FYI: If you need even more pictures of her, just go to adahpascale.blogspot.com for this one, and many others.
Speaking of sons and daughters, it’s kind of intimidating being a father of both. I mean, let’s face it; I’m pretty much just winging it. I grew up as an American Boy (obvs) so I at least have a child’s understanding of what that was like coupled with an adult (I hope) perspective on it. This means that I’m aware of some of the benefits of growing up white, male and at least middle class in the US, and the Levi will have pretty much the same advantages. However, I’m also aware, as a parent, of the difficulties that face little boys growing up. You know, the old culture of toughness stuff, competitiveness, smug sarcasm as a defense mechanism (just me???), requisite dismissal of emotion, &c. I don’t mean to be dismissive of those problems, though, because even though they are hackneyed and clichéd, they are still real. Then there’s the added problem of schooling, but that’s another post. (actually probably not).
But girls? That’s another story. All I have are first-hand accounts of what it is like growing up as a girl, and I find those so outlandishly terrifying that it’s hard to believe they are real. But my sources are all intelligent, honest women, so I’m quite scared for my daughter, since I have no choice but to believe them. Unfortunately (and typically, I expect), as a child I was aware primarily of my own situation and experience and not really at all concerned with anybody else. For example, I know almost nothing of what my own sister went through in high school because I just didn’t pay attention.
Uh, anyway, I am sort of departing from my train of thought here (I hear that’s common for parents of newborns) so I’ll just say: It’s scary being the father of a daughter and thank God I’m married to a brilliant, kind, observant, understanding woman who is comfortable (usually) in her own skin. If my daughter can grow up to be a woman like her, I’ll be very happy.
2 comments:
I have to agree with you, Schuyler, Adah is going to have a great role model! Maggie is one of the coolest women I have met! Both of you are amazing parents!
Having 3 DD is definately scary, especially when I think of the teen years but I just try to be the best mom I can be and give the most love I can one day at a time.
Schuyler, it's also important to remember that what making growing up a boy scary IS what makes growing up a girl scary. The toughness/douchebaggery/masculinity defined as putting down anything feminine IS what makes girls scared, what makes boys feel like they can rape us when we're passed out drunk, what makes old boy hiring networks possible. One of the best things you can do for Adah is to support Levi in being a different, awesomer kind of man. And *being* a different, awesomer kind of man.
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