OC Family - Moms. Kids. Life. - (Reluctant Stay-At-Home Dad)

Change is coming, and it is good

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 14:27:00 GMT

Well folks, you are about to see a new Dad around here, coming in the next week there will be a big change on this humble little blog. You see I got a job, and just finished my first week. It went well, thanks for asking. But it means that I can't really call myself a stay at home dad any longer. So I am re-inventing myself. But you'll see more about that next week. For now, I want to share something with you all, before making the changes around here. The time I spent with my son for the greater part of last year are irreplaceable and I've learned a lot, things that I think most Dad's need to hear, and maybe even some Mom's. Take a look:

Nobody loves a son more than a Father, except maybe his Mother, but she has a 9 month head start.
I am not nor will I ever be playing Mom, mister Mom, or be a substitute for a Mom, you can call me a Dad, or a Father. Remember, Dad's don't mother our kids, we father them.
Little Dude, I promise to chase you when you want to be chased, throw you in the air when you ask, and take you outside as much as possible.
I will never be afraid to take you to the store with me.
I will also never be afraid to watch you and take care of you while your Mom is out.
Father's can handle anything their kids do, if we just stop and think about it.
Value the time you get with your Son, you may never get that amount of quality time again.
Your laugh, will never get old, and I promise to make you laugh as often as possible.
I love my little dude more then I ever though possible.

Me and my boy awesome pic o' the day:

A friendly soul

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:27:00 GMT

So little dude and I were at the grocery store the other day, and as we were cruising around he started saying hello to everyone who walked by (he does this often).

Little dude says "hi!" to an elderly woman, who stops, smiles, and says "what a friendly soul." To which I said thank you, and moved on. But here's the thing, it stuck with me all week, and the more I thought about it the more I realized how true it is. Moreover I also think it is a wonderful description of what we really all should strive to be.

Little dude comes by this so naturally, that despite my thank you to the kind lady, taking credit for my little dudes kindness, I really had no control over it. It really is amazing, he says hello to everyone, and I mean everyone, with the same cheerful attitude, and you know what, they all smile back. He once said hello to a big angry looking dude, who cracked a smile and said hello right back.

Even better, he doesn't seem to let other people crack him. If he's happy, it doesn't matter if there are a bunch of other kids around him having stage 12 meltdowns, he's still as happy as can be. Don't believe me, check this picture out from our fabulous new years eve party, see if you can pick him out:

So I think this year I will try and be more like little dude, say hello to random people, and not let anything ruin my good mood.

Awesome winter dude pic o' the day:

A Dad's dream come true

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:17:00 GMT

I have waited for this to day since well, pretty much Little dude was in Beautiful Wife's belly, and despite the build up and anticipation this is one thing that did not disappoint in the least. What epic event is this you might ask? It's the first time we were able to build with Lego's together. You see I played with the them when I was little, in fact I even have a distant foggy memory of the first set I ever had, in its hard red plastic box that was darn near impossible to open once you closed it. My parents still have a rather enormous rubbermaid tub/bin full of them.

Lego's are timeless, they teach hand eye coordination, fine motor skills, creativity, I think they also can teach you how to create a plan, and give you a sense of accomplishment when you are done creating. Needless to say I may be doing the creating at the this point, but I am there on floor with little dude, and I know he is enjoying all the little buildings, and cars, and airplanes we build together. Take a look at these, and you'll see, I'm stoked.

Bad hair day much, pic of the day:

Like father like Son

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:19:00 GMT

Like father like son,

So over the last 6 months I have found that either through my teaching or genetics that awesome little dude and I have a lot more in common then I thought (besides being awesome)

See:

P.S.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:54:00 GMT

At the Irvine Regional Park.

This past Friday a bunch of us OC Family Bloggers were invited to a little event at the Irvine Regional park to check out there Christmas decorations and festivities. Luckily for me I was able to bring along Beautiful Wife and Awesome son, it was a great afternoon. I'd like to share a few highlights with you, I highly suggest checking it out.

