Love can be Measured

Tonight I heard something that absolutely blew my mind.  "When you become a parent your soul becomes the ghost of your children's future."  I had never thought about time this way, but it really struck a cord on the guitar of this stay at home Dads heart.

I have never been so naive as to view our three dimensional world as reality.  I realize that the universe is vast and our limits to understand simply don't make sense.  I say this only because of the fact that the love we bestow upon others can't be measured and I view that as a limitation to human understanding.  Mankind is not the pinnacle of evolution, nor are we the masters of the universe, but we do have the ability to think beyond our realm and I find that very freaking cool.

I chose to post the picture above, because I actually believe that a 4th dimension can be witnessed in this photo.  As all qualified scientists realize, time is relative, and as a result of this fact I believe we can all see something that proves a 4th dimension can be seen, and eventually understood here on earth.  If you examine the space between father and son, you will soon feel and possibly see a measurable force.  That force can be compared to gravity, and I believe one day it will be measured and harnessed.

I realize I am one of the brightest minds to ever walk the earth, but the truth is my son is on a whole other level.  His innocence and dedication to his smile is creating energy at a level that I simply can't keep up with.  I just hope I'm doing what is best for the boy, and he understands just how dearly I want him to succeed.  How does one measure the success of a stay at home parent?

Living in a one bedroom apartment in one of the most evil cities in the world isn't easy.  One thing is for sure though, Walter gets read to more than any child and yes I'll take that bet.  The question I have is what matters more at this age?  I don't have any of these answers, but it will certainly be interesting to see how Walter develops and adapts once we move south or back to the Midwest where we can get some more room for the boy to roam.  I imagine he will open up and run for hours just like his mama.

Now I will just give you some quick updates on the little man...

***Walter is being introduced to new foods now...Squash, Bananas, Carrots and a few other things.  He is not having any of it so far and I guess that is ok.  He's a booby milk kind of guy and I really can't blame him.

***The boy absolutely prefers to stand up and jump in his bouncer than anything else.  If I didn't know any better I'd guess he will walk before he crawls.

***Potty training is coming along pretty dang well.  I know he's only 6 months, but everyday I put him on the toilet twice and though he doesn't always poop he almost always pees and i give positive reinforcement.  I also bring him to the bathroom with me and let him watch me pee.  I really think this is good policy.

***Walter flat out has a big time bond with his Aunt Brooke.  She makes him laugh and will actually fall asleep on command when she rocks him.  This proves to me that Grandpa's spirit is in the boys body because Brooke and Grandpa had an amazing bond.

Well that is all for now!  We love and miss you all!

Cheers,

Christopher 

  

Walter hits 4 months...

I am quite shocked by the fact that it has been so long since I last blogged about the man who has been crushing the hearts of ladies all across D.C.  What?  You don't believe me?  Nancy Pelosi was quoted as saying that Walter Eli Maher is the greatest threat to the Democratic party since honesty became cool.  I chalk it up to the fact that he most certainly has his father's eyes and his mother's insatiably luscious lips.  Who's up for a little update on the boy who has changed the way I do business?

The picture above illustrates the fact that Walter believes in vampires just as much as I do.  Over the past week the boy and I have discussed the fact that there are folks that live in this world who shy away from the sunlight.  He fully understands the world of the vampire and he has decided that it is better to join them than fight them.  I'm thinking it was seeing Kate Beckinsale in Underworld that fully turned him on to the blood suckers, but you will have to ask him when he decides to start talking.  Needless to say it seems that Walter is very excited for his first Halloween.  My guess is that he just struts around and attempts to hit on all the naughty nurses, but his mama may not be so keen on the idea.

Speaking of his mama...How cool is it that Amy has pumped this boy up to the 50th percentile when it comes to height and weight?  When he was born he was down in the 5th!!  It seems that whatever is coming out of those incredible fountains is packed with protein and a vibrant array of carbohydrates! I find it so attractive to know that my boy and his mother have such a tight bond; it makes me love the blonde beauty all that much more.  

The little man has taken a liking to the little bouncer that we procured via Amazon.com.  The picture above is my man taking a break after lunch and just listening to some country music.  The boy absolutely loves the voice of Miranda Lambert.  I don't care what is going on, if her sweet pipes come over the speakers he just loses himself in the moment.  I really can't blame him though, Miranda is a spectacular lady.  That smile just melts my heart and reminds me that the circle of life is truly alive in the family.

