SPRING TRAINING WITH A TODDLER

Spring Training is not just for die-hard baseball fans; it's also a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy a day out together. Atlas attended his FIRST Spring Training Game along with my bestfriend who flew into town! Saturday, March 9 Chicago Cubs v Colorado Rockies, 1:05 game. We captured the memories, photos and tips and tricks for ya! If you're planning to attend a Saturday Cubs Spring Training game at Sloan Park with your toddler, we've got you covered to make the experience enjoyable for everyone, not just the three year olds!

1. Arrive Early and Claim Your Spot

With lawn seats at Sloan Park, arriving early is key to snagging a good spot for you and your fam. Toddlers love to move around, so pick a spot where they have some space to play and explore while still being able to see the game. Arriving early also gives you time to check out the ballpark amenities before the crowds arrive.

2. Pack Plenty of Snacks and Water

Toddlers are notorious for their bottomless appetites and constant need for hydration, especially in the Arizona sun. Be sure to pack a variety of snacks and plenty of water to keep them fueled and hydrated throughout the game. Portable, mess-free snacks like sliced fruit, crackers, and cheese sticks are ideal for little hands. We, of course, splurged on the commemorative Cubs helmet ice cream and a hotdog for the vibes!

3. Let Them Burn Off Some Energy

Take your toddler to the little baseball field behind the outfield for some during the game playtime. They'll love running around and pretending to be their favorite Cubs players. It's a great way to burn off some energy in between innings or getting through all 9!

4. Get Your Toddler's First Timer's Certificate

Make your toddler's first Cubs Spring Training game extra special by stopping by the Fan Services Booth near the First Base Gate to pick up a personalized First Timer's Certificate. It's a fun keepsake to commemorate their first baseball experience and makes for a great photo op! No age limit, so even if your first game is at 35 you can still get one!

5. Embrace the Cubs Spirit

One of the most exciting things about attending a Cubs game at Sloan Park is the electric atmosphere. Sloan is a mini Wrigley! From the moment you arrive, you'll be surrounded by fellow Cubs fans who share your love for the game. Atlas was in Awe immediately recognizing there are tons of Cubs (+Bears fans out there too). Plus the Cubs WON! When the famous “Go Cubs, Go” song blasted through the speakers it became Atlas’ new jam, on repeat to this day!

There you have it: a fun and friendly guide to enjoying Spring Training games with your toddler. These tips dont just apply to Cubs fans but all sports fans big and little. Cheers to a great season and Go Cubs!

XoXo

Britt

PS. If I missed any others, please feel free to comment bellow!

WIFI OVERLOAD: SUPERBOWL LVII

The Internet has been going in and out the last couple of weeks and I’m not sure if it’s because we went cheap-o on a router or if it’s because our city is over populated right now with Super Bowl LVII and The Phoenix Open Waste(d) Management craziness. 

I was thinking about unplugging and what that really means. With our internet being out we really can’t do anything and I say that jokingly but the lights, the baby camera the security system, the entire house is a smart house. Its 2023- were working from home!

It takes me back to thinking about what we used to as a kid when we didn’t have any of these things. I could still listen to music, I could jam out of my stereo, listen to the radio with my 8D batteries or a cassette tape. I’ve always loved vinyl and used to play records even as a kid. All things that require zero internet connections: board games and books. Or go outside, its beautiful! Wow what a concept!

We have with our phones and can’t go more than 10 minutes without it. Thinking back to even 10 years ago when I moved to Arizona and had limited data or 20 years ago when our cell phones had limited minutes or before that we didn’t even have the cellular devices attached to us! That to me is unplugging. I’m trying to be more conscious of this whether it’s at work, spending time with Atlas; it’s about being more than doing. Yes this looks like I never respond or am very late to text messages or I don’t share as much on social media as others would.

I enjoy the internet going out sometimes. It’s trusting that everything is gonna be okay because as a newborn mom, if the baby monitor went out, I would freak, but now it’s okay. Just be. So Wi-Fi I see you, I see you being and not doing and that’s okay if you need to rest, if you need to unplug right now. I understand it’s a gentle reminder to me. Thanks Cox Cable for being an oligarchy monopolistic capitalistic all the isms istic cable company that you are. 

I am curious to know what you are doing to unplug? What does that mean to you and if you’re in Phoenix let me know if your Wi-Fi is going out too; hopefully not for the Rihanna concert in the middle of some sports game. Jk Go Bears!

XoXo

Britt

TAKE ME OUT TO MY FIRST BALL GAME

Batting left, playing center, weighing in at just under 28 pounds and towering over two feet…… its Atlas!

Little man turned ONE and it was time to see some Arizona sports, live! Phoenix Suns Basketball and Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball- we break down our experiences with a one year old at Chase Field and Footprint Center: what to eat, how to get cool stuff and make sure you bring the proper bag.

First up was the Utah Jazz vs. Phoenix Suns. We picked this game for the early game time, 1:30 pm. The bag restriction was not crazy and I was able to bring in a small back back with snacks, un open water-bottles, diapers and most importantly his noise canceling headphones. We got these on Amazon! We also were all decked out in Suns gear all from Poshmark! The seats were Section 110- not the best for the view but better to not be too close to the court and loud. It was also easy access from the concourse. We didn’t eat much more than nachos - nothing for Atlas other than snacks we brought him. The lines were long everywhere and we wanted to enjoy the game. He enjoyed it. He loved the lights, the sounds, the fast paced atmosphere and the people watching. Not much walking around, we stayed in our seats and left just before end of fourth to beat a little traffic out.

Spring is here and we had to hurry to a baseball game before it got too hot! Even though the roof is retractable - that bad boy was wide open on April 10 for their opening weekend San Diego Padres at Arizona Diamondbacks. Atlas wore what any true fan would… a cubs shirt! (He wasn’t the only one either). Mom did look up the bag policy before hand, but I didnt measure my clutch and it ended up being an inch too big… 4.5” x 6.5”!!!! WTF!!!! So I put everything in my hands, diapers, wipes, cheese stick, waterbottle, cell phone and the first place we went when we walking in was the team store. That’s how they get ya! Cuz of course we had to get Atlas his first Baxter. If it is your little one’s first time at a game (or any age) head to 128 Guest Services and you will get a personalized certificate of attendance.

You can’t go to Chase Field without eating your way through the park. It is my favorite ball park for food. (Except Chick-Fil-A, its closed for Sunday games). Atlas ate chicken tenders and fries, mostly the white meat after mama ate the breading. He loved it. He had his first french fry, but preferred the veggie straws we brought. It was hot, so after searching high hand low for frozen lemonades we found frozen yogurt pints- in Atlas’ favorite flavor- raspberry. He was content for the eighth inning in his seat with his fro-yo.

We also heard about the Sandlot and trekked our way up to level 3. (We actually hopped on the elevator- don’t ask don’t tell). The Sandlot is a place for kids to play and interact. It is also a great view of the stadium and right next to the live organ player. Atlas did not know how to handle himself with all the kids, but we will definitely be checking out this place at our next game.

Our little sports fan has two pro sports crossed off his list and many more to go. We love experiencing firsts with him and making amazing family memories. If you have any tips or tricks for little ones at big sporting events lmk.

XoXo

Mama Britt