IV
If your Day Care is like mine, it is closed between Christmas and New Year’s. This means someone has to stay home with the little man. As my day job has more flexibility then, it’s my responsibility.
Two things you should know about watching a toddler all day: (1) it’s great spending that much time with your son; and (2) it’s exhausting. It’s a constant challenge. However, if you keep in mind that most little boys want to be like their daddies, it can help you get through the day. The next thing to keep in mind is that the more things you plan in advance, the better.
After your son is up and gets dressed, make your way to the kitchen and make breakfast together. Every kid wants to be a help and be involved. Tell him you need his help making breakfast for him and daddy.
One day I made scrambled eggs with my son. It’s easier said than done. You have to do some prep work while entertaining him. I got the bowl out to mix the eggs, put a little milk in a cup, cut a small piece of butter, and I got the frying pan on the stove. I showed him how we crack the eggs, and I put them in the bowl. As I started to whisk them together, I gave him the cup, and I had him add the milk. Once that was done, I had him throw the butter I into the hot frying pan. Note, out the frying pan on the far burner and have your hands on your son’s wrists to prevent him from touching the hot pan. When the butter is melted, obviously put the eggs in the pan. Now, I got myself a spurtle, and I gave my son a large serving spoon. As the eggs cooked, I allowed him to move the eggs in the pan like he was cooking them. Once the eggs were cooked, I had him help me take the eggs from the frying pan and put them on our plates.
Now, toddlers are notoriously picky eaters. However, I found when my son participated in the process, he ate his eggs without hesitation. Considering how much work the eggs were, I tried doing toaster waffles the next day. No, he told me he wanted to “make eggs.” So, we had eggs all week. My advice to you is start with the waffles.
After breakfast and clean-up, you need to figure out what to do before lunch. Keep in mind you’re going to want your kid to take a nap after lunch. It’s usually how it’s done in Day Care, and you really want to stick to that schedule. With that in mind, I suggest a physical activity. That means if you got a yard, go run outside in the yard. If there’s a park nearby, go there. If there’s inclement weather or it’s too cold out, run around the house. Just run your kid tired.
On multiple days, I set up my son’s baseball stuff. We worked on hitting the ball as hard as he could. We played catch. One suggestion here is don’t force it on your son. If he doesn’t want to play, move on to something else. If you want him to like baseball, don’t force it down his throat to the point he hates it. On days he wasn’t interested, we ran races, played other sports like basketball, or we just played with his cars and trains. Again, the goal is to tire them out.
Now, instead of staying home after breakfast and running around, it may help to do an activity. My family has a zoo membership allowing us to go whenever we want. This is really helpful. After walking the zoo and getting lunch, it’s time to go home. If your kid is anything like mine, it’s easier to get him to fall asleep in the car than it is to get him to nap at home. Coincidentally, I ran into another father from the same Day Care at the zoo, and he agreed with this assertion. In fact, even if you stay home, take your kid for a drive and get him to nap. It’s worth your sanity.
While your kid is napping, you have time to clean up dishes. If you’re an overachiever, get dinner started. Personally, I suggest something like a baked ziti that you can have for more than one night. If that’s too much or not a good cook, find an easy slow cooker recipe. Keep in mind, you may need that nap yourself as that week progresses and/or you’ll want to use that time to get some work done.
One important thing to remember is to have a snack rest for your kid when he wakes up from his nap. He’s going to be hungry when he gets up. Set it up at the table, so there’s as little problems as possible.
At the table, I also like to have some crayons and/or Play Doh handy. Something you can give him right after snack time if you need to buy a couple of minutes in preparing dinner. Right after snack, I usually like to see if I can keep my son at the table. Sometimes it’s drawing a picture for mommy. Other times it’s Play Doh.
Overall, no matter what activities you do, you should be looking to incorporate ways to teach your kid something . . . you know other than getting him to swing level. There’s always an opportunity to count things. When he’s using crayons, use some yourself and draw the alphabet or numbers and try to get him to identify them. At this age everything and anything can be used to learn something.
Hopefully, once snack and activity time is over, your wife is home. Most likely, you still have time. That’s time that can be spent doing a myriad of things from reading books to coloring more, or basically whatever activity your son has in mind. Keep in mind, no one is going to judge you if you need to put on Sesame Street for a little bit. You can justify it to yourself because the show has a number, letter, and word of the day. Seriously, there are some benefits to Sesame Street.
