Quiet?

AZRed - I don't know that I feel my son has "changed" drastically although there is definately a maturity about him that wasn't there six months ago. This is with a kid that's always been "older" than his years though. I think I've changed also during this freshman year - I think I've grown. I'm at a point where I can accept that my young man is a young man and I had a tough time with that before he went off to school.

As far as the "stuff" they're taking back - I agree with you 100%! My son had someone that called for a ride back to school. My son's Jeep Wrangler was loaded down with a hamper full of things, a huge duffle bag, a small duffle bag, and a foos ball table along with some odds and ends. He had to apologize but tell teammate unless he'd fit in the glove box - there was no room!

I can't wait to hear about all of "our" boy's spring and hoping for a very fast recovery for your son!!!!!

Perfect post for my Monday. My boys are all young. We are currently homeschooling 2 of 3 school-age and the youngest (and wildest) is 4. Noisy, rambuncous, fighting, loud... Makes me want to scream (or get the season started). All too soon it will be quiet here too I guess. Just keep reminding me that this is all good and I will look back on this as the best years. Right?

BBFam - You asked an interesting question. I have told friends before that the "best years" were actually the years wherever my kids were at the time. There are such blessings about every age and time of development in your child's life. What's more enjoyable than holding a fat baby in your arms, what brings a bigger smile than seeing them take first steps, what can bring more joy to you heart than having that kindergartener make a present just for mom out of tissue paper and glue, how about the pride you feel when that teenager is making wonderful life choices.......

Seeing them turn into young adults is no less rewarding and feels like a huge blessing to me. Having them achieve a goal and being able to look back on all they have accomplished to get there. As well as all that mom and dad have done to help them grow into wonderful young people. It's all good when talking about raising your kids!!!! There's even a kind of satisfaction in the quiet IMO. Enjoy every minute of every day!

Nice post, Lafmom. And I absolutely agree with what you said. I am sometimes perturbed with some folks I know who don't appreciate the stages, especially the teenage and young adult years -- maybe because it requires the most change from the PARENTS?

I've truly enjoyed each stage (well, the years from 2-5 were a little rocky...)and with my oldest son and daughter-in-law thinking seriously about starting a family, we realized we're about to start the cycle all over again!

Gotta say....as much as it may hurt to see him leave again....I wouldn't want it any other way....it's his turn...to grow on his own, become independant.....enjoy college, continue his education toward a degree and play college baseball....it's all wonderful....a blessing really.....and Lafmom said it right....another stage.....a time to rejoice.......at what fine young men they have become....but BBfam....enjoy....because....it does go quickly!

As of the 4th, son is back to school. Since it his sophomore year, he's out of the dorms and in a house with five other ball players (all sophomores). We had to stop by yesterday to drop some things off that wouldn't fit into son's initial load, and found that in addition to the six guys who live there, 4 freshman players are camping out in their living room until dorms re-open. I poked my head into say hello while they were all strewn around watching tv, and couldn't help thinking that it looked like walking into the puppy section of a pet store . Judging by the amount of dirty dishes in the place, they are not starving, but I am pretty sure they must have run out of dish soap, given the condition of the kitchen .

lafmom - I am with you. I have truly enjoyed every stage of my kid's lives so far - perhaps not every minute , but close enough.

URKillingMeBlue.....you did it again! I'm laughing so much....made me forget I was a little sad......thank you....the puppy analogy is just too much.....

URKMB...I think you've done a disservice to the puppies of America with that analogy...I can tell you from first hand, personal experience that my puppies crate is MUCH cleaner than my son's baseball apartment! But that might change once my pup decides where to put his beer pong table and hold his weekly poker games! Actually, now that I think about it, I think my son HAS that picture of the dogs playing poker in his apartment!

I love reading comments on this website. I have been observing for over a year now and finally got brave enough to post. My son is a senior in high school heading off to play baseball for a top 10 Division I school next fall. I have a daughter who is in her final year of college so the college experience isn't exactly new to me but the two are totally different. I see what his room looks like within a day of cleaning and have decided that rather than actual dishes maybe paper products is the way to go. It also is microwave safe. I look forward to all of you helping each other through this difficult process of sending sons off to college. I am excited at this point but I am sure that next year it will be a different story.

