Years ago, I met my husband at a local pub, where we instantly connected over the exhilarating victory of the New England Patriots in their inaugural Super Bowl. As two Massachusetts natives finding ourselves in Washington, D.C., he charmed me with tales of his satellite dish that promised endless access to Patriots and Red Sox games, no matter how far we roamed.
In those pre-kid days, our Sundays were blissfully relaxed, filled with steaming Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and an abundance of snacks to fuel our football obsession. Little did we know how simple our lives were before the arrival of children. Fast forward to now, and with our friends, who also have kids, we can clearly see the stark contrast between our previous and current football viewing parties—much like a coach’s red challenge flag on the field.
Pregame
Pre-Kids: Sipping my coffee, I leisurely read the Sunday paper and caught up on the latest news. I made sure the fridge was stocked with cold beer.
Post-Kids: After several nighttime wake-ups, I chug a large cup of coffee. My pre-game routine now includes loading and unloading the dishwasher, recycling unread newspapers, and squeezing in a quick neighborhood story time. A mad dash to Costco ensues for beer, yogurt, milk, carrots, and chicken nuggets. I return just before kickoff, tossing a few beers into the freezer for quick chilling.
Kickoff
Pre-Kids: I proudly donned my jersey and settled comfortably on the couch.
Post-Kids: I scramble to locate the kids’ jerseys, find them buried in the laundry, and decide they pass the smell test. I hurriedly set up toys and activities for the kids before finally taking my spot on the couch—only to witness a toddler tumble down the basement stairs. Cue the construction of a makeshift gate!
1st Quarter
Pre-Kids: I spread an array of snacks on the coffee table, ensuring easy access for the ultimate game-watching experience.
Post-Kids: I crack open a bag of tortilla chips and place them high on the laundry counter to avoid toddler reach. Suddenly, I remember the pizza in the oven, race upstairs to prevent it from burning, and scarf down a slice while a child clings to my leg.
2nd Quarter
Pre-Kids: I was fully invested in the game as the first half wound down.
Post-Kids: I glance at the TV while fishing crayons out of a toddler’s mouth, setting up a mini indoor hockey game, and cleaning up spills. I groan at an interception, only to realize it was actually our team that recovered the ball.
Halftime
Pre-Kids: I took a moment to refresh drinks and snacks while engaging in light conversation.
Post-Kids: I frantically pour fresh milk to replace sippy cups lost in the chaos and sniff around for the source of a mysterious smell. A brief game of “I’m Thinking of an Animal” ensues while I spot a half-eaten piece of pepperoni on the cheese tray.
3rd Quarter
Pre-Kids: More snacks and drinks fueled my understanding of the game’s flow and score.
Post-Kids: I dump Duplos for the toddlers and open a case of Magna-Tiles for the older kids, mediating disputes over toys. I gulp down a warm beer while asking my husband the score for what feels like the fifteenth time, trying to stop toddlers from snacking on the carpet crumbs.
4th Quarter
Pre-Kids: I was glued to the screen, yelling at the referees and cheering on the team.
Post-Kids: I intercept a toddler making a beeline for the DirecTV receiver and shout at the kids to stop climbing on the furniture. I celebrate small victories, like preventing the chocolate cake from being tipped off the counter, and offer the kids cake at the two-minute warning to buy myself a few moments of football watching.
Postgame
Pre-Kids: We would high-five each other in relieved celebration after a close win.
Post-Kids: I get to high-five my toddler and preschooler, along with my husband. It feels like a win in its own right.
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In summary, the transition from carefree football Sundays to a lively, toddler-filled experience can be jarring yet rewarding. While the chaos may overshadow the game, the joy of family moments makes it all worthwhile.