I've been a stay at home Dad for over a month now and I can tell you that it's the best job on the market.  I firmly believe that I'm able to project a positive outlook on life via our endless interaction throughout the day.  I'm very happy Amy and I made the decision we did, and I wouldn't change my daily duties for anything.  He's a good man that little fella, and I'm looking forward to diving into the fall and winter months with my new best buddy.

Cheers and Love,

Christopher

The Learning Curve...

Walter Eli Maher and his humble father have now spent a full 7 work days together, and I must tell you that I'm really freaking excited about our future together.  Things are starting to get pretty interesting around here, and I think it has a lot to do with Walter's ability to laugh at me.  He has no problem letting me know how funny I am, and I greatly appreciate his honesty.  I haven't quite mastered his native tongue as of yet, but I imagine we will be on the same page soon.

The picture above tells the entire Maher family story.  We love the heck out of each other and our egos are large enough to enjoy posting pictures this sweet.  The main attraction, of course, being that little beacon of light climbing all over his mama's back.  The one thing I wasn't prepared for when I took on the role of SAHD (Stay at home Daddy), was the separation anxiety that occurs almost immediately when I'm away from the little fella.  I realize it is a natural protective instinct, but I feel Walter has cast a spell on me.  Whatever it may be, I will tell you that I don't follow any of the guidelines laid out by all the experts.  We just take things day by day and have an absolute blast in the moment.

Museum Monday's was an idea of mine and now they've become a thing for us.  Today Walter and I took a stroll to the Native American museum where I helped teach the boy about the tribes that inhabited our lands much before we came about.  He seemed quite interested and when we took the quiz at the end he did very well!  I often wonder if frequently exposing a 3 month old to things like Museums or Mother Nature have an impact on development.  Regardless of that answer I believe that he is most definitely learning the importance of conversation, because I talk to him so much that I imagine folks walking by think I'm crazy.

I guess the reason Walter and I have so much to talk about resides in the fact that we both have a love for ourselves, and the thoughts we cultivate.  It's clear in the picture above that our desire to pose for shirtless selfies is trumped only by our need to smile.  It's only been 3 months, but boy am I proud of this young man's physique.  His mama has fed and trained him well, and I believe he is starting to understand the benefits of solid pectoral muscles during tummy time.  We will keep you updated on our progress :)

Well I guess I shall end this installment with a big Who Dey think gonna beat them Bengals!!!!  Walter says....NOOOOOBBBBOOOODDDYYY!!!

The Best of Days...

My day began at 4am when Walter began to dance around in the tiny bed that his parents have confined him to.  To be honest I didn't hear the commotion, but Amy promptly woke me up and I gladly went to check on the situation.  I was greeted with an ear to ear smile that only a male Maher can deliver at such an hour.  I knew right away that my boy needed to blow out some gaseous glory!  I rocked him a bit and we talked about the day ahead.  You see today was the day that Amy had to return to work.

After changing Walter's devastated pamper he decided he'd like to crawl up on Mommy for one last morning feed, before Daddy wore his butt out.  I know I've said it before, but watching my boy bond with his Mom means more to me than anything that I could ever possibly achieve in life.  After the feast, Walter and I went back to bed until about 715am when it was time to walk Mama to the metro.  We both got strapped up and I must tell you that it was with the heaviest of hearts that we did so.  When the time came for Amy to say her goodbyes to Walter it was almost as if time stopped for a moment.

The kind of love that was transferred through that kiss can't really be measured, but it can certainly be enjoyed.  Walter must have fully understood the daunting task that I was about to undertake because he really took it easy on me today.  We read a bunch of books and played some catch in the best way a 3 month old can play.  Walter was clearly worn out by the time the afternoon rolled around, because he basically slept until Mama got home.  I really thought it would be more difficult to get him to take a bottle from me...I guess I smell more like a woman than I thought?  Whatever the case may be I was very thankful for my man's willingness to feed like Miley Cyrus's wrecking ball.  

Being a stay at home Dad has a certain stigma that comes attached to the job.  I'm not really one that buys into such things,  Walter and I have embarked on a journey that will end on the day that he decides he no longer needs my guidance.  My guess is that day could come tomorrow, but we've got a whole lot of fun on tap as fall approaches and I don't plan on letting this fella off the hook until his IQ reaches 180.  

Cheers and Love,

Christopher 

Mother's are INCREDIBLE!

When I first got the idea for this blog I promised myself that it would be purely from the Man/Father's prospective.  The problem is that I had no idea how much further I would fall in love with the woman whose given me everything.