Hopefully, your wife is home at this point, and you can surprise her with dinner. Then it’s cleaning up after dinner, and you’re close to bath time, story time, and bed time. Congratulations, you’ve survived the day. Your son had fun, and your wife is happy and impressed with you. Think it was a hard day? Your poor mother did that and a lot more for longer. Maybe at this time give your poor mother a call and let her talk to her grandson.
In any event, after five days of that, you’re pretty beat. With that said, come Monday morning, I’m going to miss it. I’m going to miss the little guy. I look forward to the next time I can do it.
Back in July, I began this blog at the suggestion of my wife. It was her idea to create a site not only to talk about the Mets, but also to discuss how our son is becoming a Mets fan. My wife has been and continues to be my biggest supporter. I couldn’t do this site, or really anything, without her.
At the core of this site is my son becoming more and more of a Mets fan. It began with him screaming and cheering “Duda!” in response to Gary Cohen Spring Training call for a Lucas Duda RBI double. From that point forward, our evening ritual was my son and I watching the Mets games together until he fell asleep.
I used that time to tell him what was happening and about all the players. I’d say he learned a thing or two:
Whether, it was because of his “Mets Daddy” or just his own watching the Mets games, his favorite player became Daniel Murphy. I think it is a reason why he likes hitting lefty:
There’s no convincing him to hit righty. He wants to hit homeruns like Murphy. We were all enamored with Murphy during October, sorry, Murphtober. My son was enamored with him long before that. He was a fan during the season. He was a Mets fan. In fact, he became a bigger Mets fan than even I knew.
After agonizing over the decision, I left my son home during Game 3 of the World Series. It was tough, but I was thrilled to go with my Dad and brother:
While I was at the game, my son told my wife to turn on the game. Here was his reaction when Curtis Granderson hit a go-ahead homer:
My Dad shows this video to everyone. At my cousin’s wedding, he played that for each and every relative. I don’t blame him. I’m still amazed by it. Even though I was to there when it happened, it’ll be one of the things I take away from this season. It shows me, he is a big Mets fan, and he is understanding the game. I love that.
Below are some images of some of my favorite moments with him at Citi Field:
As 2015 draws to a close, I have to say it was a good year. I’m married to a woman who still hasn’t figured out she’s too good for me. I have a brilliant son, who makes me proud each and everyday. As you can also see he’s a good looking kid (he turned two recently -it’s kid, not baby now, right). He clearly gets his looks from his mother. I’m thankful each and everyday I’m with them.
I’m also thankful for my parents. This includes my Dad, who made me a Mets fan, and my mother, who doesn’t get nearly as many mentions on the blog as she should. Luckily, they’re in goodish health right now. I’m thankful for my brother, who’s always been by my side whether it was a Mets game, my Best Man, or my son’s “Mets Godfather.” I keep telling him to create that site.
I appreciate all of my readers, especially my cousins.
Lastly, I wanted to take time to acknowledge those who provided assistance along the way, a retweet, or a link my to site. If I omitted anyone, I’m truly sorry as my phone is acting up, and there are many to thank. With that said, I wanted to acknowledge the following:
- The Oh Murph guys Harry & Keith
- Joe D., Michael Mayer, and the Mets Mezmerized crew
- Keith Law
- Mark Simon
- Greg Prince and his standard bearer Faith and Fear in Flushing
- Justin Weiss
- Danny and all involved at Rising Apple podcast
- Studious Mets
- Sons of Sam Horn
- Again all of my readers including George and TP Survey
Everyone have a happy, healthy, and safe New Years, and remember . . .
LETS GO METS!
I still can’t believe this will be my son’s third Christmas.
For the first one, he wasn’t even a month old. I still don’t know how we pulled it off, but my wife and I hosted that year. Seriously, the ability to do anything with a one month old is a Herculean feat. The only thing I remember was I constantly played my favorite Christmas song as a way to soothe a crying baby:
Now, my son is older. It’s all about A Charlie Brown Christmas. He knows it’s Jesus’ birthday. He knows Santa brings presents on Christmas Day. He made cookies with mommy to leave for Santa. He’s all excited. It’s great to see him excited.
