Wednesday, May 30
birthday extravaganza
Several months ago we decided that we couldn't afford a fancy "catered" party for Nugget's birthday. So instead she got a weekend of awesome (which is Belushi's favorite new word). It started out with a trip to Bounce U for some fun with inflatables. We met up with Baby Bacon and company and had a really fun time. I will say this as a word of warning, while on a long inflatable slide, don't try to slow yourself down with your bare elbows. The stinging is so intense, it hurts days and days later.
So in anticipation of the party at the house, I took the kids to the newly re-opened Carousel at Forest Park. They did such a wonderful job restoring it, kids and adults will spend many summer days enjoying it. Once we were done getting out of the way while last minute cleaning was going on we returned for a nice mellow party with our close friends and their kids. The kids ages 4-1ish frolicked in the back yard (on the freshly trimmed grass) and turned our living room into thunderdome. But it was so worth it. Nugget seemed so happy. They both fell asleep early, me and the little lady watched Captain America (so some pieces of The Avengers would make more sense) and Thor (since the Mrs. has a crush on the actor who plays Loki). It was nice.
So Sunday came, Nugget's actual birthday, and we took her and two of her buddies from dance class out bowling at Brooklyn Bowl. It was fun, but we probably could have used to skip the second game. The girls were running out of steam. It was still early and we weren't expected at Mem and Babik's till after four so we head to Pier 6 to enjoy the first weekend of the Water Works for the season. Its my favorite park and I got the most amazing parking spot any one has ever gotten. Then it was off for delicious ribs,chicken and cake. We eventually headed back home where we were ready for round two of cake. Its ironic Nugget will not eat cake; not the strawberry donut bite skewers we made for her class, not the sheet cake I got for the party, nor the cupcakes at the bowling alley nor the two cakes on her actual birthday.
With it being Memorial Day, I marched in the parade, while Mrs.GMIBADPARENTING set up a play date at Pier 6. It was insanely crowded there. I'm sure there were no children at any toy store in a ten to twenty mile radius. It was so super hot out it felt nice getting my feet wet. I got some advice from another dad on a really good waterproof iphone holder. We hit the world famous House of Pizza and Calzone. And called it a weekend, all in all a pretty awesome birthday celebration.
Thursday, May 24
I yelled at someone at the kids museum today
I had taken the kids to the Brooklyn Children's Museum, since it was a free admission day( once a month on a Thursday). They love it there. We got to explore a new section and then I yelled at someone.
We were in Tot Town and heard an announcement that the water portion would be closing soon, so we headed over there and I rolled up the kids sleeves, put on some plastic smocks and let them at it. It gets a bit heated in there with all the splashing so I was keeping my eyes opened.
There were a bunch of little boys who were not splashing too much, there was this little girl who was afraid of the play sand, my kids and this little boy who was hoarding the toy sharks. He would grab a shark or whale whenever another kid had one. His mother would scold him lightly and give the toy back to he other kid. Eventually the little boy would go for it again.
Nugget was playing near him and she had a toy squid in her hand and he went to grab it. She is a tough little cookie, and she was not letting it go. He wrestled her to the ground. I rush over to make sure she was ok. Which she was. The mother says sorry and I just went off. Telling her that sorry wasn't enough that she had to keep her kid under control. I was very angry because when my kids are out of control they know they are not supposed to touch other kids. And if they do there are consequences. I don't think this lady was doing that. Notice I yelled at the parent, because their kid is only acting this way because the parent allows it.
I don't know her situation. Maybe she is a single parent (well my mom raised us alone and me and my brother would never act like that). Could the kid have emotional problems, I don't know. But if your kid can't control himself near others he needs to be reigned in. I'm just saying. A few minutes later he was hoarding all the dinosaurs as well.
As this is happening, the dad of the little girl who was afraid of sand turns to his wife and said lets get out of here before this gets ugly. But it never did, I didn't curse or get too "Tony Soprano"-esque. Which is a good thing. I'm making a concerted effort to not curse as much, driving has been a struggle. Not because I think I'm such a great driver but because every other driver is dumb and deserves to be punished.
