Tee Ball

Collin is on his first tee ball team this season--the Astros! He was so excited to play and go to his first practice, but that all changed VERY quickly. He was doing just fine that first practice, playing catch, practicing batting, but then they decided to have the players take the field and some of the kids have batting practice. Well, Collin was playing short stop and the ball was hit to him. Jeff told him to get it and "race the runner to 2nd base". Well, the runner beat him and that was it. A hysterical crying fit for the last 20-30 minutes of practice. After that, he did NOT want to go back to tee ball. The next week he cried for 20 minutes before practice, on the way to practice and 30 minutes AT practice so Jeff finally just brought him home. So, we started a "reward" program. IF Reese & Collin do certain chores/responsibilities (i.e. try hard at practice) they earn a sticker. IF they earn all their stickers at the end of the week, they get to draw something out of the treat box. Well, this seemed to turn things around for us. Collin started getting a much better attitude, although reluctantly, about tee ball.

He has been really excited to finally play their first game (last week was cancelled b/c of rain). He is most excited about wearing his hat, baseball pants and belt (that's my boy-HA!). In the middle of the night Collin woke me up and told me he was thirsty. I got him a cup of water, he chugged it, got back in bed and said, "That will help me run the bases at my game". I said--"It sure will!!" So, I felt he was a little anxious about the game. Well, we all get ready, get to the game and the flood gates start. Poor Collie, he was saying "he did not want to play". Well, we were like "ok, but you have to support your team". Reese and I had to leave to get to her soccer game, so we didn't even get to see one batter, and I hated to leave while Collin was upset. Reese and I LITERALLY prayed out loud, in the car, for her and Collin to have courage, be brave and just TRY at their games. We prayed aloud for Collin to know we loved him no matter what and we just wanted him to have fun and enjoy his game. Well, low and behold---HE DID!!!! He batted all 3 times, hit the ball, ran the bases and had fun!! He played in the outfield, so he saw no fielding action, but he tried...and had fun!! YAY!! or Collin. I love that kid to death and hope we can build some confidence so he can continue to enjoy himself at tee ball.