Times are a Changing

I didn't think that I would be writing the sequel to my last post this soon, but I have to say the play group situation has gotten easier. I didn't even have to dress up to make it happen. Which I was happy about, because with the amount of laundry that I do in a week I didn't want to deal with trying to get breast milk and spit-up spots out of a dress shirt or off of a tie. Although the tie does make a handy burp cloth. (Reminds me of stories of my grandfather who used to use his neck tie as a rag when checking the oil in his car while driving to work.)

Anyway, last Thursday I went back to the music playgroup at the Williston library. Logan and I had a great time singing the songs and was dancing all around with the other kids. Carter, being the easy baby he is, slept the whole time. Although this time I was surprised to have several conversations with the mothers there this time, and I didn't have to be the one that started the conversation! I actually started to feel a little accepted and it felt good.

Then this morning we went down to the Jericho playgroup again and the same thing happened. Some of the women asked me if this is what I do full time or just a couple days a week. They were surprised and supportive when I told them that I was a full time dad and worked part time on the side especially when they found out how young Carter is. So I was able to leave both of these playgroups with a better attitude than a few weeks ago.

I've gotten used to more than the normal amount of stares and glances when I'm checking on Carter or giving him a bottle. In addition to the scrutinous looks as I play with Logan, watching if I'm rough with him and going to create two little hellions as a stay home dad. I let them stare and make sure I'm not flashing plumber's crack when I'm rolling around on the floor plaing with him and they are sitting around the edge of the room talking about who knows what. I realize that the job that I have taken on is not conventional in any culture except in Penguins. But I'm really enjoying the challenge and I'm curious of how this may affect Logan and Carter in the next ten, twenty, thirty years. Hopefully it will give them a positive attitude and break down any stereotypes that society may try to instill in them in the coming decades. As we know, different isn't always bad, or good. It's just different and and will only become what you make of it. Hopefully good.

It's just nice to feel that I'm rounding a corner with the regulars and have the possibility of being more accepted. Who know's maybe they will start harrassing thier husbands to do the same thing since they have proof that it can be done.

Talk more soon.
-Ryan