Play our first co-op video game together
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I call Mario! |
Remember when you were younger and you had that best friend who would always come to your house and play Mortal Kombat with you? Well guess what? You're raising one right now. Not exactly a best friend, but a co-op partner in gaming! I can't wait to experience my favorite hobby with my son (when he's old enough and with an age appropriate game of course.) I envision the first game is going to be something of the Nintendo variety and with me already owning Nintendo's latest console, it's just a matter of time. There's something special about two people playing a game together with a common goal. As he gets older I'm sure we'll move into more mature games, but Mario Bros. or Skylanders seems to be a starting point, and one that I anxiously await.
Playing catch for the first time
Ever since the idea of having a kid started to appear in my mind, I thought about what it would be like to play catch with him/her. I didn't truly care whether I had a boy or a girl, just that I had a chance to play catch with them. There's something special about a parent and a child in the yard throwing a ball back and forth. It's what jump started my love of the game from an early age. I can still remember my father and me going out in the alley and throwing the baseball back and forth. When I got older I eventually moved on to practicing with my friends and joining sports teams, but all of that passion and love for the game came from my early interactions with my father. I hope to impart that same love onto my son through some good old fashion catch.
Coaching a little league team

Attend our first baseball game
Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, I was constantly surrounded by everything Baltimore Orioles. We lost our football team, the Baltimore Colts, 2 months before I was born so I was raised predominantly on baseball. My father would take me to games both at Memorial Stadium (the old Oriole's stadium) and Camden Yards (the new) every now and then and it was a great experience. I can't wait to do the same with my son. One day, we'll get out mitts and go to the stadium a little early to experience batting practice from the left field bleachers and follow it up with some hot dogs from the concession stand. When the game starts, we'll make our way down to our seats and watch the O's play under a cool summer sky.
Experience the awesome world of action figures, comics, and other such nerdy toys
As a kid, is there anything better than getting a new action figure? Or opening up that month's X-Men comic to see if Cyclops was going to make an appearance (he was my favorite X-Men growing up.) My wife often makes fun of me for this, but she just doesn't understand the pure bliss you feel as you walk the action figure aisle looking for the newest member to your collection. I don't plan on spoiling my son (much, anyways), but I can't wait until he experiences the pure awesomeness that is action figures and comics. If he plays his cards right, he may even be allowed to read some of dad's on his iPad.
Visit Disney World

That First "I Love You"
Everything on this list so far has been pretty materialistic. Some are tongue in cheek and others are legitimately things I anxiously await. But above all others, there is one thing I look forward to the most - that first, "I Love You" he says to me along with a hug. My son is only 8 mos. old so he can't speak yet (well, words anyways) but he's learning every day. One day, he'll understand love and affection and be able to show it. I hope I am a good enough father to him to earn his love and receive a show of affection worthy of the gods - because that's what Jack will give, and I know it will be all that I had hoped for.
The last few months I've crossed a couple of them off the list. I coached my older boy's little league team. In addition, my family and I went to Disney World.
ReplyDeleteYou are clearly baseball centered. I also really enjoyed our first baseball game together.
Yeah, I'm a huge baseball fan but I would honestly be happy with whatever sport he chose. As long as he tried them all out and found one he liked best. I'm definitely excited for what the future holds :)
DeleteYou've definitely saved the best till last on your list!
ReplyDeleteYou might not need to wait so long - although your son can't yet speak, I'm sure he'll find other ways to let you know he loves you! :)
Very true! He already knows the words "Give hug" and he'll really nicely put his head sideway on my chest in his on sort of hug. I love it.
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