This was a big day in the Condellberry household (that’s a combination of my last name and Drew’s last name, btw, and how we sometimes refer to ourselves for fun): Jackson used the potty for the first time! I won’t get too mommy-blogger on you (too late?), but I’ll just say that this wasn’t something I thought we’d start just yet, but in recent weeks Jackson had been letting me know in his own ways that he was ready, so I bought a training toilet and some books (I highly, highly recommend Zoo Poo: A First Toilet Training Book, and Potty because they are AWESOME), and then Drew and I briefly explained how the potty thing works, and I instructed him to let me know if he ever wanted to use it. I figured he’d probably just look at it and maybe play with it for a couple of months before actually trying it out. But, nope. Later in the morning, he told me he wanted to use it, so I put him on it and he went. And then he did it again right before lunch. And now I guess we are officially in the potty-training stage? I am simultaneously proud, excited, and horrified (um, trainer toilets don’t flush, ya know…).
ANYWAY. Sorry for that. I am a proud mama today. But this post isn’t about me. It’s about dads! I want to wish a Happy Father’s Day to Drew who continues to amaze me with his patience, love, and generosity. I wish I could go back in time and tell 22-year-old me that I would find someone who would not only be a kind, loving husband, but the kind of father anyone would be honored to raise a family with. Jackson is absolutely crazy about his daddy and it’s no wonder; Drew dotes on him and, in general, acts like he was born to be a father.
My own dad is pretty awesome, too. I’ve written a lot about what it meant and means to have him as my dad, but more recently, it’s been so fun watching him enjoy his role as grandpa. Jackson adores his “papa” and begs me to call him (on Facetime) every day. He thinks his grandpa is super hilarious and makes cool noises. Once, my dad balanced a spoon on his nose and Jackson pretty much thought that was the best thing he’d ever seen. We are all so excited that my parents are moving back to the states in just a little over two weeks (after 40 years abroad!!) and we will hopefully see each other a little more. We’re looking forward to our visit with them later this summer after they move. It’s going to blow Jackson’s mind to see both his grandpa and his grandma in the flesh again and realize that they aren’t just talking heads on a screen.
In addition to Drew and my dad, I also have a wonderful father-in-law and grandpa, but they don’t read this site, so I’ll send my wishes to them in person and through the mail.
Happy Father’s Day to any dads reading this, and to those who are missing their fathers this weekend, I hope you have some wonderful memories to give you comfort.
by Wendy on June 14, 2013
· in Weekend Open Thread
The marriage rate in the US is at the lowest its been in over a century, having dropped 5% during the recent recession (among adults aged 25 to 39 the rate declined from 81% in 1970 to 51% in 2010). Experts believe the decline in the marriage rate is due to “cultural changes about whether and when to marry, the fact that two-thirds of first marriages are preceded by cohabitation and the recession’s financial fallout – including unemployment and underemployment.” But could their be another reason? Like, women earning higher salaries than ever before and many men feeling uncomfortable marrying a woman who earns more than they do? 
