Responding to my desire for learning how to throw a wicked curve ball, my mom says, “You just need to wait until the baby bottles finish boiling. But you can help me by taking them from the kettle.”

Handing me the tongs, she says, “Put them on the counter to dry while I get Little Dori from her rocker and dress to go outside. And grab my mitt.”

Later, the Little League coach, Mr. Temple, praises my winning performance, saying I’m his new star pitcher.

“What a great curve ball, Ace,” he says. “I bet your dad is really proud.”