Big Day at CHA

Prior to writing what I really am meaning to write about, I need to write two brief paragraphs to put this narrative in its proper context.

When Amy told me that she was pregnant, one of my (many) thoughts centered on the fact that our child's life would be beginning during one of the greatest seasons ever for the University of Iowa football team (I like many others was, unfortunately, wrong regarding this prediction). How lucky for Ryne, to have his birth year associated with the '10 Hawks (this is the kind of stuff that I really do think about...). Then we brought Ryne home from the hospital; that very day, the first Iowa game of his life, they lost a heartbraker. You know how the story ended for the Hawks this year; they lost close game after close game to finish with a slightly above average season. Not the type of season I had dreamed of for the year my son was born...

I sometimes have quite a bit of anxiety. I like to have things planned out well in advance. Because of the unpredictable outcomes of taking Ryne to an Iowa men's basketball game at Carver Hawkeye Arena for the first time, I was (while very excited) nervous. If it didn't go well, our whole summer plan of taking Ryne to multiple Major League Baseball games (three) was in serious jeopardy. Regardless, our biggest adventure with Ryne, to date, took place yesterday...

The Iowa men's basketball team has not had much success the past 10 years. They had not beat a ranked team since 2006. They were tied for last place in the Big Ten. Purdue was ranked as the number six team in the country, and they were in contention for a Big Ten Championship if they beat Iowa yesterday. Notice I used the past tense verbs: had, were, and was. Purdue did not beat Iowa. The Hawkeyes upset the number six team in the country yesterday when they beat the Boilermakers 67-65. Ryne's first ever trip to Carver Hawkeye Arena, his first ever Hawkeye game that he was in attendance for was a monumental victory.

But it wasn't just an outstanding day due to the outcome of the game. This game would have been great regardless of how it ended (although the ending was icing). This was the first ever athletic event (and a Hawkeyes game, nonetheless) that I was able to take my son to! I think I'll remember it forever (even though he won't). I can not wait to take him to many, many, many more throughout his lifetime (and especially when he can really start to enjoy them!)!

And Ryne did great while at the game. He did not cry once (not surprising). The loud cheering did not really seem to bother him, although he did not sleep through any of the game even though he appeared to be extremely tired. Ryne is a great little Hawkeye fan.

Three adjectives to describe the day: memorable, fun, and exhausting!