I’m now on week four of unemployment, and while I have the itch to get back to work ASAP, I feel like I’m getting into a routine for the most part. Sure, I still haven’t learned to clean up as well as I would like (and as well as my wife would like I’m sure), but I think I have the fun and educational stuff down. Lily is napping right now, so I wanted to put up a little blog before I start picking up. Yesterday, I spent her entire nap time applying for jobs and writing cover letters. So today, I thought the ole blog needed some attention. In the coming days, expect some posts about cooking (I did some awesome cooking last week that only my iPhone camera, my wife, Lily, and I know about), weight loss (I’m back on the wagon and seeing results), and writing (I have a new found motivation, now I just need to find the time…plus NaNoWriMo is coming up!). Today though, I wanted to touch briefly on one of the things Lily and I have done recently: Baby playtime at the public library!
Lily and I have been three times, all with varying success. I will say that after three times, it is more fun for the parent if you go when you know another parent who is going. Lily and I went today without a friend and it just didn’t feel right. In fact, today’s trip wasn’t as fun and successful as I hoped, but Lily still had fun and we’re looking forward to going back again soon.
The playtimes at the Ann Arbor libraries consist of about 15 minutes of song and dance (which Lily loves the most), then 45 minutes of play. Our libraries have some great toys and activities. I know I always complain that I never really see my tax dollars at work, but the library programming is well worth it! Usually, Lily runs around like a wild animal and has an absolute blast (in fact, two weeks ago, she escaped the play room and ran half way through the library with little ole me chasing along). Today felt different though. Thinking back on it, I really think it had to do with quantity of children. This was the biggest group of the three playtimes we’ve been at, and I think Lily was simply overwhelmed. She essentially shied away from all the kids and played on her own, which is a bummer because I bring her to these activities mainly for socialization. If any of my readers have any ideas on less imposing socialization activities, drop me an e-mail or a comment.
The reason I called this blog “Infiltrating” is because as a stay-at-home Dad, I feel like I’m in the minority when it comes to these play groups. It is slightly overwhelming, but so far the group of mothers who attend the playtimes seem very welcoming and accommodating. They don’t necessarily strike up conversations with me or anything, but I don’t get dirty looks that question why I’m there, which is nice. We all share one thing in common and that’s our love for our children. I may still look like a fish out of water at times, but I’ll be a playtime pro in no time. Now, all I need to do is learn those damn songs so I can stop faking like I’m singing along.
Oh, two more coming attractions for future blog posts.
1) Lily and I checked out some potty training books, so you know what that means!
2) We’re coming pretty close to October, which is one of my favorite months. As a huge fan of Halloween, horror, and things that go bump in the night, I’m going to start featuring my picks and the like on this blog for a fright-filled October!