I've said it once and I will say it a million times, "the love a mother has for her son is the greatest love the world has and will ever see."  My beautiful wife loves our son so much that it just brings me to tears to write this blog.  Sometimes I just want to sit back and watch her with him, how she looks in his eyes, kisses and holds him close.  I know I am a sucker for love stories, but marrying Amy Shatsoff was the greatest move I've ever made.  Everyone knows how wild our love is for each other and most don't want me to talk about the games we play :).  What is new to me and to the world is how my boy is feeding, learning, and cherishing the warmth of his mother's embrace.  If you are out there, reading this, and you don't cherish your woman...shame on you!  My wife is my unicorn and until the day that I die, no soul will ever bring her harm, because that is what Men do...We protect our women.

Speaking of Men, how about this little 2 month old that is growing like a weed under the strict tutelage of his handsome father?

I'm positive that all of you realize that my parenting skills won't always be considered textbook, but I will tell you that this young man has quickly become my most loyal Man friend.  He's always there for me at 3am when I need to be woken up, and for that I can't thank him enough.  He's also very good at washing my hands with that pure infant urine that is just so good for the skin.  Walter is a very generous individual when it comes to the folks who care about him most.  He cries on any shoulder that will have him, he farts in any arms that will hold him, he burps on all the ladies, but when he looks in his Dad's eyes with those big blues the world just seems to stop.  Being a father has been a dream of mine since I met my Queen, and now that she has delivered this gem it's been nothing but smiles.

This blog started about my wife and it will end by giving a shout out to both her and the men and women who work with and for her.  Walter has had the pleasure of being held by some of the brightest minds in American and I truly believe that he feeds off their knowledge.  What is amazing to me is that my wife is so loved by all of them, and in turn I am loved by all of them.  So this toast is to you my friends at the ISU...Walter loves you and my wife misses you!!

I'm just so blessed...

All my love and more,
Christopher

Walter's First Road Trip!!

Before I begin I'd like to apologize for my lengthy absence from the blog, and make note that a 7 pound baby can produce more poop than a full grown elephant.  I became overwhelmed by the number of diaper changes and sleep became my priority.  Now that we are 5 weeks in I do believe that my energy is focused and my game is back at optimum levels.  So with all that said, how about I tell you about Walter's first road trip!?!?!

As a father I was extremely happy that Walter and I were able to convince Mommy that it would all work out when we got up to the Capital Retreat Center.  It's a Jewish children's camp in Pennsylvania and I imagine that not many 5 week old spartan's have attended in the past.  What Mommy didn't know was that Walter and I secretly planned to give her a weekend full of sleep and relaxation and that is exactly what took place.  My boy was a huge hit among the female population and even when he pooped the crowd seem to roar with approval.  All kidding aside though, I firmly believe that exposing this little fella to the beautiful features that Mother Nature has to offer is not only important, but it is essential.  

I'm not one to judge, but I will tell you that today's children seem to be spoiled by electronics in a way that is not at all healthy.  Parents give young ones gadgets just so that they will remain quiet, but the process of learning is left out.  At one point this weekend the little man and I wandered down to the creek that ran through camp and just had a little chat.  I let his feet feel the water and I could really tell that he understood his connection with the water. This is how I plan on parenting the Man who will someday be the head of the Maher family.  It was just so awesome to watch Walter make Shabbat with some of my dearest friends here in D.C.

Most people will call me crazy for believing that a boy only 5 weeks old could possibly understand what happened during the 25 hour Shabbat that took place with my class this weekend.  I will tell those same people that they are completely wrong.  My boy was in the presence of so many prayers, happiness, and two Rabbi's who understand Torah and are able to teach even to the most juvenile of minds.  Walter was so tired when we got home today that he stripped down to his diaper, wrapped up in a blanket and asked his daddy to sing him to sleep.  I, of course, obliged.

What did I learn from the last time I wrote you ask?  I learned that young men have no fear and they aren't here to just eat, sleep, poop and repeat.  My boy wanted to learn from me this weekend, and his Mother and I introduced him to Mother Nature; she smiled and gave him a little kiss on the cheek.

Yasher Koach!!!

Cheers from the Man Cave!

Christopher and Walter

The House That Built HIm

As a husband it is my duty to honor, love and protect the woman I love.  For the past 6 years I feel that I have fulfilled these duties to the best of my ability, and yet nothing prepared me for the adventure that is a labor and delivery room.  What began with a pizza/beer in Albania, has brought the dynamic leader, Amy Shatsoff and I to the point in which we are now blessed with the opportunity to bestow greatness.