We were in Tot Town and heard an announcement that the water portion would be closing soon, so we headed over there and I rolled up the kids sleeves, put on some plastic smocks and let them at it. It gets a bit heated in there with all the splashing so I was keeping my eyes opened.
There were a bunch of little boys who were not splashing too much, there was this little girl who was afraid of the play sand, my kids and this little boy who was hoarding the toy sharks. He would grab a shark or whale whenever another kid had one. His mother would scold him lightly and give the toy back to he other kid. Eventually the little boy would go for it again.
Nugget was playing near him and she had a toy squid in her hand and he went to grab it. She is a tough little cookie, and she was not letting it go. He wrestled her to the ground. I rush over to make sure she was ok. Which she was. The mother says sorry and I just went off. Telling her that sorry wasn't enough that she had to keep her kid under control. I was very angry because when my kids are out of control they know they are not supposed to touch other kids. And if they do there are consequences. I don't think this lady was doing that. Notice I yelled at the parent, because their kid is only acting this way because the parent allows it.
I don't know her situation. Maybe she is a single parent (well my mom raised us alone and me and my brother would never act like that). Could the kid have emotional problems, I don't know. But if your kid can't control himself near others he needs to be reigned in. I'm just saying. A few minutes later he was hoarding all the dinosaurs as well.
As this is happening, the dad of the little girl who was afraid of sand turns to his wife and said lets get out of here before this gets ugly. But it never did, I didn't curse or get too "Tony Soprano"-esque. Which is a good thing. I'm making a concerted effort to not curse as much, driving has been a struggle. Not because I think I'm such a great driver but because every other driver is dumb and deserves to be punished.
Wednesday, May 16
Story time
In a corner of the Ridgewood library children's section near picture books and fiction nearly two dozen toddlers eagerly await "Toddler Time" to begin. Parents, mostly moms but a few dads and grandparents, try to keep their kids wrangled. Calling them in English, Spanish, Polish, Japanese and Romanian.
They all await a lovely young librarian and her plush monkey George. For thirty minutes the assembled mob sings and dances as they build a love for books and music. But unfortunately these good times may be fleeting as budget cuts threaten to end programs like Toddler Time and Mother Goose time. Additionally library hours will be cut and your next latte may be served by a very nice librarian and her monkey.
Personally, I started taking the kids to the library this past summer to beat the heat and they both loved story time. Now I bring the little guy and it's a great opportunity for him to interact with other kids. Even though much of that interaction is in a mosh pit setting during "monkeys jumping on a bed".
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a house full of books. So many families across the city need the libraries so their kids can have books to read. I think it's the responsibility of everyone who loves books or has kids to contact the Mayor, the city council and your local representatives letting them know you only support politicians who support our libraries.
I ask all my friends and colleagues in the book publishing industry, most of which is located here in the New York area that you make a concerted effort to help stop these cuts too. If libraries are under funded they are going to buy fewer of the books we love. The ones that we know aren't going to be huge sellers but we believe in. Seriously none of us got into the book publishing game to make sure no space is lost in a Target or Walmart planogram. We got into it to make great books and for people to read them.
It's time for all of us who love books; all of us who make our living through books to step up and stand up for books. http://savequeenslibrary.org/
They all await a lovely young librarian and her plush monkey George. For thirty minutes the assembled mob sings and dances as they build a love for books and music. But unfortunately these good times may be fleeting as budget cuts threaten to end programs like Toddler Time and Mother Goose time. Additionally library hours will be cut and your next latte may be served by a very nice librarian and her monkey.
Personally, I started taking the kids to the library this past summer to beat the heat and they both loved story time. Now I bring the little guy and it's a great opportunity for him to interact with other kids. Even though much of that interaction is in a mosh pit setting during "monkeys jumping on a bed".
