such as his first cheesesteak at a ballgame, his first time on Phanavision (this came right before the beginning of the bottom of the tenth inning; apparently we were on a second time, as we were earlier recognized walking around in another section of the ballpark), and his first time showing actual interest in what was going on in the game. Each time the crowd would cheer, he would stop what he was doing to turn around and look at the field. It's been an interesting progression since his first game last year to his first game this year and finally today: sleeping, screaming, and looking. I'm sure booing is right around the corner, maybe in time for the playoffs...
The score was 0-0 until the 7th inning, when the opposition hit a 3-run home run off of a guy who spent the majority of the season in AAA Lehigh Valley. We were walking around in the Hall of Fame Club, another less-exclusive but equally cool section of the park, when this happened. He needed a break from mostly standing next-to or between my legs, and an employee suggested we head up there. Soon after we got off of the elevator, my son was hugged/ attacked by a little girl who apparently does this to nearly everyone she sees. To her father, I say, "Good luck". While he was avoiding her, another little girl came up to us and "talked" with my son. At one point we had a little group of 4 toddlers that were blocking the thoroughfare with a combination of running, hugging, screaming, and playing. If I had been working, I would have hated it. Because I was "dadding", I loved it. We continued on through the HoFC, and my son came across two more little girls, and immediately went up to one of them with his arms outstretched as if to hug her. As far as I know, he had never done this before. He hugs family members and such, but never a stranger. Apparently he still has a little to learn, because the hug locked more like a choke. We'll be more careful next time.
When it appeared that he had "got his sillies out", we returned to our seat. No one ever showed up in the seats next to us, which made sitting much more comfortable than usual. Of course, the seats in the DC are extra wide and padded, so that didn't hurt either. We picked a good time to go back, it seemed, as the Phillies tied the game with a 3-run homer of their own soon after we sat back down. He smiled and even clapped a little as I spun around celebrating with the rest of the crowd. We stuck around and watched the rest of the game, sharing the requisite ice cream in a miniature batting helmet. After the final out, I asked an usher to take our picture, as I wanted to have a visual memory of the day. I look a lot more excited than he does, but that's to be understood as he was surely exhausted. He never lost his cool, though, and that was yet another positive part of the day.
He fell asleep again soon after we got in the car. Traffic was traffic, but I didn't much care. I smiled all the way home, having enjoyed a great day at the ballpark with my son.
My son woke up around 7, much to the chagrin of my wife who had to be at work early and therefore couldn't hang out to calm him down. He had no interest in going back to sleep after she left, but he fell asleep soon after we got in the car. We left about three hours before the game started. As I have driven back and forth from Philadelphia countless times in the past seven years, I know all too well how unpredictable traffic can be on the way. We arrived approximately an hour before the game started.
Since our ticket (only one needed until he turns 2) was in the Diamond Club, we had plenty to explore before the first pitch. My son had little to no interest in checking out the swank surroundings and instead chose to trot around in the handicapped section directly behind my seat. During the player introductions, he pointed out the Phanatic to me, much like he finds the animals before I do. He made a few friends along the way, some of whom were kind enough to pick up his sippy cup each time he dropped it out of my reach.
It was supposed to rain. It didn't. Since the Diamond Club also includes a large enclosed area with plenty of TVs and other things at which to look, I figured that we'd be fine either way. The sun even came out at one point. Truthfully, the weather wasn't really on my mind as my son and I shared experiences such as his first cheesesteak at a ballgame, his first time on Phanavision (this came right before the beginning of the bottom of the tenth inning; apparently we were on a second time, as we were earlier recognized walking around in another section of the ballpark), and his first time showing actual interest in what was going on in the game. Each time the crowd would cheer, he would stop what he was doing to turn around and look at the field. It's been an interesting progression since his first game last year to his first game this year and finally today: sleeping, screaming, and looking. I'm sure booing is right around the corner, maybe in time for the playoffs...
