Read this article about how even in academia, dads don’t do diapers. First, is academia supposedly the last bastion of exemplary daddyhood? Second, some dads DO diapers and not just in academia. I’m proud to say I’m one of them. I do Jeanne’s diapers, I [used to] launder her baby clothes, I give her baths (on weekends), I take her to the playground (when I get home early enough), play with her, draw with her, sing with her, teach her, feed (or encourage her) to eat, give her vitamins, brush her teeth, wipe her down, put on her jammies, read her books at bedtime, go on leave from work to babysit her, etc. So here’s to the few, the proud, the dads who do diapers!
Breast milk is best for babies up to 2 years old goes the compulsory reminder on baby formula packaging. We agree with it, especially Jeanne, so she was on breast milk from birth. Later, this was supplemented with baby formula. But as soon as she turned two, we began the process to move her on to baby formula. We started by offering her milk in a cup, which she had always declined preferring mommy or the bottle. But lately, she’s been drinking solely from the cup. Of course, three nights without mommy and Gretchen’s constant coaxing helped. And today, I officially declare that Jeanne is now weaned!
When I got home from work today, Jeanne hugged me and declared “I love daddy.” Things like this makes going home early and spending time with Jeanne an absolute joy. She probably will forget (I don’t remember much of when I was 1 to 3 years old), but they mean a lot to me and I will remember and cherish them.
I prepared a quick Valentine’s Day dinner when I got home from work. First, to keep her busy, I gave Jeanne a new coloring and set of crayons (for which she hugged me and told me “I love you, dad!”). Then it was off to the kitchen. For the main dish, I made Lemon-Rosemary Roast Chicken (which I’ve written about before so I won’t put it here again). For the side-dish, I surrounded the sides of the chicken on the roasting pan (side-dish literally) with marble potatoes. I then popped everything into the oven. For the salad, I got pre-packed leafy vegetables and Italian dressing. Tossed everything into a bowl, added some tomato slices, drizzled with pre-mixed Italian dressing, tossed, and served! Finally, washed everything down with Asti (a birthday gift from Paul and Ann, thanks guys!). C’est la vie!
