when I started this blog five years ago, I was a pet sitter and the name animal-crackers made sense. now I'm a stay-at-home-dad and freelance writer, but rather than confuse everyone by getting a different blog, it's just easier to keep posting things here.


Friday, September 07, 2007

letter from the teacher

Mr. and Mrs. Gernert-

Please explain to Josh that it is important for him to do what the teacher says to do. I was with the class during outdoor exercise time. He refused to line up with his class, preferring to start his own line. It is important for safety and learning that he follow directions.

Thank you.


***

I don't know where he learns such anti-authoritarian behavior.
posted by todd at 3:03 PM 2 comments

it has begun

Today is Day One of the Three-Day Preemie Extravaganza!

Tiny Babies, Fragile Families

This is the culmination of Andrea's year-long project for the Rosalyn Carter Center for Mental Health. On Saturday and Sunday her two humongoid stories about the Nashes will run in the paper.
posted by todd at 6:54 AM 0 comments

Monday, September 03, 2007

Josh's fight

For the first time in years I saw Josh punch a kid today.

We were at an indoor playground. Dylan and I were near the entrance when I see Josh crying. The three of us sit off to the side while Josh tells me what happened.

He was playing with one of the many big bean bags when an older kid tried to take it. Josh wouldn't let go. So the kid pushed Josh down and took it anyway.

Josh wasn't hurt physically. Just spiritually, emotionally.

After he calmed down I asked whether he wanted to go home.

"No, I wanna stay."

OK. So I tell him to go play.

Josh walks away. That's when I spy the older kid playing with the bean bag about 10 feet away, his back to us.

Josh doesn't hesitate. He steps up and jabs the kid in the kidney.

The kid didn't flinch, but he must have been surprised because he offered to give back the bean bag.

However, it was time for us to go.

On the way out it was sprinkling. Dylan hold out his hands, palms facing up, and says "Uh-oh!"
posted by todd at 5:50 PM 1 comments

Saturday, September 01, 2007

god bless US americans, such as and





posted by todd at 8:56 AM 0 comments