In the last 96 hours, I’ve become a father, fought step throat, dealt with crazy neighbors and through it all did my best to get my sports fix. On Thursday, I became a father to a beautiful baby girl that my wife and I named Brielle (thankfully, she looks a lot like my wife). We also have a four year old son, Cole. I tell you this because the last four days have been, well, a little crazy.
Hello, my name is Bri. I’m a sports addict. This is the story of how I blended sports into the weekend my daughter was born.
Thursday, April 27, 2006 My wife was induced for labor at 7:00 a.m., which meant we had to get up at 5:30. After some general proceedings, the doctor informed us we had a couple hours before the show really began. Thanks to the posh luxury hospital we choose, we had a flat screen TV with a DVD player in a room bigger than Donald Trump’s vault. Thanks to my father-in-law, we had the Billy Bob Thorton remake of Bad News Bears .
Is there anyone more qualified than Thorton to assume the role of Buttermaker? That movie so wrong, you can’t help but laugh.
Halfway through the movie, my wife grabbed her bed and my hand so hard I have a small scar from my wedding ring being gouged into my fingers. Um, nurse, we’re ready for the epidural.
One short hour later, our baby was here—and my life was forever changed.
Fast forward through the whirlwind family visits and we were relatively calm in the post-delivery room, still posh and complete with internet access. As my wife and daughter went off to sleep, I thought it would be a good time to check out the NBA Playoffs. Bad idea.
When I finally wore down near midnight, I shut off the TV and settled into my less than cozy chair.
Twenty minutes into dreamland, my daughter gave me my first wake-up call. First lesson—sleep when the baby sleeps.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Day one with our new daughter produced more whirlwind family visits and our son Cole getting strep throat. As my wife and I tried to get the hang of things, I secretly kept checking playoff scores and NFL Draft prognostications.
This time, I learned my lesson. I slept when they slept. But since they were awake, I was able to watch the Lakers take a 2 games-to-one lead over the Phoenix Suns.
So here’s my take: if the argument surrounding Kobe Bryant not being MVP was that he didn’t make his team mates better, what does his performance in this series do to that? 17 points and 7 assists, with all other Laker starters in double figures. Certainly seems MVP-esque.
MVP is an objectionable prize, broken down by not just stats, but intangibles. We want and ask for certain things from the front-runners, but we still manipulate the facts and figures to our liking. I don’t know the answer to the MVP questions, but I do know that Kobe’s made a point—and with that posterizing dunk on Nash in Wednesday’s Game 2, a very big point.
How about a little credit to Phil Jackson? Sure, Jackson always has the best players to win his titles with, but how about the 1994 season without Michael Jordan? Or this Zen-like approach to the Suns in these playoffs? Let’s hope P-Jax writes a book about it.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
We got to leave the hospital with our little bundle of joy, but not until mid-afternoon. Which meant my daughter and I had some quality time watching the NFL Draft together. Naturally, she slept. It won’t be the last time she gets bored and falls asleep with daddy watching sports.
I’ll share this with her someday, that she got her first taste of the NFL by sleeping through the Texans making one of the biggest draft day mistakes in recent history. As I enjoyed her resting comfortably on my chest, I sat stunned and intrigued that Houston actually picked Mario Williams first, letting Bush go to the Saints at number 2.
Has the NFL become so self-involved and over-analyzing that teams really create flaws in players deemed too good to be true? What was once questionable about Vince Young was his ability to escape would-be tacklers at the professional level. With time that passed. But I actually heard people say this was something Bush would have trouble doing in the NFL as well.
Of course, we can’t know until we see Bush play—the same could be said about Young—but Bush has the ability to play no less than four positions in the NFL, and play each now. Then there’s the fact that for the better part of two seasons at USC, no one could lay a hand on him.
It made me sick. Well, not really—but I did get strep throat late Saturday night.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
My wife and I are in the midst of buying a house—a process that can’t end fast enough. We have, to my knowledge, the worst neighbors in the history of apartment life. It’s like their entire existence is spent listening to weird music at obscene levels at all hours of the night.
Naturally, they choose Saturday night to have some fun with the speakers. My wife couldn’t sleep because the baby is hungry ALL THE TIME. Seriously, newborns should come with a warning label. The baby is like LenDale White in the off-season.
After a morning trip to the local sick-bay where I acquired some much needed anti-biotics and the obligatory “get some rest” prescription, I settled in for an afternoon of NBA Playoffs. The wife was fine with this, I didn’t even ask. Well, maybe because she was sleeping.
I take what I can get. Welcome to the world, Brielle. And welcome to the sports world your daddy lives in.
Maybe Brielle falling asleep was her way of letting you know her opinion of the Mario Williams pick - she can't talk yet and thought crying would be too obvious.
I loved the LenDale White reference....nice job and congratulations on the new addition....
