For about 3 months, my wife and I had been looking forward to this past weekend. We were taking Pea to a friend's cottage just outside of Ottawa for the first time, and we were eager to see how Pea would react to a lake front environment and the potential for water games and other outdoor … [Read more...]
Where’s My Magazine Cover?!
If you think the Dad in your life is clueless, it may not be his fault. Blame the media.I can hear you already. Oh, c'mon Shawn, the media? How passé. How trite. How convenient. Let me explain.There is no denying that gender roles still exist in our society. … [Read more...]
Imagine all the PEA-ple, living for today!
I was tidying up the house recently while my wife was putting Pea down for a nap. Like any little toddler with access to toys, Pea has a tendency to turn our house into a disaster zone worthy of government aid in the span of a few minutes. So, when she's left to run amock for a few … [Read more...]
To cut or not to cut?
Sometimes I use my blog to dole out advice. Other times I give an opinion or two on a topic du jour. Today, I'm looking for advice from y'all. Oh, how the tables have turned.Here's the down low. My little girl was born with the genetic coding associated with my hair. That's right, … [Read more...]
Delivery time? Ok, I’ll be in the waiting room. (Includes Instructional Seating Chart)
A co-worker recently told me a funny story about the day her daughter was born. Her entire labour lasted about 3 hours. Hilarious, right? Ok, that's not the funny part... it's actually quite dangerous to have such a short labour. The body isn't fully prepared for the shock of... … [Read more...]
My daughter has started dissing me…
It's begun. My daughter is now in the "brutally honest" phase of her life. I anticipate good times and laughs ahead.Here's the scenario. It's shortly after a delicious pasta lunch. Pea and I are playing together on the floor in fairly close proximity. As I explained to … [Read more...]
A Camping Trip Ruined
I went camping with the boys in the Bruce Peninsula this past weekend. It was a nice, relaxing trip and a decent getaway, but it started out on the worst foot possible. Pea is really beginning to grasp time and distance. When we tell her she has 5 minutes to play, for example, she … [Read more...]
Dad: A Report Card
I found a handwritten note on my pillow last night after Pea had gone to bed. This note was entitled "Dad: A Second Year Report Card" and featured a series of grades on my conduct as a Father. This report card was written anonymously, but upon further inspection, there were a few telltale … [Read more...]
Do useless husbands make useless fathers?
Shawn's Note: In this post, I have used the words "husband" and "wife" to simplify gender identification. You can easily insert the word "partner" to suit your particular tastes.There are many differences between being a husband and being a father. But, is a man's behaviour as … [Read more...]
Skills to have for a lifetime, and to save one
Within 15 minutes of walking into my home for the first time, Mike started talking about the time his daughter nearly choked to death on a Mum Mum. Mike was graphic. He described the shade of blue she turned (think blueberry) and how he and his wife reacted when they realized that her … [Read more...]