We visited the Irvine Park around Halloween for there pumpkin patch, you can see what I wrote here. And they go all out, Christmas is even more so, they even deck out the Zoo (which at $2 a person is a steal):

You get to start out on a train ride to visit Santa:

And you ride through this:

And you end up here:

Where you get to visit Santa, where you can get a picture with Santa. Now, last year Little dude was great for Santa:

This year, not so much:

And he can cook too!

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:55:00 GMT

I can cook too!

Well, actually I've always liked to cook, even before I became a stay at home dad. One of my favorite things to make is also one of the easiest, and I thought I'd share with you all. Check out my awesome fajitas:

Ready, set, Go:

Ingredients:

Boneless chicken breasts, I usually figure one each per adult, and well, you know how much chicken your kid is going to eat.
1 half of a brown onion
Bell peppers, this one is up to you, I used to use one red and one green, however I recently discovered frozen pepper strips, which have made this even easier.
1 can of chicken brown
1 good sized tomato
1 bottle of beer (optional)
Onion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt, regular salt, and montreal steak seasoning (yup steak seasoning), and Worcestershire sauce.
Annnnnd your favorite garnishes ours are refried beans, shredded cheese, and tomatoes.
Oh and tortillas, we use whole wheat because they are "healthier"

Let's make this sucker:

There are actually two ways to make this, you can actually throw it all in a crock pot, if you do that though, you either need to use the beer, or an extra can of broth.

I usually cook it on the stove though.

I start off with the peppers, and half onion, chopped into 1/2 in think, half rings, half the can of broth, and 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle in the seasonings above to taste, combined in a skillet on high heat.
While those are cooking away, I cut the chicken into slices about a 1/2 inch thick, and 3 inches long
Season the chicken, (think dry rub) with all of the seasoning above.
After 5 minutes or so add the chicken, and either the chicken broth or beer, depending on how pregnant your wife is. :-)
Allow to simmer on high until either the liquid is almost gone, or you're just tired of waiting for it. Just make sure the chicken is done, which is usually in 10 minutes or less.

ANNNND that's it folks, piece of cake!

Awesome little dude pic o' the day:

The first casualty of the holiday season

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:02:00 GMT

This is a live update of the first tragic event of the holiday season.

A young ice skating elf was found, and unfortunately the prognosis was not good. Your life was short, and your skates sharp, your ability to spin will be missed. May you rest in peace, a moment of silence please.

Best Thanksgiving leftover meal, Ever!

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

We have a little post thanksgiving tradition, which I am proud to say, I invented. Our favorite leftover meal ever. I'd like to share it's ultimate yummyness with you. Check it out, it's super easy.

Start with you leftovers (the only thing missing here is stuffing):

Next heat up your gravy,

And your Stuffing and Turkey, I like to use my george foreman grill, because it's quick and easy:

Again all that's missing is the stuffing.

Then Toast your rolls, use whatever you have left over, are preference though is for the kings Hawaiian ones.

Next spread a little cranberry sauce on the toasted rolls, add turkey, and stuffing. Throw on a little leftover applesauce on the side and voila:

Dip in the gravy (think turkey gravy Au Jus) and Enjoy!

Awesome little dude Thanksgiving pic o' the day:

Into the Woods we go

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Every year right around thanksgiving We head over to Peltzer Pines tree farm, check them out here: http://www.peltzerpines.com/. Be sure to appreciate the awesome retro picture on the main page. We pick out our tree and then pick it up later.

I've been gong for probably over 10 years now, and beautiful wife has been joining me for the last 5. This year marked little dudes second visit, and this time was much more fun for him, seeing as this was him last year:

It's a lot of fun, and a great family tradition. Little dude loved running around and exploring, and since there is a huge selection of trees there it was pretty much endless fun.