Every kid is excited around Christmas. Christmas is a magical time of year. Somewhere down the line each and every adult loses the magic. That is until you see a child at Christmas. They understand this time of year better than anyone. When you see them, it takes you back. You remember when Santa brought you that special toy. Mostly, you remember family.
I remember getting together at my grandparent’s house each Christmas Eve. I remember sitting down with my family to dinner. Those dinners. Nana was the best cook. Then an uncle would dress as Santa while my cousins and I would get excited for our presents. I reminds falling asleep on the drive home.
Then Santa came! He brought presents because I was good all year. I remember having hot cocoa in my Santa mug as my mother made breakfast. I cherish these memories. It’s the type of memories I want to create for my son. I want to recapture that magic for him.
I mostly want to recapture that magic this year. For the past month or so, my father has not been doing well. He just had his second surgery in a month. He didn’t respond well to the first one, but so far so good after Tuesday’s surgery.
It’s why I want to recapture this magic this year more than any prior year. More than anything I want to give my son an amazing Christmas. I also want my family to enjoy it without any worries. We’ve had enough of those lately. Now is just a time to bask in that Christmas magic, even if it’s just for a couple of days.
I hope this Christmas finds you and your family happy and healthy. I hope you can recapture some of that Christmas magic even if it is for a day or so.
Merry Christmas!
It’s been an incredible year. The Mets played in the World Series. There was a Rocky sequel. Starting tonight, there’s going to be a Star Wars sequel. My son really is a good luck charm.
Speaking of which, I was reminded of the first real time in my life when the Mets and Star Wars intersected. It was this Halloween when the Mets played a World Series game and my son went as Yoda for Halloween:
Today, I thought it would be fun to compare current Mets to Star Wars characters:
Noah Syndergaard – Luke Skywalker
- Both were raw until there were leaders who showed him how to harness that potential. Both eventually became leaders themselves helping bring everyone to the promised land. Also, let’s face it, both can get a little cocky.
Matt Harvey – Han Solo
- Mets fans still question if he’s truly on their side, but when the chips are down he comes through.
Bartolo Colon – Jabba the Hut
- Both are large and in charge
Curtis Granderson – Lando Calrissian
- I know what you’re thinking. It’s lazy to compare the Mets lone black player to one of the few black Star Wars characters. However, consider that Lando initially aided the Evil Empire only to later join the good guys and blow up the second Death Star. If that’s not Granderson leaving the Yankees to join the Mets to have an incredible postseason, I don’t know what is.
Jenrry Mejia – Jar Jar Binks
- They’re supposed to be on your side, but all they do is just ruin everything. You just want them to go away before they do something else stupid.
David Wright – C3PO
- Both have been there through everything. Both seemingly fall apart a little too often. Both have helped in more ways than you can count.
Terry Collins – Obi Wan Kenobi
- Both were exiled. Both were called upon to mentor and protect young prospects. Both found redemption in this role.
Lucas Duda – Wedge Antilles
- Both survived battles no one expected them to survive. For Duda, it was first base. For Wedge, it was blowing up the Death Star. Both have seen their roles and contributions to their causes being overlooked and disregarded even if both were vital to the cause.
Jacob deGrom – Princess Leia
- Both are rocking the long locks. Both had their abilities overlooked for another. Both were instrumental in all that was accomplished. I just don’t want to see deGrom in the golden bikini.
Jeurys Familia – Mace Windu
- Mace Windu constantly appeared in dangerous situations in order to save everyone, much like Familia did this year. Both were successful against all odds until their last chapter. Also, when you’re played by Samuel L. Jackson, you’re just awesome. Familia is awesome.
Wally Backman – Uncle Owen
- Both are entrusted with the future, but both ultimately will not be the ones that bring everyone to the next level.
Wilmer Flores – R2D2
- Overall, there’s no getting rid of either. They’re indestructible. They’re in the center of everything. They’re also fan favorites.
Kirk Nieuwenhuis – Chewbacca
As I think of more, I’ll add to the list or amend the existing list. I didn’t add a Yoda because as you see above, you’re not doing better than that Yoda. If you have a suggestion, I’ll be happy to add it to the list giving you full credit. For example, here’s Jason Fry’s point-of-view:
https://twitter.com/jasoncfry/status/677612060092596224
Yes, this is the same Jason Fry who wrote The Weapon of a Jedi, which is available for sale now.
