Backpacking Dad

We have a nod.

When we pass each other pushing our Graco Travel Systems along the sidewalk we do a quick check: Hmm. Rolling the All-Grey model. Nice choice. Then we meet each other's gaze, but we don't hold it or anything; just a glance, and then a slight chin lift.

If we're particularly extroverted that day we'll also toss in a smile. But the smile begins, originates, erupts, while we are looking at the Travel System (a.k.a. 'stroller', for the uninitiated). It starts there because we know. We know how long it took to put that damned thing together. And how important it is that the wheels aren't wobbling. And how special it is to be looking down into our child's face.

So we smile at the stroller, and then let the smile stay on our faces as we look up, and deliver the Nod of the Brotherhood.

I see you have reproduced. You are a superior human being. I salute you and respect your virility.

I met a guy at BlogHer this past summer. His name is Brian. He had been 'round the blog here a couple of times. We were in the strange BlogHims session together. And he stood and spoke with me at a nightclub that weekend. I remember that we spoke. I don't remember much of what we said.

I was a little distracted, having just committed/suffered one of the worst introductions ever. But I remembered one important detail.

Brian was going to be a father. A first time dad. And more importantly (for me) he was going to be a father to a little girl. He wanted to shout it from the rooftops, and his excitement was infectious.

This week Brian finally met his little girl. And although I missed her birthday I'd like to help Brian shout her name from the rooftops.

SIENNA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And Brian? Brian writes what is now a daddy-blog (although it's kind of always been a daddy-blog. He has been a very expectant father.) He is Papa TV. Welcome to the Brotherhood.

(nod)