The Weekend – Earned It

No, not The Weeknd. I am talking about the previous two days known as Saturday and Sunday. But, I certainly did earn it (it being success). With just a small taste of spring in the air, it felt like the days exploded with activity, fun and being tired.

With Katie heading out of town early Sunday for  a work conference, it left me with the TCB title and every now and then I think it’s fun to have it all on your shoulders. You quickly appreciate having a partner to trade off with, figure things out with and simply remain sane with. Young kids naturally seem to work together to try to overthrow the kingdom. Many times they come close to knocking down the gate and storming in, but when you have backup, you can stop them at the last moment.

Being by myself, I worry they will finally break through mostly because I just don’t care anymore. Sure, you can eat spaghetti on the couch out of a cup. That makes perfect sense.

Well this past weekend, the castle is in a good state. The reason. Endless activities and at other people’s houses. It’s really the best way to survive a weekend.

Alley Life – Business In The Front, Party In The Back

For those that know us well, you have probably heard about or experienced our “interesting” neighbours wherever we have lived. From loud dance parties, drunk people passed out, those who don’t understand cleanliness and finally, large families just being WAY TOO LOUD. Yes we have experienced quite the range.

We were starting to wonder when we would finally have neighbours who were friendly, respectful and crazy enough, people who we would consider friends.

In Halifax, we never got to know our neighbours beyond front yard pleasantries. I was not sure if it was being in the suburbs, different family backgrounds or maybe they were just afraid of us? I like to think of us as social people, but hey, maybe not.

So, when we moved back to Toronto it was refreshing when we stayed at my in-laws place for a few months, because the neighbours already knew us.

Then it came time to move out on our own again. Time to roll the dice with new neighbours. You never know what you are going to get, especially when you go into a rental unit. All we were hoping for was a few kids on the street for the boys to possibly get to know. Well, we scored.

Dear 6-Year Old Self, It’s Me, Present Day Self

This is a throwback blog post as I attempt to write to myself when I was 6.  No time machine or app or streaming service to make it easier. If you get lost in 1980, enjoy the Miracle on Ice. So to summarize, 2016 Michael is writing to 1980 Michael. Hope this doesn’t hurt your brain. Also, selfies did not exist.

Hello, it’s me.

Hello, can you hear me?
I’m in Corunna dreaming about who we used to be
When we were younger and free
I’ve forgotten how it felt before the world fell at our feet

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Hey, you are 6, you have no idea what that quote was. Most likely you can’t even read it. But if you are like my current 6-year old, you are giving a good try. Yes, I have a 6-year old. Hard to believe right? The scary thing is, he is a mini-me (us). He is taller than average, silly and already understands sarcasm a bit. He is shy on the outside, but chatty once you get to know him. You don’t know this yes, but that is you (me). Wow confusing. I would drop a Lost reference, but you won’t get it.

Things I Aim To Do In 2016 Like A Dad

When a year comes to an end, everyone is taking a look back and what they did or didn’t do over the last 12 months. Then, they look ahead, making lists of what they want to do in the future. The changing of the calendar to 2016 is a great time to start fresh. To take stock of life and make some goals for the next 365 days. I have never been one for resolutions, but I do like to have a few goals on the go, even if I don’t express them.

But as someone who works in marketing, setting benchmarks is the only way to really measure success and failure. I read a great post from fellow dad blogger, Casey Palmer, where he lists in great detail, his goals for the year. So, I figured I could do the same, but in fewer words.

See You In Hell Diapers

This week was a turning point in our parenting lives. We changed our last diaper. Okay, let me rephrase that. We probably changed our last diaper. There is still always a chance as they say.

But let’s focus on the present. We finally pulled the plug on Charlie’s night-time pull ups. Why? Because we had a hunch he was being a bit lazy when it came to doing a number 2. For months now, Charlie has practically been potty trained. I don’t remember the last time we sent diapers to daycare. But….

He never did number 2 at daycare. He would save it up for that glorious time when a pull up was put on. Every night after about 10 minutes in bed, he would do his business. It was frustrating on so many levels. It meant two diapers per night. It meant Harry had to walk into a stinky room to sleep. It meant messy hands for mom and dad. It was not fun. Heck, some nights Charlie would even smirk at us like it was a big game.