Tuesday, May 18, 2010

First Things First

The word first is one of the most exciting adjectives in a parent's vocabulary. I don't mean first as in my kid won first place at the science fair. He is awesome. Although that can be quite thrilling, I have something else in mind.

When Braden was a newborn I couldn't wait for the first time he rolled over. Then I was ready for his first steps. Then his first words. The list of firsts goes on and on.

I got excited for his first bottle, then his first baby food, then his first real food. It was fun to watch his first bite of chocolate and ice cream.

I think I even wrote about the first time he wore "big boy pants." Clearly I have a sickness.

After 18 months of feverishly recording firsts we managed to find a few more this weekend.  Braden, Arica, and I visited Arica's Dad in Missouri and had a great weekend. Here are some of the firsts we experienced.

First time in an inflatable bouncy thing. I don't know what you call them, but the kids love them and Braden did too.


First ball game. We chose a AA game because we just aren't quite ready for the big leagues yet. We had a lot of fun watching some future Cardinals. I didn't go to my first ball game until I was 8 years old so Braden beat me by a long shot.

You can see that both Dad and Grandpa took time to explain the nuances of the game to Braden. I am not sure which of us was more excited. In the picture you can see Braden is holding a ball. That is another first. His first foul ball. I am still waiting for my first.



First time on a horse. I have never ridden a horse in my life. To me, borrowing from Jerry Seinfeld, they're like big riding dogs. That is the limit of my knowledge on horses, but I am excited that Braden will get a chance to be around them growing up.

Braden actually held out his arms to get up on the horse with Arica's step-sister. He caught us off guard and by the time Arica got a picture he had changed his mind and wanted off. That is why he looks upset in the picture. We didn't force him onto the horse. He wanted to go, but he didn't want to stay long.


First time on a tractor. I rode a lot of tractors at a very young age so he should have this one in his genes. When the tractor started up Braden started clapping and pointing. He wanted on, and this caught us even more off guard than the horse riding. So by the time we got a picture he wanted off again. I feel the need to explain that we are not forcing him to do his firsts. He just changes his mind quickly.


Finally we have Braden's first time to hang out with a Grizzly Bear. He showed no fear making his Daddy very proud.


After this weekend we can mark a few more things off our list of firsts. Next up first Nobel Prize.

9 comments:

Gucci Mama said...

Firsts are some of the best parts of parenthood. You know, other than "first traffic ticket" or "first time listening to the most horrible 'music' ever conceived of". Thankfully we both have awhile before the firsts stop being fun. ;)

Brandy@YDK said...

what great firsts. he's got a lot going on

Katherine said...

Ummm...so yeah...much of this looks familiar. Pretty sure I've been to the bouncy thing place, and I'm pretty I've been to that stadium watching some future Cardinals...oh, and the Grizzly? Oh, yeah, I've seen it. Ethan has seen it many times!

You were hanging out in my neck of the woods....glad you had a good time! :)

GreenJello said...

There's few things better than watching a little one do their firsts. :)

rxBambi said...

1. Love the new picture (or is it old and I've been a slacker??)
2. wait. you were in st louis?
3. I live in st louis.
4. I'd hate to have to smack you around for not telling me you were in st louis.
5. I'd do it anyway :)

Chris @ CleverFather said...

Now you get to look forward to the first car, first girlfriend, first house party!

Anonymous said...

I'm not much of a baseball fan, but little man was fascinated by a baseball game we were watching while out at lunch the other day. So, I just picked up tickets for our local AAA team, I think they are associated with the White Sox. Should be fun. Looks like Braden has really enjoyed all his firsts.

seashore subjects said...

All those firsts in one weekend? He is going to have a busy summer!

SurprisedMom said...

There are so many firsts in a child's life, and I'm so glad you're enjoying Braden's firsts. I fully understand about the "I want to do this, no I don't, I want to do that," syndrome. Once upon a time, I was living it. Braden seems to be having fun with his firsts and I hope he keeps having fun.

BTW, the photos are just wonderful. I just adore the ones of Braden and you and Braden and his grandpa where he is being taught about baseball. I wonder how much he'll remember? :)

And next time all of you are in Missouri, swing on by Chicago. We're not that far away!