One thing I would like to know is as baseball season is nearing, did you have people voicing their opinions on what you should have done, not picked this school, or if you held off you could have got more, or maybe a tad jealous of his achievements. I told my husband that I wish I was as tough skinned as my son is. He amazes me with his composure.

LHpitcher,

Welcome, so glad you decide to post and lurk no longer!

Congrats to your son on his signing to play ball next year. Always nice to have another one of "our" boys to follow! Re: Monday Morning Quarterbacking by other people....yes, we experienced that also...all those "what if's" and "you should have's" . As long as your son is happy and confident in his choice, what else really matters?!? Honestly tho, if your son signed at a top 10 D1 what do these people really think would have been better for your son!?! Sometimes we can learn from our sons...and it sounds like our sons handle this kind of stuff better than we do.....congrats again to you and your son! I would pack some ear plugs in my car to make sure I have them whenever I know I will be encountering a Monday Morning Quarterback!

Amen to that. I guess as a mother it is natural instict to protect the little one. I actually sit in the right outfield when he is pitching so I don't have to listen to comments. Then people ask if it hurts his feelings I don't sit in the stands. He actually told one mother that he knows right where I am and is fine with it. I was impressed because I didn't think he ever noticed where I was. I also have the coaches girlfriend out with me so she doesn't have to listen to the trashing of parents. I am sure we are going to hear it big time this year. I have laughed alot about things I have read on this website and learned alot about recruiting It has actually kind of addicting. Thanks for the response and nice to know we have people with common interests to talk to.

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I have been observing for over a year now and finally got brave enough to post.

quote:

It has actually (been) kind of addicting.

Me too.

We don't have a formal self help program, but if you will read some of Linear's voluminous and prolific BS, you'll get over it.

FO - You're so right on that treatment plan!

LHP - I want to add my welcome too. Like Luvbb said, you'll always get those opinions. If I'm honest, I've even done it myself (try to keep it to myself though). Things are so different for various kids and families and what's a delightful fit for one seems like a horrible fit to another. Different strokes for different folks as they say! In the end, it only matters how that young man feels when he's playing and learning at HIS school!

Enjoy this very special year and make sure to let us know how he does.

Our Junior RHP left to go back yesterday (400 miles). We really loved having him home - messy room and all! Arizonared: I think it does get easier ... the freshman year is filled with unknowns and inexperience...and they are still so young. Our's just turned 21 and his maturity and experience allows me to worry less. I still miss him....but it's a happy, less stressful missing him. If that makes any sense...

Wishing health and success to all your sons this season

I think another factor too in adjusting to the college experience (for us parents and the boys) is the distance. ArizonaRed's son is all the way on the east coast and she's all the way on the west coast. I know that come February, I'll be making several trips to see my son and watch him/team play. Many folks don't have that luxury and I know that makes for a sad heart.

My JUCO son keeps talking about some schools that are further away when he transfers to a four year - I keep reminding him that they're are many wonderful schools much closer! I can't say how I'd feel if there was the entire US separating us - I'm sure it would feel differently though.

Thanks Lafmom....you stated it so well....the distance is the most difficult....

LHPitcher...welcome, and congratulations to your son and family....a very exciting time. No regrets on our part for the school our son picked...he is happy there...we followed some very good advise from other posters on how to choose a school....and that helped a lot. No jealousy from other parents either....of course we up and moved a couple of months after high school graduation....think at the end of the season the other 05's, and parents felt some sadness.....that baseball participation had come to an end for them.....Good luck to your son, and again, welcome....it's a great site!

Thanks for the response, left for a bit to celebrate his 18th birthday. There is not a doubt in my mind that he picked the right school and same for him. Actually he went to some camps quite aways from home which I would highly recommend because it made him figure out that even by air it is a full days travel. The school he chose is where he would have gone without baseball so baseball is a bonus. He did get interest from some schools which on here I have learned "over recruit". The coach that he chose has been keeping an eye on him since he was a freshman. They know what they are getting. I feel sorry for all of you that your kids are clear across the country. Again, I have enjoyed reading all of your off to college stories and often am asked what I am laughing about. It has been great.

