One of THOSE Parents

So I've realized I'm one of THOSE parents.  You know the kind where the kid is eternally embarrassed because the kid's mom is running around the ball park with six giant buttons of the kid's face on her wannabe letterman's jacket with the kid's name and number on it, face paint stickers to match the cheerleaders, screaming at the top of her lungs with pride, joy and pure fanatical, unsportsmanlike slurs at the umpires?  Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's going to be me. 

My daughter is just a wee 5 months old and I already know that's what kind of mom I am. 

This week has been the start of the Little League World Series.  And I'm totally sucked in like it's my own American Idol.  I find myself walking into the house and seeing another game is on and getting really into.  Like REALLY into it.  Every time there's a good play, I'm cheering on the team.  Any time there's a big play, a big hit, or a crazy call at the plate, I'm cheering.  When it's the bottom of the 6th (last inning in LL), and the team up to bat has 2 outs and they need a run or two to keep going, I get teary eyed thinking of the pressure that poor little kid is under to do his best.  And then I start crying thinking, my god, I'm going to have a kid in just a few years that will be playing in important games like this.  And I'm going to be a crazy wreck!

I'm crying over a kid that's not mine, I've never met, and I don't even know what his name is.  I just know I want him to get a hit so he can keep playing the game he loves!  And again, THIS ISN'T MY KID!

So what kind of basket case am I going to be when Elly is up to bat and the game is up to her?  I'm going to need to be escorted from the field, that's what I'm going to be.  Because if I see a ball coming across the plate that I don't think is a strike and the ump calls it as such, I'm going to probably hop the dugout and rip his eyes out.  Doesn't he know that he's doing that to MY baby?!?! 

And if the ump even thinks of calling her out when she's clearly just slid into home and was safe, I might get arrested for kicking the crap out of him.  Because I'm already that involved in the game. 

These kids playing in the LLWS are amazing!  They have so much heart and passion.  They are still just playing for the love of the game.  It's like watching the Sandlot over and over and I love it!

I'm a passionate sports fan.  When we win my spirits are sky high.  When we lose I'm in the dumps.  I'm invested and even if I'm not playing, my heart is still in it because I'm in the stands or on my couch (usually jumping on it) cheering.  Because that's what fans do! 

So in a few years, if you're at the ball park, football field, or ice rink and you see a crazy ass Betty running around with face paint, foam finger and cow bell, just know that's me and if you get in the way of my kid, I'll kick your ass.