By the way, don’t be that guy. Keep the spoilers to yourself. Don’t ruin the movie for everyone.
To this day, I will never forget the feeling. I was sitting in the back row of Section 126 with my son on my lap. Yoenis Cespedes stepped up to the plate, and I thought for a moment that it was a bad idea to sit there.
The thing is when Cespedes gets a hold of one, he gets a hold of one. They are line drive rockets out of the ballpark. After seeing him this season and in the Homerun Derby, can you honestly tell me there is anywhere in the ballpark that is truly safe from a ball off the bat like a player like that? So I sat there nervously as Cespedes struck out.
Now, I like that area because bathrooms are nearby, and it’s close to the FanFest section. Also, it’s an area of the park where you shouldn’t have to worry about batted balls. In fact the closest there ever was to a problem was when someone tried to push past me while I was holding my son, while standing in front of my seat, so they could catch a t-shirt from the presumably now defunct Pepsi Patrol. Note, I may or may not have had a hand in that person not catching the t-shirt.
In any event, I thought of the Cespedes at bat when MLB announced their new netting guidelines. I thought about how I was nervous that day when in reality there wasn’t any real reason to be. I then remembered why I was nervous. I was actually paying attention to the game.
First and foremost, let me state that I don’t want to see anyone get hurt at a game. I also do acknowledge that a screaming line drive could harm even the most alert fan. With that said, I believe the netting guidelines is a cosmetic and unnecessary gesture in response to a public outcry for extended netting. Why is it unnecessary? Well because teams like the Mets were already in compliance:
The Mets say the reason they're not changing netting at Citi Field is because it's already in compliance in going to edge of dugouts.
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinMedia) December 9, 2015
Also, there’s something lost in all of this. There’s a certain level of responsibility when you sit in those seats. The first is you shouldn’t sit there if you’re not going to pay attention. Baseball is an interesting game. You should watch it. If you’re not, in most ballparks, you have terrific club access. If you’re not going to watch the game, why not ignore it from a climate controlled room with a wait staff?
The next responsibility is you don’t sit kids there. It’s too close. Way too close for their reaction time. Furthermore, kids are always doing a million things at once. They’re eating hot dogs, asking to go to the bathroom, and watching the game. They’re easily distracted, and they’re distracting you. If you have the money to sit in these seats, you have the money to sit pretty much anywhere else. Go sit in the right section with your kids and come back when they’re older.
I honestly can’t think of a good solution to the batted ball problem than people paying attention and/or sitting in an area where it’s not an issue. The game starts with a warning about batted balls in the stands. Why make it more frequent than that? Think about it logically? If the person isn’t paying attention to anybody, why would this announcement reappeared on occasion cause this person to start paying attention? They’re not going to hear it because they weren’t paying attention in the first place.
The next is assigning security to watch out for people in hazardous areas to find people not paying attention. The gist is security could warn the person and/or move them to another section. This is a non-starter for me. Because someone is too good to pay attention to a game, a security guard is supposed to be wandering around and watching people. While this is happening, there’s a game on the field. The security guard is now at risk. He/she is walking the aisles making sure people are paying attention. Batted ball comes his/her way, and there is is sufficient time to spot the ball and move.
The other suggestions is the Japanese Leagues netting from foul pole to foul poul. I don’t like that either. First, one of the charms of being in that area is the ability to get an autograph. That goes out the window. The next problem is you’re preventing players from trying to catch a flyball in the stands. It’s always an exciting play. You’ve now taken it out of the game.
I’m sure there are other suggestions too. If they’re suitable to the play on the field and the fan experience, I’m all for it. However, none of the ones I’ve heard so far handle that delicate balance. Again, there’s no substitute for sitting there and paying attention. You’re not supposed to text while driving because it’s dangerous. Don’t text while the game is in play. It’s really that simple.
As for me, I quickly realized my fears were overstated. It happens a lot with parents of young ones. No one hits a ball there. If they ever do, I’ll be prepared because I actually watch the game.
With the Mets moves yesterday, what was once thought to be a foregone conclusion became a reality. The Mets will not be re-signing Daniel Murphy.