LHPitcher - Happy Birthday to your son, and please consider this another official welcome to the Ladies Lounge! No post is irrelevant here, as I am sure you know, and it is always nice to get another West Coast perspective . You should be just beginning to gear up for the HS senior year season. It is a wonderful time on many fronts, but bittersweet nonetheless. On the positive side, it is amazing how your school color allegiance can flip so quickly -- we went from red/black to blue/gold AMAZINGLY quickly. How we are going to get the house repainted I do not know, though... (just kidding). Anyway, enjoy the ride and please keep us all posted!

p.s. luvbb - sorry to inadvertently cast aspirations on the current puppy population. I was trying to think of an appropriate analogy to the combination of focus, interest and enthusiasm that I observed, but failed to recognize the unintended consequences of my actions. Good news - from what I could discern, there were no 'accidents', at least to the untrained eye...

123KMom - Nice to read your perspective. Hope you won't be a stranger!

That talk about puppies...That's kind of a sore spot today. That puppy the kid came home with last May - that we still have - went to the vet today for an ear infection and cost me $190. I was just about to send junior $200 to help out with books or whatever. I think I shall tell him that I spent the money on his dog that we have. 4 states away.

Growing up is nice, being 10 is nice. Like the others have said, seems like the best time of thier lives is the present time.

URKMB...does your son "whine" when he wants to go out???? If so, he's one up on my pup!

I'm trying to get back into the habit of posting (well, on threads other than those regarding catchers ), and a good place to start is welcoming a new Mom. Hi LH!

LHP, this site has many wonderful qualities and uses. One of them is to guide players and parents --- even ones who've never visited the site. When a player would tell me about his wonderful offer from a Major D1 (books), and how he'd be starting at 2nd as a freshman....I'd give him a mild warning so as not to rain on his parade, write down the web address and strongly encourage him to visit for "preparation".

Same with those opinionated parents; "Well, we considered that. Hey, have you ever taken a look at the hsbbweb? We really found it useful for XYZ". That showed them that research had been done, there were sources other than simple hearsay out there....and it usually resulted in their asking questions about their own son's future, rather than insinuating themselves in ours.

Enjoy the year --- you have many "lasts" to enjoy, and a whole lotta "firsts" to come!

LHPitcher....
Are we raising the same son?
I recently joined this site, just like you. My LHP has also signed at a top program and he also just turned 18 last week! We are dealing with the "what if's" from several friends. My son had several exciting opportunities to play, but chose a school somewhat closer to home. Still a great school, but he turned down scholarships at some universities which impress a lot of people. He had to follow his own heart. He's always made the right choices in life (so far) and we had to trust his judgement.
I actually sit in a lawn chair down the 3rd base line with our HS coach's wife! She (like our coach) teaches at our school and we chose our seats to get away from the "crowd" and all it entails.
Its a little eerie how much we have in common! Keep us posted and we'll do the same.

Thank you all for the discussion of stages. My in-laws were here over the weekend and going on and on about how my husband and I were going to survive next year when our '06 goes off to school. We are thrilled that he went on a visit and came away knowing that this school was for him. But, the constant "how are you going to cope?" can really get to me. It's great to read about all of you who're enjoying the experience and the next stage in our lives!

First congratulations to the sons of wisbballmom, and KCbaseball....best wishes for great college experiences!

And.....okay....it's Tuesday....and after son got up this morning at 10:30 am....sat on the sofa and asked to be served muffins and juice.....then put the cat in the sink and turned on the water....then teased the dog into thinking it was okay to sit on the sofa too....after I had just thrown him off....then left another load of laundry in the middle of the living room....then took off to run at the beach....despite all that still has to be done....well...maybe going back to school tomorrow will be okay for him.....and me too What a difference a day can make!

Wisballmom.....we don't have family around us....but I got "How will you cope" from the other high school baseball parents.....it was constant.....and it does wear you down... I was always asking myself that question....didn't need to have it reinforced....but my husband and I came up with a standard answer....."This is the school of his choice, he's worked very hard at his academics and baseball; he's earned the right to go.......".

Enjoy this last year of high school ball.....and as Orlando said....lots of firsts to come.....

Wisballmom - You share a personal "irk" of mine. That is those that act as if doing what we're suppose to do for our kids will leave us somehow feeling deserted one day.

