Month: January 2014

Feelings of Failed Fatherhood

3 Comments
This was not happening last weekend

This was not happening last weekend.

Throughout fatherhood, there are going to be times where it feels like you are taking a test. What do I mean? The first night you bring your baby home from the hospital is your first real test as a dad. The first time you feed the baby is another. The first overnight with just you and your first baby. And, the test that I just had last weekend: your first overnight with your toddler and your baby and no spouse. Let’s just say this was the first time that I felt like I was failing as a dad. Continue reading →

“What’s That? I’m Pooping!” – Potty Time, Excellent

Leave a comment
I reign upon this throne.

I reign upon this throne.

There comes a time in every toddler’s life when it is time to say goodbye to diapers or pull-ups, and embrace going to the bathroom like a big kid. We’ve been working on potty training with Sophia, on and off, for the better part of a year. It’s been frustrating at times. But, hey, kids want to do things on their own time.

We let Sophia start wearing underwear in place of a pull-up to see how she would handle it. Let’s just say that our house should have been surrounded with flashing lights–it was an accident zone. So, we’d stop for a while, go back to pull-ups and wait it out until we thought that Sophia was ready to really be potty trained. Continue reading →

Dad’s Change Diapers At Restaurants, Too

Leave a comment
Photo courtesy of lifewithlevi.com

Photo courtesy of lifewithlevi.com

On the occasion that Sarah and I go out to dinner, whether it’s with friends, or just as a family, there comes a time or two or three where one of us will need to take Maddie or Sophia to the bathroom for a diaper change. BUT, all-too-many times, after we’ve gone to the bathrooms on our own, we have discovered that there are only changing tables in the women’s restroom. None in the men’s restroom. This makes it difficult for me to change a diaper. And it doesn’t seem to make sense. Afterall, there are plenty of dads out there that takes their kids out to eat, ya know, without a mom present. Continue reading →

Mind Your Manners and Don’t Curse Near Kids

4 Comments
Sarah toting Maddie around at Sesame Place.

Sarah toting Maddie around at Sesame Place.

Sophia and I rockin' out on some tea cups at Sesame Place.

Sophia and I rockin’ out on some tea cups at Sesame Place.

I’m all for freedom of speech and being able to voice your opinion. But when it comes to using choice language and cursing in front of my kids in a public place, I draw the line. Look, I get it, you’re out to eat at a restaurant and bar and feel like you should be able to have a good time. That’s great, you should feel like that. But, at the same time, me and my family should also be able to enjoy ourselves and not have to worry about you screaming f-bombs every third word at the top of your lungs.

We had an instance at Victory Brewing Company the week of New Years. We’ve never had an issue when eating, or drinking, there in the years and years we have been going. It’s one of our favorite places to go. I used to do work with them when I was a reporter and editor at a local newspaper years ago.

We were there with both kids, and my sister-in-law and her boyfriend. It was extremely busy that night, which isn’t a surprise at all. We were sitting at a booth waiting on our appetizers when the booth behind was seated. From there, things got LOUD and OBNOXIOUS.

Continue reading →