The saying goes that only "Spartan women give birth to real men."  Even though I've used this line on many occasions I never had the pleasure of witnessing it's truth until June 10, 2014 @1205 pm.  The Queen of my heart, naturally, delivered a Man with mind boggling grace and discipline.  The exam below, given by his father, verified his legendary status, and the "nightMAHER" nickname was immediately passed onto the next generation.  What happened next was the most spiritual moment of my life.

When naming a child in a Jewish home it is tradition that the Man/Woman be named after a deceased relative so that the memories and stories can remain alive.  When picking out a name for this fella, it seemed fitting that he take on the name of a Man who touched the heart of everyone he hugged.  The Mother of this miracle proclaimed that we shall call him Walter Eli Maher, and almost immediately the bond among Men was sealed. 

My Grandpa was not only the rock of the Maher flag, but he was the one who taught the rest of us what it meant to be a man.  Now this sweet baby of ours has the honor of walking in the shoes of someone who walked a very long way.  Young Walter is now tasked with the incredible honor of carrying on both the Maher and Shatsoff traditions, and gracing this earth with a smile that shall dazzle women for many years to come!!

Amy Elysia Shatsoff was the house that built our son, and it was one heck of a fortress.  She took on a task that has become so commercialized and she did it in her own way and with her Man by her side.  We stared at each other, held hands and shared laughs as our little miracle made his way into this world.  The pain may have been great, but the reward was greater.  My Grandpa always told me that a marriage couldn't survive on love alone, but it could thrive on respect.  My wife has always had my respect, but her house built us a child and both have humbled me even more.  

As I sit here at 2am and the boy is wide awake listening to a little Miranda Lambert, I can't help but think about my responsibility as a father.  For too long I've watched America slip further and further into an age in which children own their parents and parents do those children a great disservice by allowing it.  It is my goal to provide this boy with the courage and discipline needed to be successful in a diverse environment.  I believe this begins and ends with one word...Adaptation.

I shall end this installment by thanking all of you for your gifts, love and support of Amy and I through everything!  We look forward to sharing the beauty of the Brit Milah and my conversion with many of you next week :)!!  

I shall leave you with this thought...I feel it is imperative that we start raising Men who understand and appreciate women again.  Chivalry is only dead, because parents and modern men and women have allowed it to die.  It is not politically incorrect to address a woman as "darlin," or give a hug and kiss on the cheek when greeting.  These are the actions that spread love among the sexes and create a community among the masses.  

Keep smiling!!!

                                                         "Walter E. Maher started it all."

  

My Spartan Queen :)

"I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself.  A bird will drop frozen dead from a bough before ever having felt sorry for itself."

In honor of my first blog I began with a quote from the most feminist movie of our time, GI. Jane.  I did this because my beautiful wife not only carries the golden ticket, but she carries herself in a manner that makes me so proud to be the King of her heart.

In just 20 days my son is due to pull back the "curtains" and make is presence known.  Now to many expecting father's this scenario may cause panic, stress, or any other variety of emotions that men are bombarded with when their wives prepare for "glory."  I use the word glory, because in our household we live by a strict code, and it doesn't involve self loathing.  My brilliant wife taught me that pain doesn't exist unless you allow it to beat you, and that lesson most likely saved my soul.  In just 20 days, God willing, my Queen will walk into that hospital, squat down while holding onto me/ a bar and let the heir to the Maher throne slide on out.  There will be no pain, sympathy or sorrow in my eyes; there will be nothing but love, admiration and sheer awe.  Amy Elysia Shatsoff, you took on a task so great that Aphrodite herself would quiver and the biggest payday of your life is near...Let's rock the world, and bring this little lion man into our love nest.

This manly blog is the first of what I hope will be a weekly occurrence that will detail both my take on raising a MAN, and the adventures of a Father and Son.  I'm always here and ready to answer any of your questions and give you any tips that I might stumble upon along the way.  As a stay at home Dad I will be taking my job very seriously as I've grown weary of the current parental landscape.

In closing I'd like to say that women/mother's everywhere do not get the credit they deserve.  Men may be stronger physically, but a woman's ability to selflessly give up there bodies for 9 months and raise a child within is something that has brought me to my knees.  My wife is 9 months pregnant and yet she has never been more beautiful in my eyes.  Her skin shines, her hair dazzles, her muscles ripple and her belly dances.  God has given a wonderful gift, and now it is my job to guide and nurture in a way that will make him smile.

All my love and more!
Christopher