The score was 0-0 until the 7th inning, when the opposition hit a 3-run home run off of a guy who spent the majority of the season in AAA Lehigh Valley. We were walking around in the Hall of Fame Club, another less-exclusive but equally cool section of the park, when this happened. He needed a break from mostly standing next-to or between my legs, and an employee suggested we head up there. Soon after we got off of the elevator, my son was hugged/ attacked by a little girl who apparently does this to nearly everyone she sees. To her father, I say, "Good luck". While he was avoiding her, another little girl came up to us and "talked" with my son. At one point we had a little group of 4 toddlers that were blocking the thoroughfare with a combination of running, hugging, screaming, and playing. If I had been working, I would have hated it. Because I was "dadding", I loved it. We continued on through the HoFC, and my son came across two more little girls, and immediately went up to one of them with his arms outstretched as if to hug her. As far as I know, he had never done this before. He hugs family members and such, but never a stranger. Apparently he still has a little to learn, because the hug locked more like a choke. We'll be more careful next time.
When it appeared that he had "got his sillies out", we returned to our seat. No one ever showed up in the seats next to us, which made sitting much more comfortable than usual. Of course, the seats in the DC are extra wide and padded, so that didn't hurt either. We picked a good time to go back, it seemed, as the Phillies tied the game with a 3-run homer of their own soon after we sat back down. He smiled and even clapped a little as I spun around celebrating with the rest of the crowd. We stuck around and watched the rest of the game, sharing the requisite ice cream in a miniature batting helmet. After the final out, I asked an usher to take our picture, as I wanted to have a visual memory of the day. I look a lot more excited than he does, but that's to be understood as he was surely exhausted. He never lost his cool, though, and that was yet another positive part of the day.
He fell asleep again soon after we got in the car. Traffic was traffic, but I didn't much care. I smiled all the way home, having enjoyed a great day at the ballpark with my son.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Days 14 and 15
A few days ago, a friend asked me if I wanted a suite ticket for the first game of a Phillies doubleheader on Thursday. Knowing that I worked the second game, this would not be easy. However, I didn't want to miss out on the opportunity (for both of us), so I gladly obliged. My wife was kind enough to agree to pick up our son in King of Prussia after the game. I figured that him walking there would take far too long, so I drove him. I later learned that was a mistake. More on that later.
Our day began ominously, as Mr. Ten O'Clock woke up around 7:30- right as my wife was about to leave. He must have wanted to make sure we didn't miss Storytime like we missed Kindermusik. My wife picked him up and brought him into bed with me, but this did nothing to calm him down. This was the first time he was awake for her leaving for work, and I'm sure it wasn't easy for her to leave as he was screaming. Of course he stopped screaming right after she left. We got up and ready for Storytime.
The stories today were about Fall. My son made it through the entire first book before deciding he needed to be somewhere else in the library. We decided to skip craft time this week, but we stuck around for the snack. It was the first time my son experienced Teddy Grahams. Based on his reaction, it won't be the last. I think he has a crush on the one little girl in the class. He kept taking various objects over to her and dropping them on her chair. She picked each one up and handed it right back to him. Rinse and repeat. We signed up to bring in the snack for the final meeting. I think that's when he's going to make his move.
After a quick stop at home to let the dogs out and grab some milk, we headed to the game. We had to make a couple of stops first: we grabbed "our" ticket at my friend's dad's house and visited my grandmother. Thankfully, my son slept most of the way to the ballpark. He even gave me a moment to get everything together before we made the 3/4 mile walk from our employee parking lot (zOMG- abuse of privileges, don't tell!!). Because we were in a suite, I was able to use my stroller. Obviously, this made the walk much easier.
As we entered Citizens Bank Park at the Suite and Club Level Entrance on Pattison Avenue, we were given a Cliff Lee gym bag. This will likely become my new diaper bag. We took the elevator up to the aptly named Suite Level (this is where Daddy reports to work, too) and found my friend's grandfather, dad, sister, and nephew already there. My son was very excited to get out of the stroller and run around in the suite. We were extra glad to be inside, as it was a very windy and rainy day. It also gave him a chance to roam (relatively) free for most of the game and experience his first lunch of only ballpark food. Of course, in a suite this doesn't mean just hot dogs and soda. As I am in the final few weeks of marathon training, he had a little more freedom than I in the food and drink department. It was kind of difficult to see all that free soda, beer, and food and know that I couldn't really have all I wanted, but I survived. Someday, my blood pressure will thank me.
