Take Me Out to the Ballgame

So, we just got back from a night at Minute Maid Park (formally known as Enron Field...fka The Ballpark at Union Station). James's boss, Rick, offered us two tickets to tonight's Astros' game. We had been contemplating taking Andrew to his first baseball game so it worked out perfectly.

After the circus debacle, James and I set our expectations fairly low. We arrived just before the game started and found our seats just as the game was getting underway. Rick and his son, Ashwin, were already there and seated. I got to chit chat with Ashwin for a little bit; and he is such a cute kid. Our seats were pretty awesome, especially since the Astros' train was in clear sight for our resident train lover. Andrew was totally digging the train and was staring in awe of it when it first moved at the start of the game and again when Carlos Lee homered in the first inning.

Andrew also loved looking around the stadium and all the people. He was really into a little newborn girl sitting in front of us (yes, Mommy yearned a little bit). However, he really didn't like the loudness of the game, but there was one point, where he was digging the music and danced a little. But for the most part, he would start to sign "all done" when it got overly loud in the stadium (it was a bit loud even for Mommy too).

One thing that surprised us was that Andrew wanted to see the team's mascot, Junction Jack, who was over in the next section. Ashwin said he would like to take a picture with him, so I took him and Andrew over for a photo. And then, even when we got back to our seats, Andrew wanted to see him again!

All in all, Andrew did really well--a lot better than we expected. We both had to take him for walks during the latter part of the game. But Andrew seemed to like it for the most part (with the exception of the noise) and at times, even clapped during appropriate times.

We left after the seventh inning stretch, which worked out well because we have been listening to the song, Take Me Out to the Ballgame, on the iPod and it is one of Daddy's and Mommy's favorite parts of the game. I have to say that I am proud of the little guy for lasting as long as he did! I think he could have lasted the entire game if we had pushed him and taken him on longer walks or to the gift shop or preoccupied him with more food, but it was getting past his bed time anyhow.

A special thanks to Rick and Ashwin! We had an awesome time. Thanks so much for inviting us! I can't wait to take Andrew back to another Stros Game. Hopefully, they win next time; and we will be able to stay for the fireworks at the end of the game.