This year they also added pony rides, a couple of vendors with food, and a "petting zoo," I put petting zoo in quotes because, well, take a look:

I should note that trees here are not the cheapest. Average price at say home depot is 35-40 bucks a tree, the cheapest tree we saw this weekend was $47. But, you can't beat the freshness. Peltzer Pines has two different types of trees, your traditional pine tree, and a Leyland Cypress, which is unique to Peltzer, we like the tree because it doesn't have any pointy needles , and doesn't shed it's "leaves" like pines do, making it very baby friendly.

Overall we enjoy the experience and will continue to go back.

Retro festive little dude pic o' the day

Where did I find this?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:23:00 GMT

Where did I find this?

Did I find it in the Doctor's office? Maybe a med student's desk? The ER? Nope, I found it here:

At Sole Technologies, makers of Etnies, as well was Emerica, es, ThirtyTwo, and Altamont Apparel. They invited us (us being a whole bunch of Mom bloggers and Me, the lone ranger Dad blogger) to take a tour of their headquarters. Which included a basic overview, a chance to meet Pierre Andre, the creator/owner/all around nice guy of Sole Technologies, and a chance to check out the only lab dedicated to creating quality skate shoes for all ages. Emphasis on all ages. We also even ere given the chance to take a little shopping spree in the company store.

Facility:

The most impressive part of the tour for me was the lab, and the amount of thought and effort they put into their shoes, and specifically their toddler shoes. They have this new line of shoes called grow with me, which allows toddlers to wear their shoes longer then, other pairs of shoes. They also did a lot of research into the shape of toddler feet, and how they differ from adult feet. They then completely redesigned their toddler shoes so they would fit better.

The testing they do is pretty impressive, they gave us a special tour of their Sole Technology Institute, which is a one of a kind lab set up where they test the amount of force a person takes when they a skateboarding, they test durability, and just about every aspect of their shoes. Take a look:

If you take a closer look at the skate boarder you'll notice he is wearing a special suit, this allows special motion sensor camera's to pick up movement in specific places on his body so they can track impact points and how his body moves on impact. On the floor is an impact sensor so that they tell the amount of impact is generated on landing (Up to 17 times your body weight!). Through these bits of tech, and the durability testing they do they develop new technology that increases the amount of time you can wear their shoes (minimum 2500 kick flips) and decreases the amount of stress your body take when you are pulling epic tricks.

All in all pretty darn cool. Also, they are super family friendly there. Not only did they set up child care for free, but they also had special food at lunch just for the kiddos, they really took the time to think of them. They also took the time to take care of our readers too! They have given us a promo code just for our readers here at OC family, they've hook us up with $10 off for every $40 spent on etnies.com and free shipping! Just type in "ETNIES FAMILY" and you'll get the hook-up. The promo will run from Nov.17 to Dec. 4th. So check it out!

Hey you, grumpy lady by the swings

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:40:00 GMT

Hey you, don't look at me like that , yeah you, the Mom over there giving me a dirty look like I don't belong on your playground. I see you getting all fidgety and twitchy when your daughter comes my direction to play with my son. Did you not notice me walk up with a curly haired toe head on my hip, and camo diaper bad complete with cars sippy cup slung across my back? Because lady, I'm here to stay, so get used to it. I'll tell you what I'll even let you in on a little secret, there more of us coming... So it's time to accept some change.

Allow me to enlighten you so that you can be better prepared for the coming invasion. Here are some facts from a recent report by California's first lady:

Men account for 3/4's of all jobs lost since December of 2007. (someone is taking care of the kids, and it ain't the nanny)
2 Million wives are now supporting their families while unemployed husbands seek work.
4 in 10 mothers are primary breadwinners now (That means more guys at the park)
Only 1 in 5 homes now have a "traditional" Dad works and Mom stays home setup.

Add it all up and the stay at home Mom is a dying breed, and the stay at home Dad is on the rise.

So, if you like sitting in the corner avoiding eye contact, be my guest. But why not be nice, you know some of us might be new at this, but we can still hold an adult conversation. Oh, and don't forget, we're on your side, we're looking out for the creepy guy hanging out at the park too, and I'm more likely to confront the sicko. We should be friends, trust me it's a lot easier then keeping that scowl on your face. It's a park for heaven's sake, they're supposed to be fun.