My son had fun playing with my friend's similarly aged nephew. At one point they both discovered the base of a "high-top" table and played a silly hybrid game of peek-a-boo and mirror, as seen on Facebook. He also enjoyed attempting to eat just about every crumb of food scattered around the floor. I liked one of these activities far more than the other.
The Phillies won the game (both games of the doubleheader, actually), but we had to leave in the 7th inning in order to give me a chance to take him to Mommy in KoP and get back in time to report for the second game. The 20ish mile trip took roughly 1 1/2 hours. After a quick hello and handoff, I turned the car around and headed once again for the ballpark. Another hour and a half later, I reported to work (2 innings late).
-----
We were both exhausted after such an eventful day, so we slept until our normal wakeup time. I'm happy to report that we did absolutely nothing but relax and be father and son. We both deserved it. We (all) made it through Mommy's first full week of work!
Our day began ominously, as Mr. Ten O'Clock woke up around 7:30- right as my wife was about to leave. He must have wanted to make sure we didn't miss Storytime like we missed Kindermusik. My wife picked him up and brought him into bed with me, but this did nothing to calm him down. This was the first time he was awake for her leaving for work, and I'm sure it wasn't easy for her to leave as he was screaming. Of course he stopped screaming right after she left. We got up and ready for Storytime.
The stories today were about Fall. My son made it through the entire first book before deciding he needed to be somewhere else in the library. We decided to skip craft time this week, but we stuck around for the snack. It was the first time my son experienced Teddy Grahams. Based on his reaction, it won't be the last. I think he has a crush on the one little girl in the class. He kept taking various objects over to her and dropping them on her chair. She picked each one up and handed it right back to him. Rinse and repeat. We signed up to bring in the snack for the final meeting. I think that's when he's going to make his move.
After a quick stop at home to let the dogs out and grab some milk, we headed to the game. We had to make a couple of stops first: we grabbed "our" ticket at my friend's dad's house and visited my grandmother. Thankfully, my son slept most of the way to the ballpark. He even gave me a moment to get everything together before we made the 3/4 mile walk from our employee parking lot (zOMG- abuse of privileges, don't tell!!). Because we were in a suite, I was able to use my stroller. Obviously, this made the walk much easier.
As we entered Citizens Bank Park at the Suite and Club Level Entrance on Pattison Avenue, we were given a Cliff Lee gym bag. This will likely become my new diaper bag. We took the elevator up to the aptly named Suite Level (this is where Daddy reports to work, too) and found my friend's grandfather, dad, sister, and nephew already there. My son was very excited to get out of the stroller and run around in the suite. We were extra glad to be inside, as it was a very windy and rainy day. It also gave him a chance to roam (relatively) free for most of the game and experience his first lunch of only ballpark food. Of course, in a suite this doesn't mean just hot dogs and soda. As I am in the final few weeks of marathon training, he had a little more freedom than I in the food and drink department. It was kind of difficult to see all that free soda, beer, and food and know that I couldn't really have all I wanted, but I survived. Someday, my blood pressure will thank me.
My son had fun playing with my friend's similarly aged nephew. At one point they both discovered the base of a "high-top" table and played a silly hybrid game of peek-a-boo and mirror, as seen on Facebook. He also enjoyed attempting to eat just about every crumb of food scattered around the floor. I liked one of these activities far more than the other.
The Phillies won the game (both games of the doubleheader, actually), but we had to leave in the 7th inning in order to give me a chance to take him to Mommy in KoP and get back in time to report for the second game. The 20ish mile trip took roughly 1 1/2 hours. After a quick hello and handoff, I turned the car around and headed once again for the ballpark. Another hour and a half later, I reported to work (2 innings late).
-----
We were both exhausted after such an eventful day, so we slept until our normal wakeup time. I'm happy to report that we did absolutely nothing but relax and be father and son. We both deserved it. We (all) made it through Mommy's first full week of work!
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