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a house full of books. So many families across the city need the libraries so their kids can have books to read. I think it's the responsibility of everyone who loves books or has kids to contact the Mayor, the city council and your local representatives letting them know you only support politicians who support our libraries.
I ask all my friends and colleagues in the book publishing industry, most of which is located here in the New York area that you make a concerted effort to help stop these cuts too. If libraries are under funded they are going to buy fewer of the books we love. The ones that we know aren't going to be huge sellers but we believe in. Seriously none of us got into the book publishing game to make sure no space is lost in a Target or Walmart planogram. We got into it to make great books and for people to read them.
It's time for all of us who love books; all of us who make our living through books to step up and stand up for books. http://savequeenslibrary.org/
Monday, May 14
Top TV dads
I read lots of great posts about tv moms in the run up to mothers day. So I decided that in the month leading up to fathers day I would start listing the top tv dads of all time.
You will not see Peter Griffin, Homer Simpson, or Jim (from According to Jim) on this list. It will be filled with men who are responsible, compassionate and loving to their kids and significant others.
And I'll preface the list that it only includes dads who I have seen on TV and all these choices as just my opinion.
This list is not necessarily ranked but no list like this would be complete without the clear cut number one.
#1 Heathcliff "Cliff" Huxtable (the Cosby Show)
For most of the 1980s the luckiest children in the world were Denise, Theo, Vanessa, Rudy and later Sandra, because Dr. Huxtable was their dad. If the show lasted one episode he may have still made this list.
In the first episode Cliff broke down living costs to Theo who was having problems at school and didn't want to go to college. His only son Theo said in a touching moment that he didn't need to be a doctor or lawyer like his parents, he wanted to be a regular person and he'd be ok as long as his dad loved him. Cliff looks at him, and everyone is expecting a hug or something, but he stands up and says that's the stupidest thing he'd ever heard. That is the kind of straight talk that he dispensed for the rest of the series, and the kind that dads like me try to emulate. Fast forward many seasons that young boy who had trouble reading because of dyslexia was an NYU graduate and a teacher.
The character was revolutionary, not only because he was an African American doctor on TV but he was a stay at home dad. He was a loving dad, eventually grandfather, son and husband.
He raised his kids to be respectful and good people. His son learned to be respectful to women from his example. And his daughters married men that had many of the same good qualities that they saw in their father.
The character was as good a man as has ever been on TV. The kind of dad you'd be ok with trusting your kids into his care.
You will not see Peter Griffin, Homer Simpson, or Jim (from According to Jim) on this list. It will be filled with men who are responsible, compassionate and loving to their kids and significant others.
And I'll preface the list that it only includes dads who I have seen on TV and all these choices as just my opinion.
This list is not necessarily ranked but no list like this would be complete without the clear cut number one.
#1 Heathcliff "Cliff" Huxtable (the Cosby Show)
For most of the 1980s the luckiest children in the world were Denise, Theo, Vanessa, Rudy and later Sandra, because Dr. Huxtable was their dad. If the show lasted one episode he may have still made this list.
In the first episode Cliff broke down living costs to Theo who was having problems at school and didn't want to go to college. His only son Theo said in a touching moment that he didn't need to be a doctor or lawyer like his parents, he wanted to be a regular person and he'd be ok as long as his dad loved him. Cliff looks at him, and everyone is expecting a hug or something, but he stands up and says that's the stupidest thing he'd ever heard. That is the kind of straight talk that he dispensed for the rest of the series, and the kind that dads like me try to emulate. Fast forward many seasons that young boy who had trouble reading because of dyslexia was an NYU graduate and a teacher.
The character was revolutionary, not only because he was an African American doctor on TV but he was a stay at home dad. He was a loving dad, eventually grandfather, son and husband.
He raised his kids to be respectful and good people. His son learned to be respectful to women from his example. And his daughters married men that had many of the same good qualities that they saw in their father.
The character was as good a man as has ever been on TV. The kind of dad you'd be ok with trusting your kids into his care.