Flashback little dude pic of the day:

9 things I never thought I'd say

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:34:00 GMT

1. Let's not stick THAT up your nose.
2. Eat your Broccoli/Cauliflower it's uhhhh Yummy.
3. Get your hand out of your butt!
4. Oh, I would absolutely love to read Good Night Gorilla again, it's my favorite!
5. Don't touch that, yucky, yucky, yucky, yucky.
6. Hootie just got a standing ovation at the CMA's.
7. It's 7:30 wow, we slept in.
8. Are you stinky?
and # 9
Awe C'MON, not in your poop!

Add to the list in the comments section!

Awesome little dude pic O' the day:

In defense of working Dads

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:30:00 GMT

In Defense of the Working Dad: How to work hard, and still get some time with the family.

Although currently I am a Stay at Home Dad, or Domestic Engineer if you will, six months ago though I was a Working Dad, a working middle class Dad in fact, and God willing I’ll be back in that role before another six months pass. There is a problem though with the role of Dad these days, especially when you are busting your butt to keep your job, when half the world is losing theirs.

Here’s the deal, before kids you would work the hours needed to get the job done without a hint of guilt. But when that little one comes along, it flips you around faster then your first trip to the store when you are out of diapers. All of sudden when you stay late you feel guilty about being away from the kids, or leaving your wife home to deal with diapers, baby food, and snot. So what do you do? I mean you’ve got to get the job done, because if you don’t, and it’s not done right, let’s just say the late hours won’t be an issue anymore.

So it’s a catch 22, you’re damned if you do, and damned if you don’t. All we can do as Dad’s is our best. I took a second and checked in with some of my fellow Dad’s who are working, and asked them some of the things they do to make time for the family and try and regain a work life balance:

Nick, Father of two boys and a girl, ages 6, 4, 2:
One thing that is most important and will at first sound like a father who hates is kids, is to remember that your relationship with you kids is a temporary one. One day they will have a family of their own and hopefully like you, be consumed with raising their kids. On the other hand, your relationship with your spouse is supposed to be forever. So implementing a regular Date Night with your spouse is most important. One of the best gifts you can give you children is an example of a healthy marriage and commitment. So many marriages end and families are broken because the husband and wife grow apart as they do what they think is a more noble commitment in raising the children, sacrificing their marriage. You have to get it on the calendar, otherwise it will never happen. Some of the best money you can spend is on babysitters and not on a fancy dinner or a movie. Spend time investing in the love of your youth and keeping your love alive.

Jeff, Father of Two girls, ages 7 and 5:
I Lay in bed with them before they go to sleep and ask them a ton of questions about their day…they love it.

Edgar, Father of One little Gal, age 19 months:
I do have to work some crazy hours sometimes and I also have to travel from time to time. When I am at home, I try to make sure I do the little things like give her a bath, read her a book, brush her teeth, etc. I also try to make sure that I devote some specific dad-daughter time. Although Michelle and I both have busy schedules, she still spends more time with my daughter so I'll make sure to do an activity just with her. For example, I have been gone a lot the last couple of weeks so this Saturday, I am planning to take her to the zoo on my own. Sometimes it is hard but I guess my approach is to try to make the time we have together as valuable as possible. Having said that, I always think I could/should do more.

Brad, Father of Two, Boy 3, Girl 20 months:
I always make sure that I set a routine so they can expect something from me and they always know that they can count on that. Every night we read the bible and then we (all 3 of us) get on our knees and say our prayers. Another is they know that EVERY weekend we are making waffles together or going to Starbucks just with daddy.

Faisal, Father of Two
The main thing is I try to include them in my hobbies. One being I love to cook, so when I do I enlist them as my helpers, my other hobby being working out, come the weekend I dial it back and do so in a way that includes them, be it bike riding or simply running around with them. Also on the weekends I make every effort to get up early as if I was going to work and take them out for breakfast while letting their Mom enjoy some extra sleep.

