Connor-Mommy-Giants Date Night

Mallory's boyfriend Anthony got us 2 tickets to one of the preseason Giants games and we planned on suprising Connor by having Michael take him to the game. A few days before the game, Michael's back started really bothering him again and he wasn't able to go. When Michael asked me if I wanted to take Connor, all the excuses popped into my head.... it's a school night, it's such a long drive, parking is expensive, it's past his (and my) bedtime, etc. As I thought more about it, I thought about how much fun Connor would have at the game and how special it might be for him and I to have alone time enjoying a night of baseball. I just finished taking a 5 week Love and Logic Parenting training at my work, and it stresses the importance of taking quality time with your kids to build a relationship, and how that relationship is the foundation for parenting. That solidifed my decision to go regardless of any excuses! We told Connor the night before the game and he was ecstatic! I packed our Giants gear so we could change in the car after work/day care and we were on our way! We had the best time! We talked about life and sang our hearts out to the Frozen soundtrack on the way there. Connor impressed me with his math facts while we were stuck in traffic on the Bay Bridge. He held my hand as we walked through the park. He shared his hot cocoa and pretzel with me while resting his head on my shoulder. He explained different plays to me and cheered loudly with me. He kept his mitt on his hand in case a foul ball came our way and assured me that he would protect me from the ball. We sang "Take me out to the ball game" loudly and we danced to the music between innings. I can't count the number of times he told me he loved me or randomly said "Thank you for taking me tonight." It was a magical night... a night I could just focus on Connor and share his excitement and passion for baseball. He's a remarkable kid and I feel so, so, so very grateful to be his mom.