CYLB Season 1: The Lead up to Game 1

It has been a long time coming.  According to the blog, since April 17, 2015, Braylen has had an interest in baseball.  I have received countless comments through the years from his preschool teachers about his amazing throwing arm, mom friends about his hand-eye coordination when batting, and neighbor dads wishing their boy could play like Braylen.  It was time to get our talked about son on the ball field and see where he matches up!

He's been watching Daddio play for year
Sept 2015

Never too cold to practice baseball
2016

Once again, Jason got roped into coaching.  I'm seeing that childcare workers and coaches will ALWAYS be in high demand.  Lucky for me, I have little athletic skill, so you won't see me out there coaching.  Jason, well, we know from who Braylen gets his athletic gene.  We should just rename him Coach Jason.  haha.

Braylen is playing in the Catonsville Youth League Baseball.  We've been holding out until he was 5 to be in this league because Braylen was not keen on playing tee ball, this kid wants you to pitch to him.  His gear has definitely improved since his days with the soft bat and ball

Hand-me-down batting gloves

A REAL bat and ball

Using his new baseball bag.
First practice!!!

Braylen is on the A's this year.  His team is 5 and 6 year olds.  He is definitely hanging in there with the older boys.  There has been a clear shift from orange everything to green everything.  I'm surprised he hasn't asked for us to repaint his room yet!  

Looking like a real little leaguer!

He practices on Tuesday and Saturday for now, which will change to Saturday games in another week.  This kid cannot contain his excitement about REAL baseball practice.  It doesn't matter that it was 40 degrees and windy for one practice; he's ready to go!

"Opening day" is April 28th.  We are all so excited for his first game!  

Elev8 Season 1

Way back in July we signed Braylen up for Elev8 basketball.  It's been a long wait for him, but basketball season finally arrived in January.  Braylen loved putting on his jersey and having a "real" game.  He asked daily how many sleeps until the next basketball practice.  I pray he always has this kind of enthusiasm for sports.

Elev8 is a basketball program that teaches basketball along with Christian principles for being a team player.  I was hoping Braylen would have some of his Sunday School friends or MOPS friends on his team.  We enjoyed meeting up with friends from our time at CPC; those were the only familiar faces on his team though.  It was still a fun Saturday morning hang out at Crossroads seeing friends from our church shopping days :)

Braylen was on the "mini" team consisting of 4 and 5 year olds.  It was a fun first taste of "real" basketball for him.

Adding his own flair to passing

Braylen had no problem cheering for baskets made

Let's be honest, 4 and 5 year olds playing basketball is like herding sheep.  I liked that they got jerseys like the big kids; that made Braylen's winter.  I also thought it was so special that they announced the minis just like they do with the big kids before games.

Shockingly, all Saturday practices/games happened this winter; no snow closings!  Evie and I used some of our Saturday mornings to spend time without the boys.  We are learning what is means to be a family and go to each other's events..... some are happier than others about attending...

The closing ceremony was a fun morning of skits, awards, and more corralling of sheep.  Braylen is always happy to get a metal for his collection.

He is already counting down the months until next season!