So you see, most Dads are doing there best, caught between duty and love for their family. It's tough out there, but we'll get through it. Keep up the good work.

Bonus Awesome Rocking Little Dude Pic of the day:

Where can u climb, slide, run and more in 1 place?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:02:00 GMT

Well, it’s little dude and my favorite park. You will find us at this awesome place at least once a week and sometimes twice. Why is it so great? It’s close, there is so much to do, and ..... it’s awesome, duh?

This is Tewinkle park, back behind the OC Fairgrounds off of Arlington Drive. The exact cross streets are Arlington Dr, and Junipero Dr in Costa Mesa.

The best time to go if you have little ones is in weekday mornings, we usually get there around 10:00am, and typically there are several little guys and gals for little dude to run around with. Which is great because I think interaction with other kids is key for socially adjusted kids. I will say that during the summer months it does get a little crazy. Let me show you the greatness of this place.

So here is the run down:

Heading to the park, it’s pretty darn big:

Some close ups:

Sweet hat courtesy of Eli's Lids at Elislids.com

You can also rent out this great covered area with 4 BBQ’s and about a dozen picnic tables for parties:

From on top of the hill bordering the park (lot’s of squirrel’s to check out.)

On the other side of the hill are a bunch of small man made lakes (more like big ponds really) You can actually fish in the bigger ones, but there a tons of ducks, and other birds for your little one to check out (read: chase)

Watch out for freaky duck like birds:

I should also note that the park was built almost entirely out of recycled materials and through donations from many of Costa Mesa’s finest folks

Bonus Awesome little dude pic:

10 things I never thought I'd learn

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:26:00 GMT

I'd like to share with you some things I've learned, but never thought I would, until I was a stay at home Dad. Here you go:

1. I really don't have any patience, none, I thought I did, but I don't.
2. Never, ever, ever, turn down a helping hand, especially when your kid likes to stick his hand in his own poop.
3. Your child can survive on quesadilla's, grilled cheese sandwiches, and cheerios.
4. No matter how hard I try at this Dad thing, nothing beats Mama.
5. This house will never be as clean as when my wife cleans it, I think she has a magic wand or something.
6. Forget the Dog, a diaper dude diaper bag is your best friend (did I mention Brad Pitt has one)
7. My son will drive me up the wall, but he is too freaking cute for me to stay there.
8. I can't take enough pictures of him:

9. if you are the last person to feed or wake my son up, you are now his favorite, congratulations.

And Number 10!

10. Being a Dad is more rewarding than I ever thought possible.

Bonus Awesome Picture of the day:

Hello and Welcome to my Dad World

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:25:00 GMT

Allow myself to introduce myself. My name is Adam, and I am currently (and Reluctantly) a Stay at Home Dad (SAHD). First and foremost I am stoked to be here, and to have the opportunity to be OC Family’s Dad Blogger.
A little about me:

I’m father of One and a half; the other half will be here in April of 2010. Both are little dudes.
I am an extreme extrovert and this blog is an outlet for my extrovertedness.
You can trust me, I’m Canadian…
I love my family, my friends, and baseball, especially during the playoffs (I have the playoff beard to prove it)
I have webbed toes (TMI?)
I think I’m pretty funny, and I hope you agree, if you don’t, do me a favor and just smile and nod, I won’t notice, thanks.

What I’m hoping this blog will be:

I'm hoping that this blog will be an outlet for me to talk about things that have become important to me while being a Dad (naps), that it will be an irreverent (hopefully) look at being a SAHD in a SAHM (Stay at Home Mom) world, and a chance to talk about being a Dad in general. I also know that there are not many Dad bloggers out there (although the number is growing) So I hope I can address things that are important to us as Dads, because I don’t know about you, but I’d rather here advice from another Dad then anywhere else.

Without further ado, Let me introduce you to the fam:

Mama:

Awesome Little Dude:

Awesome Family: