Violence against women

Would I have given this topic as much thought if I had a son instead of a daughter?  I'd hate to think so.
   There's a lot on this subject circulating the internet right now.  And it's good that this information is getting out there.  We owe it to men like Patrick Stewart who have been fighting this fight long before it has become more mainstream.  HERE is an example of why Stewart is the most awesome Enterprise captain (actor).
   And HERE is Jackson Katz showing us why it is men's problem.  It's up to all of us to make sure the next generation is less violent towards women.
   I don't think I can say it any better than these gentlemen so please watch the above links.  They are definitely not asses.  If we follow their lead, it will go a long way to not making an ass of ourselves as well.
   MLK Jr. said it best:  "I became convinced that noncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good"  Which means even though we're not violent against women, sitting back and letting others be violent against women means we are still part of the problem, not part of the solution.  Let's all work to be part of the solution for a better world that VB can live in.  I mean really, the world is already broken enough.  Let's try to fix a few of the problems.
   Now here's a video of VB chasing bubbles.  I love that she doesn't have a clue about things like violence against women, racism, or crimes against humanity.  I wish it could stay this way forever.

"He only picks on you because he likes you"

Right.  Now that I have a daughter, this comment doesn't seem so innocent.  In fact, it was never innocent.  It's a precursor to bad behavior which, if not corrected, can lead to the dark side.
   I didn't always realize this.  My wife has helped me to see the light.  But once you see it, it's blatantly obvious.
   Follow this link to see the experience of one parent and their reaction. (It's a quick read and well worth it)
   I think the challenge comes in making parents realize that what their sons are doing when they're 4 and 5 will shape what they do when they're 20.
   It's easy to blow it off from ages 2 to 5 because they're just so darn cute.  How could anything they do be violent or aggressive?  I myself remember picking on and making fun of girls.  And guess what, it WAS because I had a grade school crush on them.  But that's not an excuse to act like an ass.
   If you have a son, please help them be respectful of their female peers.  Help them learn how not to grow up instigating an abusive relationship with their partner.  Help them choose love, not intimidation.  Help them coose respect, not dominance.  
   In the meantime, enjoy this video of VB pointing to all the birds in her room.  You can also see it on Youtube HERE.

16 almost 17 months

So since my work is based around the typical school year, that might explain the previous 2 month hiatus.  And now I'm back... or I will try to be at least for the next couple of months.
   A lot can happen in a couple of months.  Here is just one video showing what you've been missing.

You're going to have to follow this link since blogspot doesn't seem to recognize my youtube channel.

I know; father of the year award, right?  Hopefully CPS doesn't come knocking on my door after posting this.  But my wife tells me that she has read numerous articles on how important it is to roughhouse with your child.  And after a quick google search, this is just one article that I've found.  Lots of good reasons to roughhouse here and it makes sense to me.  I'm only too happy to oblige!
   I just had a thought.  After missing a couple of months of VB, I was about to post a whole bunch of different things all at once.  Rather than do that, how about I don't take up too much of your time right now.  If I can get my act together, I'll break it up into smaller posts so as not to take up too much of your precious time.
   Until next time... (hopefully sooner than 2 months)

14 1/2 months

So I've been a little out of it lately.  Put in almost 80 hours last week.  'Course, that's not excuse for the several before that.
   First of all, there's THIS.  I love Star Wars almost as much as I love being a father.  That explains why I love all the crossover Star Wars and parenthood memes.
   And because it's been so long, here is what VB has been up to recently.

"No!  Socks first, THEN shoes!"

Whoever invented easter grass never had kids.

I like the tutu with blue jeans look.

This look of awe is how I must look every time I think of her.

My Jedi ballerina

Figured out this party favor pretty quick.

Yum... dirt!

Sad VB

Maybe it's a phase.  Maybe VB is teething.  Maybe she's getting bored of us.  Maybe she woke up this morning and we weren't there.  I don't know, but she was really sad this morning and it was really difficult to console her.  She was pretty much fussing/crying right up until she was strapped into her car seat on her way to day care.  Once there, she was fine so maybe she likes it better there than at home.
   Who knows.  It's difficult now, but at least I don't have to buy her underwear... yet.  THIS article from the Good Men Project has shown me what is in store for my future in undergarment acquisition. (or more accurately... what is NOT being sold in the stores that my daughter will probably want)  Thanks, underwear makers, for being an ass!
   Despite having a serious case of the sads this morning, VB is such a delight.  Looking through some video footage this morning, I found this which instantly cheered me up and made me smile.

And this one:

Had to post this

Saw this today and I thought this is the perfect place to share it.  While not something I would do, I wonder if this thought would ever have crossed my mind on my own.

Losing myself

The days, weeks and months since VB's arrival are all blending together.  And it's only been one year!  I can't imagine what it will be like in another 6, 16 or 60! (I hope I can be that lucky)   Here she is enjoying her birthday gift.  And I'm not trying to make any stereotypes about women working in the kitchen or anything.  It seems like every choice we make is loaded.  

Fortunately, I've got friends to pass along information like THIS and THIS which set down some pretty good rules on what to do with your daughter.  Some very good ideas here.  

   Letting her gorge herself on birthday churros is probably not a very good idea.  She was kind enough to share them with us.

   And here is that proverbial dishwasher shot that I think will end up in every parent's photo album.  I just can't get over how quickly she's changing.