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Floradise

A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

Tips For Taking a Baby to a Baseball Game

I took 5-month-old A to her fourth baseball game at Wrigley Field on Tuesday night, and I have lost count how many games 4-year-old V has been to since joining our family. Most of the time I have gone to the games without my husband because he works during them. I’ve learned a thing or two about how to successfully attend a ballgame with two kids and still have a good time. The key is being prepared!

I’ve already shared my tips for taking a toddler to a baseball game, so I’m focusing now on my tips for taking a baby to a baseball game:

  • Invest in Hearmuffs. Noise-canceling hearing protection has been a lifesaver for me. It allows my baby to not get startled and she can even nap despite the cheering and yelling that goes on at the stadium.
  • Use a baby carrier. I have the Baby K-tan and I love it, but any baby carrier will do as long as you’ve tried it before and it’s comfortable. If your baby is young enough he or she will probably nap in it.
  • Dress appropriately. It rained during one of the games, so I made sure we had extra baby clothes and blankets. I also made sure to bring hats for all of us and a mini umbrella hat. (Umbrellas aren’t allowed but I have a giveaway umbrella hat that I would have used.)
  • Arrive late or leave early. I typically do either or both. I like to arrive at the ballpark after a couple of innings have passed so most people have taken their seats by then. I also try to leave early, depending on how the baby is doing, to beat the crowds and traffic.
  • Bring snacks and water (and milk/formula).
  • Look up the location of the family restroom(s) before you go.
  • Try to buy seats on an aisle for easy entry and exit. Also, if it’s a warm day/time of year, try to buy a seat under shade.
  • Stick to day games. We went to a night game and it was significantly more challenging, but doable.
  • Relax. Take your time and enjoy yourself!

Have you been to a sporting event with little ones? How did it go?

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Related post:

Taking My Toddler to a Game at Wrigley Field

 

Taking a Toddler to a Baseball Game at Wrigley Field

 

Victoria is so lucky and she doesn’t even know it yet. She went to a Chicago Cubs World Series game in October and to three games this week at Wrigley Field. While it’s not easy to take a two-year-old to such a crowded place, it can definitely be fun for everyone involved. Of course, I don’t plan to take her to every game I attend, but when I do, here are some lessons I’ve learned to make the outing easier. These are specific to Wrigley Field but can apply to other ballparks as well.

Skip the stroller. The fewer bulky items you bring on the train and to the ballpark, the better. For her first game, I put her in a toddler carrier (Ergo brand), and that worked out well. I was able to easily get her in the ballpark and to our seats. Besides, you have to check strollers, so not having one saves you time.

If you can, buy a separate ticket so he or she can have her own seat. (Unless you’re OK with your toddler being on your lap for hours, that is.) While babies age 2 and younger don’t need a ticket, those on the older end of that spectrum would probably be better off in their own seat and you’ll be more comfortable. (I am not taking about infants who can be easily held and don’t wiggle as much.)

Bring snacks and a water bottle. Fill it up at water fountains to save at least $5.

Arrive early to avoid the crowds that gather in the concourse. For popular games, you will be shoulder to shoulder with someone in the concourse at Wrigley Field, so it’s best to either arrive early or late to the game. Otherwise, be patient. Also, enter through the gate on your ticket because it’s closer to your seats.

Choose seats wisely. I would suggest sitting somewhere that’s covered by shade in the summer to avoid getting too much sun or being soaked by rain. That means it’s probably best to not sit in the closer aisles but rather in the 200-level seats at Wrigley Field. I also suggest not picking seats in the middle of a row, as it can be tricky to get out for diaper changes. The best seats we had with a toddler were in Section 108, Row 1 at Wrigley Field, because she had no seat in front of her to potentially kick.

Look up where family restrooms, stroller check and guest services are before the game. It’s best to have an idea of where to go to save time.

Check the weather and dress accordingly. Chicago can have such deceiving weather. It was in the 70s on Opening Night but then it dropped down to the 40s. I brought a blanket this week to wrap her in on chilly Opening Night, but even then I wish I had brought warmer clothes and more accessories.

Get your first game certificate. I didn’t do this for Victoria’s first game but I wish I had!

Leave early if needed. Though you might not want to, play it by ear based on how well your toddler is doing. I left early this week to avoid the crowds walking toward the train (and because it was a night game and we wanted her to go to bed at a reasonable hour).

Have fun and stay calm. I was extremely nervous about taking her to a game, but I have found there is nothing to worry about. The people around me have always been welcoming of Victoria and many have even offered her snacks. On Opening Night, someone handed me a poncho for her. In October, someone gave her their freebie gloves even though she was already wearing gloves. She also made her big screen debut this week. Don’t worry so much on what could go wrong and enjoy the game!

Do you love baseball as much as we do?

