Page 28 of Pitching for Keeps
"Jay."
He stops mid-gesture. "Yeah?"
"I'm something like eight weeks pregnant. Maybe we can wait until the baby is at least here before we plan their athletic career?"
He sits back down, taking my hands. "You're right. Sorry. I'm just—" He breaks into the biggest smile I've ever seen. "We're having a baby."
"We're having a baby."
"Can I tell the team?"
"After the first trimester."
"Can I tell Ted?"
"Ted counts as the team."
"Can I tell the batting practice pitcher?"
"Jay! Come on!"
"Fine, fine. But I'm definitely getting those plastic golf clubs."
"We don't even know if it's a boy or a girl yet."
"Girls golf too! Actually—" His eyes light up in that dangerous way that means he's having an idea. "The LPGA has great development programs. Better scholarships than men's golf in college too. We should definitely start with golf."
"Our child is currently the size of a raspberry."
"A raspberry who could be the next Annika Sörenstam!"
I laugh, pulling him back down to the couch. "You're ridiculous."
"Ridiculously happy." He puts his hand on my still-flat stomach. "Hi, baby. I'm your dad. I promise not to be one of those crazy sports parents. We'll wait until you're at least three before travel ball."
"Jay!"
"Kidding! Four. Four is reasonable."
"How about we let our child pick their own interests?"
"Of course," he says seriously. "Any sport they want."
"Or no sports."
He looks genuinely puzzled. "Why would someone choose no sports?"
"I chose no sports. I quit softball sophomore year of high school to focus on student government."
"That's different. You still understood sports. You kept stats for the team."
"Because I was dating the pitcher!"
"See? Sports brings people together." He grins. "Just like our kid will bring their future spouse together through their shared love of..."
"Jay."
"Ballet! I didn't mention ballet. Very athletic. Good for flexibility and balance."