There’s not a Mets fan alive that wasn’t a huge Murphy fan in 2008 when he was first called up. He hit and hit well on a Mets team trying to avoid a second straight collapse. Naturally, he was slotted in as the Opening Day LF for the first year in Citi Field. Only problem was he wasn’t a LF, and he was sent down.
We learned over time that Murphy wasn’t much of a fielder, but it wasn’t for the lack of trying. The man always hustled and competed. It’s a testament to who he was that he became an All Star second baseman. Murphy had his flaws, but he can through when it mattered. This year he got another chance to play for a winner, and he made the most of it.
He almost singlehandedly won the fifth and deciding game of the NLDS in what can only be described as “The Murphy Game.” He was the NLCS MVP during the month of Murphtober. His amazing hit streak helped bring the Mets to their first World Series in 15 years. Murphy was a big reason why my Dad, brother, and I got to go to a World Series game. It’s not what I’ll remember most about Murphy.
I’ll remember when I met him during batting practice when my wife was expecting (she was at home). I had a Mets onesie I was getting autographed for him. Murphy stopped by when he saw it. He was the first player to come over that day. He of course signed the jersey, and he sent some players over.
He would congratulate me and wish me the best of luck. Before he left, he picked up a baseball from batting practice, and he handed it to me. Being a little greedy, I asked him to autograph it. He didn’t. Instead, he said he was giving it to me, so I could teach my son how to play baseball with a baseball from the Mets.
It was a gift for my son, but really it was a gift for me. It was a touching gesture that I’ll never forget. I still know where the ball is, and I do intend to have catches with my son using the ball. It’s only fitting that Murphy is my son’s favorite player. He’s the reason my son likes to hit left handed. At least in my house, he will always be the Mets second baseman:
That will be the lasting memory for me. I wish Murphy well wherever he goes next. When he plays the Mets, I hope he goes 4-4 in a loss. I’ll root for him wherever he goes, and I hope he will return one day.
Mostly, I hope whoever the next player who becomes my son’s favorite player is as worthy of the honor as Murphy was.
I remember back when Jose Reyes left the Mets for the Marlins. I was angry. The Mets were in the beginning stages of the Madoff fallout, and Reyes was the first casualty of that.
After the Reyes’ signing, the Mets proceeded to become curiously active the next day. The Mets signed Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco. They also traded Angel Pagan for Ramon Ramirez and Andres Torres. Sure, the Mets lost their homegrown All Star shortstop, but look over here, look at the flurry of moves. Nothing to see in Miami. We’re having a press conference on SNY to announce the addition of FOUR . . . count them . . . FOUR NEW PLAYERS! The Mets would be terrible in 2012 finishing in fourth place with a 74-88 record.
Today had that type of feel to me. The Mets lost Ben Zobrist to the Cubs, and they didn’t look particularly good in the process. So naturally, the Mets went back to what they do best: deflection. Instead of rebuilding their bullpen, they rebuilt their middle infield by trading for Neil Walker and signing Asdrubal Cabrera.
Now, I have said both of these players were worth investigating. However, I would’ve preferred keeping Daniel Murphy and Jon Niese over adding Walker. In that scenario, the Mets still could’ve added Cabrera. Right now, I’d probably be commenting how the Mets vastly improved their middle infield situation. Instead, I’m baffled how the Mets traded away another pitcher while adding a poor defensive SS on a two year deal.
I’ll admit I was distracted a little bit four years ago. I wasn’t the biggest Angel Pagan fan. Now, I’m just wondering why the cost saving moves instead of bringing back the NLCS MVP. I’m also curious as to why an organization that values OBP added low OBP players. I’m nonplussed at the Mets adding yet another steroids guy to the roster.
I would’ve accepted all of it if the Mets were made better in the process. However, they didn’t. They’re worse off defensively, and they lost a reasonably priced starting pitcher. I just see the same bluster I saw four years ago.
It leaves me feeling sad. My son’s favorite player will be playing elsewhere next year. He’s disappointed to say the least. There’s nothing the Mets can do to make me forget that.
For the second straight year, my wife and I opted to take our son to Breakfast with Santa. It’s a much better option than waiting in line for the Mall Santa.
