So there I was in the Nike store in the Mall on a weekday afternoon with my daughter… no sneakers for me, mostly they’re a bit too busy looking. On the way out, we passed two dads also pushing their Maclarens with kids around the same age as mine. My immediate thought: how can I pick these guys up?!
Don’t get me wrong… I’m a happily married, straight dad. My wife and I moved from the city to the ‘burbs and had a baby a few weeks later. Soon after, we went to an outdoor art show in our town and ended up chatting with a couple and their kid. We hit it off, but then we had to go. As they walked away, I asked my wife: “They were nice. Should we get their number?” “Nah. Their kid’s too old.” We needed to meet people in our neighborhood, but preferably with a baby the same age as ours. I guess that couple and us just weren’t meant to be.
Luckily, my wife has attended lots of local classes. Though there are many nannies at the classes, my wife has managed to find a few moms and make some friends that seem to be sticking. I’ve extended the friendships to me by inviting the dads to my monthly poker game. These relationships might actually work out! (As long I don’t win their money).
I work from home, but I’m able to take one day each week and make it daddy-daughter day. My daughter and I meet friends of mine for lunch, do errands, go shopping, etc. And now I’m taking her to a swim class one morning. It’s been great so far – a lot of fun and filled with local kids and moms.
So there I was in the Mall, thinking: how can I pick up these dads? They somehow found each other. Is there room for a third? I could fill in when one is sick! But I chickened out and walked past them out of the Nike store. I guess I’ll always have to think what might have been. That’s life, I guess. Anyway – there’s hope… there was one dad in the swim class. Maybe he’s the one?
You made me laugh… nice post. ‘Maybe he’s the one’… Ha!