 

Chicago Spring Bucket List

Chicago Spring Bucket List

 

Spring is finally here, though Chicago has yet to get the memo. The only way I can get through the remaining weeks (days, I wish) of this weather is to plan all the fun spring activities I want to do this season. Thus, another Spring Bucket List is born!

My Spring Bucket List:

  • Take three Dabble classes. I have my eye on a summer cocktail class, a jewelry-making class and hopefully at least one other. As I’ve said before, Dabble is a great way to find your next hobby and you can use code MARETTE10 to get 10 percent off your first class! You can take Dabble classes in the spring or any season!
  • Plant my garden. We’ll be heading to our favorite gardening shop soon to pick out way too many plants and garden supplies. I CAN’T WAIT.
  • Volunteer at the community garden. The Petersen Garden project in Chicago has countless opportunities to volunteer during the spring.
  • See Hamilton Chicago! I bought tickets to Hamilton months ago and our show date is quickly approaching. This will be a highlight of the season.
  • Run the Chicago Spring Half. I have about nine weeks to train for the Chicago Spring Half. It was a fun race last year and I like that we got a free plant to take home.
  • Go to as many Cubs games as possible! Enough said.
  • Visit the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. I haven’t been there, but it’d be a nice place to practice my photography skills this spring.
  • Go to a farmers market. Fresh veggies from local farmers — what could be better?

 

What’s on your spring bucket list? Need some inspiration. Find some ideas below!

Spring Bucket List Ideas

Related posts:

Chicago Spring Half Marathon 2016
Cheers to Spring with Refreshing Mocktails

 

Chicago Cubs World Series Parade

I was ecstatic last week about the possibility of watching the Chicago Cubs in their victory parade on Friday. I had hoped Graham, Victoria and I would be able to watch it together if he didn’t have to work. Hours later, we found out we could instead be IN the parade!

We arrived at the Wrigley Field lot at 8:30 a.m. thinking we were late. But we had plenty of time to check in, take photos, catch up with friends and board our trolley. The parade began about 40 minutes past its scheduled 10 a.m. start time, but no one seemed to mind. At one point the trolleys started moving but then stopped for a while at Clark and Grace, so Graham hopped out to grab us empanadas. That encouraged the rest of the trolley to grab some, and pretty soon the vendor was sold out of them.

I would have never imagined the amount of people we saw lining the streets. We heard nonstop cheering the entire length of the parade, from Wrigleyville to Grant Park. People even pulled over on Lake Shore Drive to watch and film the event on their cellphones. Signs included “Dear Santa, Never mind. It happened.” 

Graham became the trolley MVP by getting out and handing out stickers and candy whenever we had to stop along the way. Police officers helped us get our goodies out to the crowds when we could not reach them from the trolleys, and they cheered along with the rest of Chicago.
The trolleys took us to Grant Park, where associates and their guests had a designated viewing area for the rally. I can safely say I had never seen a larger crowd for a public event. I will never forget any moment of it!
I am so grateful for this experience! Go Cubs!

Watch our footage of the parade:

World Series Weekend | Go Cubs!

This weekend was a whirlwind thanks to the Chicago Cubs. It started Thursday when my friend Charlsy flew in from the D.C. area. We worked a full day remotely, which brought back memories of working together at a newspaper in Arizona. That night we attended the World Series Gala, an incredible night of gourmet food, live music, dancing and fireworks at the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier.

World Series Gala

The next day, Charlsy and I worked from home again before heading to Game 3 of the World Series at Wrigley Field. We sat in the fourth row of the bleachers and had a blast despite the Cubs losing the game.
Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs, World Series
The weekend continued with an airport run to pick up my mom for that night’s Game 4, for which we had front-row bleacher seats. We took Victoria to her first Cubs game, which just happened to be the World Series. I was stressed about how it would go, but Victoria quickly made friends with everyone around us. She took peanuts from a nearby fan, accepted free giveaway gloves from another, and fed someone else a Goldfish cracker. My back was killing, though, for days from having to carry a toddler.
Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs, World Series
The next day, my mom, friend Rachael and I took Victoria to Brookfield Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo event. I didn’t take any photos in a mom and blogger fail. That night I went to Game 5 of the World Series with Rachael. This was finally the game the Cubs won. The people behind me were in tears as we sang the closing song. I was so emotional all game long. Go, Cubs, go!
Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs, World Series

On the way out, I signed the good luck wall at Wrigley Field.

Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs, World Series

I am in no way bragging. I simply cannot believe I was able to witness this in person. Again, it’s not lost on me how lucky I was to be there.

Watch footage from the World Series:

Anticipation

Last Saturday night I was at Wrigley Field watching Cubs history. It was surreal. Chicago Cubs fan are always passionate, but the energy was on another level on Saturday night. It was not lost on me how lucky I was to be there. Lifelong Cubs fans would have done anything to be there and I am a newer (yet still passionate) fan since we moved to Chicago for Graham’s job. For me, it’s more personal. I know how hard my husband and the entire organization has worked all season long to do their part. This entire week is filled with excitement and anticipation for what seems like the entire city. I hope you’ll send your positive vibes to the Cubs tonight as they play the Indians in Cleveland. GO, CUBS, GO!