There is nothing enjoyable about the Mall Santa. You wait on a line while your child is going stir crazy and just wants to run around. While it seemingly takes everyone else forever, you feel it’s like Red Light-Green Light-123 when it’s your child’s turn. You throw your kid on a stranger’s lap and expect them to be happy and smile. You have a photo of a nervous or upset kid for $30-$40, and that’s if you go to the cheap mall without the Peanuts Ice Palace (it was Frozen).
Instead, the Breakfast with Santa is an event, a cheap one at that. Depending on where you are, it’s anywhere from $7 – $15 per person. That gets you crafts, coloring books, crayons, Santa hats, and a whole bunch of other swag. This year it included one of those Wendy’s Junior Frosty ticket pack. Last year, there was a DJ. This year was a magician. Both years had ballon animals.
You get to feast on French toast sticks (extremely underrated) or some other form of quick breakfast like pancakes or runny scrambled eggs. Kids can usually get chocolate milk or juice. Adults get coffee that makes K-cups seem strong. Doesn’t matter because it’s all worth it to see your child get excited when Santa enters the room.
For them it’s like a wrestler’s music coming on expectedly as the wrestler sprints to the ring. They go berserk. They love it. For kids, Santa is the biggest celebrity in the world. And he’s there to hang out with them. He’s there after they’ve had breakfast. He’s there after they were running around for a bit. There’s no rush to get to the next person.
Santa takes a little more time with each kid and one of his elves snaps a picture with your phone or camera if you want a family photo. Otherwise, you can take the picture yourself without rushing. Best part of it this year was the fact that my wife and I realized we’re better off buying one meal ticket and getting coffee for ourselves. This year our son’s picture with Santa cost $7.
I’m never visiting a Mall Santa again.
With the Mets not doing any shopping, it doesn’t stop us from having to do any Christmas shopping this year for our kids. I though I would share with you some of the items on our list which might help you if you’re struggling with making yours. If you’re looking at this and wondering “why all the baseball?”, keep in mind my son is a toddler who loves baseball. Without further ado, here are our suggestions:
- Little Tykes Tee Ball Set
- Thomas the Train Table
- Sesame Street Racers
- Crayola Easel
- Melissa and Doug Piano
- Mets Potato Head
- Knee Hockey Set
- Mets Train
- Mr. Met book
- Boynton Books
- Inflatable Tackle Dummy
- Play-Doh
- Duplo/Lego
- Inflatable Soccer Net and Ball
- Learning Journey Puzzles
Overall, I realize some of these are higher-priced items (which is why we don’t have all of these) and that may turn some of you away. However, they’re not all exclusive to the websites I’ve linked. At the time of posting these are the best places to get them but you may find them cheaper elsewhere or applicable for a Raise coupon discount by the time you see this.
My next best suggestion for price-conscious shopping for your kids this year is to look ahead. For example, my son’s Christmas give for this year was purchased during Black Friday last year. I can’t tell you what it is just in case he’s reading this blog (he may be young but he’s smart!).
I can also suggest looking for smaller items and books at places like T.J. Maxx, which is where my family has purchased many books. Keep in mind, you know your child much better than I do. You know their wants and needs more.
Lastly and most important, at this age, your kids still like playing with the boxes. Hint, put as much together before as you can. The most important thing this Christmas is getting together for the holiday and celebrating.
Also, please remember while you’re shopping, pick up a toy, no matter how small and donate it.
The much older version of me hates the new Diamondbacks uniforms. They’re terrible in every way, shape, and form. Then I realized something. I actually owned this Mets cap:
I was a teenager, and I thought they were cool when they were first released. There’s a picture in my parent’s living room of my brother, father, and I at a Mets game. I’m wearing this cap. Yes, I purchased it before seeing how awful they matched up with the jerseys.
Then the following year, I purchased my first ever Mets jersey:
Yes, I purchased the black jersey. The older version of me wouldn’t. The younger version of me loved it. I also liked the black hats too even if I still preferred the traditional blue caps. That’s the thing. The jerseys are not designed for older fans who wants something more traditional.
They’re designed for younger fans who are more inclined to get the jerseys. So while I love the current Mets uniforms, I know the minute sales stall, the Mets will have a change. Based upon the black jerseys, the Mets may just go the Diamondbacks route if they actually sell well. They’ll do it because kids drive jersey sales, not old men even if they are the ones actually purchasing the jerseys.
And I’ll shake my head as I purchase my son a Mets jersey and hat I think are ugly.