Monday, July 25, 2011

Everybody's Favorite Neighbor

I'm far from a perfect man. I sometimes snap to anger much too quickly. Sometimes lash out in sarcasm rather than taking a moment to pause and understand someone. Sometimes shut out people and ideas without even a second's consideration.

But I do try to be a good person with an open mind and heart. I try to treat the people around me fairly and with compassion. And, even at his ripe young age of 5 months, I strive to pass this onto my son.

Lately, I have rediscovered a guru for these sorts of matters: Mr. Rogers. When I'm home with my son and find myself wound too tightly, I'll search out YouTube videos of this great man who has taught decency, kindness, and love to more children than anyone else in the realm of pop culture. The videos have a calming effect on me and remind me of what is important.

Sure, he may seem to make things over simplistic. Heck, sometimes he even comes across as simple. But that couldn't be further from reality. I love this video from 1969 where he completely disarms a cranky Senator Pastore with kind words and earns a boatload of money for PBS in the process.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

A Family Affair


Music is and always has been an important part of my life. Recently I got to share a part of that love with my family. Two Saturdays past, my band—The Dirt Floor Revue—played The Brooklyn County Fair, an all-day outdoor music festival, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to make it a family affair.

Since I haven’t found the time yet to make up a good fake ID for Buck to get into the dives the band usually plays, this was the first time he attended one of his dad’s shows. He looked mighty sharp wearing his Dirt Floor Revue T-shirt, I must say. And to keep the family-vibe going, my two eldest nieces—my biggest fans—got to see me play, as well as a good buddy’s twin 2-year-old boys.

Playing music in my band is the one outlet I insisted on keeping when my wife and I decided that I would work at home while taking care of Buck. I can’t even describe the pleasure I get making great music with the boys, but that pleasure was eclipsed on that Saturday. I was, and still am, thrilled that I got to play an integral part in exposing some really great kids to live music. 

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Check out Dirt Floor Revue's album here or here or on iTunes

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Cutest ABCs Ever

Folks, once in a while the ole Dad Dude needs to show his mushy underbelly. This is too cute for words

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

4 Year Olds....

I saw a great post online about a man and his 4-year-old son. It's a great, quick read:

Read It Here

Steak, Anyone?


This?
Or This?
It is simply amazing how quickly babies grow and grow up. It seems like yesterday that my wife and I were trying to get the hang of the whole breastfeeding, pumping and bottle-feeding business, yet today I was shopping for baby spoons, small plastic bowls, and rice cereal. That’s right, my little baby boy is moving onto food. It is amazing how, in the midst of day-to-day parenting, these mini-milestones can sneak up on you so easily.

            Rice cereal doesn’t sound very exciting to me, but it certainly beats the pureed peas and mushed carrots that will soon be added to his diet. Depending on how he takes to this whole cereal business, in a few weeks Buck will be transitioning over to veggies and fruits. That phase starts to offer more options. Should I make his food myself or use food from the jar? Is organic worth the expense? Should I start with carrots, peas, potatoes, or beans? How do you clean mushy green bean puree off the ceiling?

And, most importantly, when will my little dude be asking me for a nice, juicy steak?