I am a mom that has devoted myself to my children and their needs - exactly what I've felt I needed to do as well as what I've wanted to do.

However, there does come a day where mom/dad will say goodbye and celebrate that they've raised a wonderful young person. I think most parents can adjust, go on with their lives, and enjoy other parts of their lives that they've put "on hold" raising children. It's just another "stage" in our lives that can also hold many joys!

I know I am excited for him to start the college experience but not sure how I will react until the time comes about leaving home. My daughter will be moving back, graduating from college to be an elementary teacher so at least I will have one coming home. I had a garage sale a few years back and a mom I talked to was out keeping her mind preoccupied. She told me she had just moved her son up to college and in the orientation they told parents to move the stuff into the dorm and leave as soon as possible. I guess so it makes the parents leaving easier to take. Mind you this kid was a big football player. She told me that she looked in her rearview mirror and he was chasing her down the road sobbing. It just broke my heart and I didn't even know her. I am not sure how I am going to handle the separation.

My son is pretty level headed and very aware that even the possibility of redshirting exists. That is where this website has helped me. I know somewhat to expect. He pitched as a freshman for a very competitive Legion team and so he is aware of pitching to kids four years older than him.

I also have referred lots of people to this website. The hardest thing to get through peoples heads is the lack of full ride scholarships in baseball. He did get a very good scholarship but not a full ride so people think he is nuts.

Thanks again for all responding.

The story about the boys sitting around in the soph house and others like it make it possible for me to picture my son someplace else. I am so glad that it was his time with the players that sold him on the school. He said that he just felt "at home". I know that it will be hard sometimes - but we all adjust to the stages in our lives and this is the fulfillment of a dream for him and many years of work (if baseball can be called work!).

I love the comparison to puppies. And, aside from baseball, it's good to hear that what I expect to be his lifestyle may be very different that ours now; but it's not so different from other college baseball players.

Thanks!

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in the orientation they told parents to move the stuff into the dorm and leave as soon as possible.

I taught Kindergarten many years ago. We gave the same advice to make a quick break to the parents of our 5-year-olds. Some aspects of parenting don't change!

KC Baseball, do you want to hear something else weird? My son went to the camp at Lawrence Kansas, KU last year. That is the camp away from home.

OK, that is weird! We missed the KU camp because we were out on your beautiful West Coast at the Area Code games! Do you think we passed each other in the air?
Coach Price is doing great things at KU. I heard there were several Calif. kids at the camp. Glad to see that the program is getting some recognition.
If you're ever in this area again, let us know!

Actually, he was there at the Christmas camp. His legion team was playing in the state tournament and they overlapped with the Area Code Games. He had already verbally committed so that was not an option for us. He also played in the CABA tournament when he was 11. That was kind of interesting. Beautiful country back there. Well I had better go, pitching lessons tonight. Can't wait for baseball to start.

I have a few more days before the quiet descends again. When an only child moves on, you don't get a chance to take it in steps
And though I can't say I am looking forward to it, I accept it as the way life should be.

It was great over the holidays - band practice was blasting, kids including my nieces and nephews who haven't been around were in and out of the house non-stop.
Even when it was just family, my son was either singing and playing his guitar, chasing the dog, playing with the cats, PS2 games at full volume on the TV, the cell going off constantly, always something....

My husband commented that even though his shoulder was killing him, he loved playing catch with him again.
We celebrated his birthday, too, right after Christmas. (One great thing about having a Christmas time birthday.....you get to spend it with your kid

I, too, have loved every stage of his life and though it is nice to look back, I wouldn't want his development and growth to stop.

And here's another welcome to the new moms.
You'll love it here. Never any harsh words in the Ladies Lounge

LHP - I'm sure you already know this, but a lot of noisy people have opinions about decisions that have nothing to do with them. We got some "critical" feedback when my son chose his school but he was...and is....happy. A lot of those same people advised him to quit music or quit acting or dance or the other performing he does but he ignored that advice as well and is happy in that arena as well. He actually thinks it's pretty cool that people knock on his dorm room and request him to play his songs.

Anyway, here's to us moms....and our boys....and to the great days of baseball season just around the corner!!!

Take about the Playstations. Does anyone but me have the fight songs to all of the colleges memorized?