Moments from Saturday:

My First Chicago White Sox Game at U.S. Cellular Field

I often write about Chicago Cubs games and how much I love them. There’s no place like Wrigley Field; it’s magical. But I just had to also visit U.S. Cellular Field, where the play. A low-key goal of mine is to go to baseball games at all the major league stadiums. So far I’ve been to Wrigley Field, Chase Field, Coors Field, Nationals Park, Miller Park and U.S. Cellular Field. As you can see, I have a long way to go.

My friend and I opted to drive to the stadium because we live on North Side of Chicago and taking the train would take too long. I purchased parking in advance on the White Sox website for $10 on a Sunday. (The cost goes as high as $20 from what I could tell.) The parking was in Lots F or L. We had no idea where to go, but by chance we ended up at the south entrance of the parking lots. Fans were tailgating and playing corn hole with elaborate setups as we walked toward the gates. At the entrance, we had plenty of space to line up to pass through security. By contrast, Wrigley’s lines get so long that you are sometimes wrapping around the ballpark or crowded into the street.

When you enter, you immediately take an escalator to the next level, where the 100-level concourse entrance is. We walked around and marveled at all the food options. We liked that there are different choices available, and Coke products are served (vs. Pepsi)! I’m a lifelong Coca-Cola fan, so this is an important detail for me. I went with fried mac and cheese as my first pick, and then went to grab some Mexican corn (mixed with butter,  mayo, chili powder, cotija cheese, lime juice). I loved that this is available, because it’s a constant craving for me in the summer. My friend and I shared tater tot nachos, so needless to say we ate a lot of cheese.

The weather could not have been more perfect. It was a sunny day with a cool, refreshing breeze. The stadium still had plenty of seats to fill, but the atmosphere was fun and friendly. I’m glad I checked U.S. Cellular Field out!

Our seats were in Section 102 and only cost $15 for a game against the Atlanta Braves. I liked the view, and our neighbors in the row said they’d catch any balls coming our way, so I felt comforted. My hands were full of food, after all.

I share clips of the game in my weekending video below. Please subscribe to my channel for more weekending updates. 

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Spring/Summer Chicago Bucket List

Last summer was my first in Chicago, and I quickly discovered how overwhelming it can be to decide what to do. The city comes alive in the spring and summer: After hibernating all winter, everyone ventures outdoors for countless festivals, events and things to do. It was not usual to have weekends booked up weeks in advance. This year I want to try to cover as much of this list as I can. What’s on your summer checklist?

My Chicago Bucket List

 

What to Wear to a Chicago Cubs Game

Cute and casual is my go-to baseball game look. I tend to go for flats, sandals or espadrilles along with shorts and tanks or tees. I try to stay away from dresses because I feel out of place in such a casual environment. You don’t necessarily have to wear logo apparel to sport your team colors; you can find options in your team colors at just about any retailer.

I’m really loving rompers as a summer baseball game option. They are comfortable and adorable. I bought this a multicolor romper from H&M recently, and I plan to wear it when it’s warmer out along with aviators and sandals. For cooler nights at Wrigley Field, I like red pants, denim jacket, a white top and a team hat.  You can never go wrong with a team hoodie or jacket, either. The weather changes so quickly that it’s a good idea to bring them anyway. It was not usual for it to start raining during games last summer, too. Bringing a rain poncho would also be smart when the forecast shows a chance of rain.

Of course, you’ll need to transport your game-day essentials in a cute tote bag. I say go with a Cubs blue, like this one from Michael Kors. You can accessorize with Cubs jewelry and scarves as well.

What are your favorite game-day outfits? Which team do you support? Let me know in the comments!

 

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Cubs Opening Night 2016

wrigley field, home opener, Cubs

Last year, I sat at Opening Night alone, shivering and a little terrified. We had just moved to Chicago a couple of weeks before then, and I didn’t know anyone to go to the game with. How things have changed! I have come to love Chicago over the past year, though I am completely over the cold right now. This year, I sat at Opening Night at Wrigley Field with a friend, still shivering but no longer afraid.

The energy was insane, as can be expected. I tried to get to game as early as possible, because I like to see everything that goes on before the game, plus I had heard about the new security screenings (metal detectors). I also love the people-watching. 
Fireworks and a flyover added to the celebration. This team has everyone excited about the possibilities and you can feel it when you’re at Wrigley Field.
I thought about the promise of the season, not just for the team but for my husband and me. I thought about our goals and hopes and dreams. The start of a new season or adventure is full of optimism. I reminded myself of one thing: It’s about the journey, not the destination. Try to live in every moment, even the uncomfortable ones. Cheers to you, Chicago!

Highlights:

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