Wednesday, May 9
random
I didn't get a chance to post this weekend but it was pretty amazing. One of the tags on my Free Comic Book Day post was "bonding" and the day totally paid off in the bonding area. I took Nugget to FCBD at our local comic book store, we went for free comics ( they had everything which was awesome) and the kids costume contest. So she broke out the her Firestar costume. It wasn't even a contest as the people taking the pictures said "I think we have a winner". And a few hours later we saw on facebook that she won. At that same store there was a autograph signing by former WWF tag team champions Demolition. And waiting on that line was one of my oldest friends, who I hadn't seen in over twenty years. He was there with his step-son. It was weird but it was nice. We are going to try to hang out again.
After trying in vein to avoid the NY Bike Tour on Sunday we hit the "beach park" at DUMBO with some friends and their kids. Afterwards we ate at this yummy Middle Eastern restaurant. A good day.
So, after school on Monday, I brought Nugget to claim her prize. In addition to the gift card they gave her a Firestar figure. Which was cool, then she picked out this really nice Green Goblin figure. What four-year-old does that?
Thursday, May 3
Free Comic Dook Day
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| Yes, she is dressed as Firestar |
Several months ago, after countless hours of Dora the Explorer on Netflix, I turned on one of my favorite cartoons from my youth “Spiderman and his Amazing Friends.” To my delight and surprise it is now my daughter’s favorite show, admittedly she was pretty scared of the “Swarm” episode at first. ...
Tuesday, May 1
The bookstore
Our love of books has been passed along to both of our kids. We take them to story time at the library or to the local Barnes and Nobles to browse. Honestly I don't care what book they pick up to flip threw, it's the act of interacting with books that is important.
So we were at BN, nugget is checking out some Sesame Street pop-ups when this little boy and his family come by. He starts looking at a Angry Birds Shapes book. As a side note bravo to whoever was able to crank out that book with such nice art so fast. My old place is still working on an "only in kenya" board book.
So the dad scolds him saying that that book is too fun and not educational enough. I'm all for education but books should be a little fun. You don't have to buy the book, but let the kid look at it. I'm sure it's a terrible book, but reading for pleasure is not a waste of time.
Kids who read for pleasure are opening up worlds of new adventures. Those who only read what is assigned become boring automatons. But I'd rather my kids read for pleasure in addition to what is required, so they grow to be well rounded people.
So we were at BN, nugget is checking out some Sesame Street pop-ups when this little boy and his family come by. He starts looking at a Angry Birds Shapes book. As a side note bravo to whoever was able to crank out that book with such nice art so fast. My old place is still working on an "only in kenya" board book.
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| Sorry ... do you remember how awesome this early internet meme was? |
So the dad scolds him saying that that book is too fun and not educational enough. I'm all for education but books should be a little fun. You don't have to buy the book, but let the kid look at it. I'm sure it's a terrible book, but reading for pleasure is not a waste of time.
Kids who read for pleasure are opening up worlds of new adventures. Those who only read what is assigned become boring automatons. But I'd rather my kids read for pleasure in addition to what is required, so they grow to be well rounded people.
Restart
This morning one of my buddies asked me if this blog was dead. And considering how long it's been since I posted new material. I can see why one would ask that. But I have been thinking about refocusing this blog and my tumblr blog. Here you will find "dad stuff" while over there you'll get all the rest.
HERE WE GO:
I wish I enjoyed anything as much as my kids love swinging on swings. They squeal with delight as they take flight. They both started slow. Never wanting to be pushed harder, now I'm sure I have screwed up one of my shoulders pushing them as they demand to go higher.
HERE WE GO:
I wish I enjoyed anything as much as my kids love swinging on swings. They squeal with delight as they take flight. They both started slow. Never wanting to be pushed harder, now I'm sure I have screwed up one of my shoulders pushing them as they demand to go higher.
Monday, April 9
Today my daughter said her name
Today my daughter said her name. Over and over again, and it was glorious. For most of the years that she has been speaking, she usually just referred to herself as “Me”. But today she became “Olivia.” MORE
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