Thanks again for the congrats, Half. Everybody here's been great. And good point, maybe Brielle just didn't want to be too obvious with her thoughts on the pick. Of course, she just slept through the end of the amazing Lakers 99-98 OT win over the Suns, so go figure.
i think a.j. hawk was the only player to actually go where he was projected to go in the top 10 by most of the "experts." that said, i'm not so sure its a good thing or a bad thing. houston drafted williams for a number of reasons, 1 being they already have a feature running back, and now 2 solid receivers with the acquisition of eric moulds. also, there appear to have been some contract issues, though i dont know the extent or truth to those rumors. AND....whatever this whole deal is about his parents living rent-free in a house for a year, and some possible legal or other action possible from the nfl. i think williams will be a good pick for houston, and having demeco ryans playing behind him (i think) wont hurt any.
Cuz, its not that I think Williams can't or won't be good, it's just that I don't know how you pass on a talent like Bush. That parents-house thing won't affect his status in the NFL.
Doesn't time fly when you just became a daddy again. Brielle is a beautiful name. My daughter is named Gabrielle for whatever the heck that is worth. Fortunately she looks like me. =) Just kidding, my wife is my cutie-pie.
Anyway, I agree with most everyone outside of Houston that barring injury they will likely rue their decision on draft day 2006. Also how about Kobe's follow up performance today. Sheesh, he was great.
Congrats again.
P.S. Please check my blog tomorrow cause I'll be posting something regarding Sox-Yanks a little before gametime. I admit it might hurt you a little but as part of this rivalry I still think you will appreciate it.
i heard a report that said he could potentially face a suspension, that's the only reason i mentioned it. i totally spaced out on the fact that he's now a high profile professional athlete, and we all know those guys dont get punished for stuff...what was i thinking?
i stated a few times that i think houston tried trading out of the #1 spot, but noone would offer a solid package for the right to move up. new orleans wouldnt even move down 2 spots and trade with the jets, so something is up, i just dont know what.
A very large congratulations to you. You should be commended, though some sports sour women out there would probably say you should be condemned, for having the time and peace of mind to sit down and write out a quality post like this. My thoughts were all over the place the first few days after my first of two girls were born.
It is a long and exciting process watching your child be born, more delightful than any sports victory, even one as great as the Lakers in Game 4 today.
When my wife was in labor with our first child we brought in several movies too. Happy Gilmore and Jerry McGuire were the ones we ended up watching, though I think my wife doesn't really remember watching them while in labor.
When its all said and done it is an experience that completely changes your heart and whole outlook on life. I hope you greatly enjoy being a new father, it sounds like you do.
My sympathies to you as you have to go through the many sleep deprived nights in your future. LOL. Seriously though, such inconviences are worth it!
Thanks rivjo for the comments. I will check out your post tomorrow, and I've got to tell you, Kobe looked like the MVP yesterday. He deferred to team mates throughout the game, but took over in key spots. Another intangible that you have to look for in the MVP. And if a candidate for MVP ISN'T the guy who will take the last shot, then he isn't the MVP.
Cuz, thanks for coming back and it wasn'that I doubted your reasoning, it was just I couldn't understand Houston's. I completely agree...something is up, with all that did and didn't happen Saturday.
GBrent, thanks for the comments. You're completely right, the baby was a MUCH bigger deal obviously than a sweet win. That said, my wife was awake in time to watch the Lakers win in a most incredible fashion yesterday.
Thanks for your kind words and advice with regard to the baby. We are enjoying it and I took off work most of this week to enjoy this. Greatest moment of my life is her sleeping on my chest just hours after she was born.
It indeed was a thrilling win yesterday for L.A. Check out my run down of it when you get the chance. It is one of the most enjoyable posts I have ever written.
based on talent alone, much like the kobe vs. nash feud that is now erupting like mount everest, bush vs. mario williams is a no contest. what we have to realize is that there are so many other factors that contributed to what houston decided to do. personally, what i think is even crazier, is what buffalo did to get a second pick at the end of the first round to select a 3rd round projected player, AFTER they reached for donte whitner with the 8th pick. all this could turn out to be insane, or it may just turn out to make us look like the ameteurs we really are when it comes to forecasting the success of draft picks.
congrats again on the baby...think of many late nights watching infomercials trying to get her to sleep. lol...makes me glad i dont have any kids.
Congratulations Bri! You have alot to be thankful for. Enjoyed you sharing with us such precious moments...And what a week in sports it was! The Lakers have stunned me, especially The New Kobe! I too was surprised the Texans passed on Bush! Big mistake.
Congratulations, Moore. This is a wonderfully written piece. Nice transitions, juxtapositons, and dichotomies. Most important, your personal context added depth and visualization. I could actually picture you, the wife, Cole, and beautiful Brielle, in your surroudings. Great read!
"It won’t be the last time she gets bored and falls asleep with daddy watching sports."
