I'm A Tarheel Born

Tarheel Family

Yesterday was an exciting day for our family. Edmund attended his first Carolina basketball game. Early in the week we found out we had an opportunity to go attend a UNC-Georgia Tech match-up . We were unsure how Edmund would handle the loud noises. Then there was the unfortunate forecast of rain all day Saturday to contend with. After talking to the mother of one of Edmund's classmates about how her son did at a game, Steven and I made the decision to take Edmund. After all, we knew this was probably Edmund's final opportunity to attend a basketball game in his first year of life.

Steven, Edmund, and I braved the rain and met up with Grandpa Ed at the park and ride. Edmund was taken aback by his first true bus ride. He took a bus ride up a hill when he was six weeks old, but that doesn't count. Edmund loved the close quarters. He smiled and "talked" to anyone and everyone who would pay attention. And who wouldn't pay attention to such an adorable baby?

When we arrived at the Dean Dome, Steven shielded Edmund from the rain. We had to do a bag check for the diaper bag which meant a few extra minutes of wetness. Once Steven mentioned it was a diaper bag, however, they motioned us through. I'm not quite sure what that says about the security at the Dean Dome, but at least it saved me from getting drenched. As we made our way to our seats Edmund turned in all directions trying to gain some understanding of what was going on around him. We had excellent seats. They were up high enough so that we wouldn't have to stand the entire game, but low enough to get an excellent view of the court. Before the game started one of the security guards walked by our seats and rubbed Edmund's hair. He exclaimed, "that baby has more hair than me." For those of you who don't know, Edmund is currently known for his "do." His hair has been referred to as duck fuzz, a rocker do, crazy, wild, you get the picture. Whatever you call it, it definitely gives him personality.

The game began with a nice rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" accompanied by UNC's current chancellor, Holden Thorp. Finally it was game time. Edmund sat back and enjoyed the game. He was captivated. He watched the court, he watched the giant TVs, he turned to watch the people around us, and then he did it all over again. While sudden cheering caused him to jump, it didn't faze him one bit. Carolina basketball put Edmund in Tarheel Heaven.

It was midway through the second half and Edmund had yet to show signs of growing tired of the game. We thought surely he was going to lose it, but with UNC up by 30 points Edmund decided to doze off. He knew there was no contest and a snooze would do him good. The elderly woman next to us who had been keeping an eye on Edmund the entire game leaned over and asked, "Are you sure you didn't give that baby tranquilizers?" Steven replied "he's just a happy baby." Edmund awoke with about two minutes remaining in the second half. He got to see UNC break 100 (Bojangles biscuits for all). Carolina won 104-74. Look out! In about 17 years we may have another Hansbrough in our midst.