Priceless. Now Brielle is forever linked with this NFL Draft and Kobe's mad explosion in LA. I sense a future nickname coming. One thing though, I don't blame her for falling asleep. Heck I was having to snap my fingers to stay awake in round 6. Yes, I actually was still watching.
LenDale White needs to be thanked for allowing us to put him at the butt of a million jokes. Dan Wetzel (Yahoo) said (pre-draft) the Pats might not take him because they like to grow the grass long and wouldn't want him to be tempted. Ouch.
Thanks again for the well-wishes and comments here. Gbrent, I'll check out the post...
SSP, I feel like that kid that Ruth hit out the homer for, I'm deeply touched and if Manny does go yard, I'll pass this story down the generations.
Cuz, Buffalo's always been a weird lot to begin with and their decisions, are, as you mentioned, a bit curious. This is what happens when a cynial (sp?) owner like Ralph Wilson is in charge. "What is it, Monday?"
Thanks, NFL.
Mean, much appreciation for the writing kudos and the congrats. It does seem people write well when they talk about personal experiences.
Norcal: Thanks for the comments. Congrats go to you for sticking out the NFL Draft. It's like the Bud Light Daredevil commericals, I can picture you being snapped out of a coma by buddies with cheap beer. And yes, thank you LenDale for allowing us the thrill of throwing your name out whenever food is mentioned. I loved the Yahoo! guy's comment, priceless!
Sadly, I had my Raider shirt on all weekend and barely ate all weekend for fear I might miss something. Sure, I could have ordered out for pizza but bringing this up will start a rant about the black hole I live in with no quality pies in sight.
moore- i just asked the human dictionary that lives here, and she says its "senile"
not trying to nit pick, just thought i'd share that, as i was curious myself what the correct spelling was.
norcal- buddy, hit the showers...PLEASE! (my infamous, online attempt at impersonating bill walton)
Congrats on the new addition to the family, hopefully like you, your daughter will grow up to acknowledge the joy and the love of sports can bring. Let's get on to the more serious matter of what's happened over the weekend. I wasn't totally surprised that The Texans passed up on Reggie Bush, but I do believe that they've made a tremendous mistake. Bush represents a once in a lifetime opportunity for the franchise to get better immediately, but somehow they choose to pass up on him because of money. The choice of Mario Williams is fraught with danger, because he's not really known as a big impact player. But I may well be proven wrong. Kobe's prodigious pedigree notwithstanding, shows us why on any given night he can be the best player in the NBA, but the problem with the MVP award is that it's given over the course of the regular season and does nothing to take in account what's done in the post season. Perhaps if the NBA were to do adopt a methodology of awarding players for their post season exploits in each of the rounds it wouldn't be such a bad thing. That way it wouldn't create such a combustible argument when arguing over the regular season accomplishments. Nash to my mind was well deserving of the award, but Kobe had us wondering what's going on here?
thanks cuz, my internal dictionary is asleep at the wheel.
thanks sportsuniverse ans edclinch!
some excellent points topathal. Why is it that I feel like the only one who agrees with you about Bush? An interesting idea regarding awards and the MVP. Thanks for reading...
Bri, Congrats on the baby girl. All four of mine were induced, so I know what that is like. My favorite activity with our new borns was to go to the couch on Sunday afternoon, or when I got home from work, and put the little one on top of my chest and both of us take a nap. It was great and I miss those days. That is about the only part of it that I envy you in.
As for Phil, I give him an enormous amount of credit. A coach gets no credit when he wins, and all of the credit when they lose. He gets the most out of his talent period. Otherwise, Doug Collins would have won with Jordan.
Check out my draft analysis when you get a chance.
Socal, thanks for the compliments. I've already done the nap-chest thing 3-4 times since we've been home. It is great. And Phil is amazing. I'm just waiting to see what he comes up with later in this series or playoffs, because we know he isn't done. They don't call him Zen Master for nothing.
Norcal, neighbors talk, but be glad you are the topic of conversation, creates an aura of mystique.
Bri - You have no idea. This house is totally that one on Wisteria Lane where no one really knows what is going on.
I am totally the king of changing these threads into something completely off the wall. Do I get points for that? No need to answer, I'll just go off on some other crazy tangent.
Put something together regarding that "guard pairing" idea you mentioned a little while ago, then get it to me. I'm down for whatever you have in mind.
My bad, bro. I thought you mentioned something about an NBA playoffs idea, or something like that. I could have you mixed up with my buddy, Will. You bear an uncanny resemblence to him. It's almost scary.
Belaed congrats! How you found time/energy to type all that so close to the birth is beyond me!
And I'm sure your wife wouldn't have minded you checking the scores. Speaking as someone who's had an epidural, she wouldn't have minded a thing...
;-)
Well done, though. Clearly, you're a master. I have much to learn Obi-Wan.
CarolynT: Thanks for the comments and the kind words. My wife is very supportive and wonderful, she encourages my writing, which is just another reason to love her. Thanks again!
