Tuesday Tunes, Holiday Edition!

1. The Mynabirds - All I Want is Truth (for Christmas) -- It's that time of the week again people. This week to get into the holiday spirit I figured I'd post a Christmas song. I first saw the Mynabirds when they opened for Cursive awhile ago and I've been loving it ever since. This song is sort of the 'anti Christmas song' with it's message about global warming, politics, war and consumerism. Hey not every holiday tune has to be warm and fuzzy right?

-Craig



2. Neil Diamond - Christmas Medley -- Im just going to start by putting this out there: I love Neil Diamond.  As a young child he was forced upon me (eww not like that!) by my mom, still not sure if this was a good thing or not, but whatever it is, it stuck! My earlierst memories of his music involve nigh-time drives to get my dad from work. My little brother would be bundled up in his car seat with me sqeezed into the back right next to him. My mom plowing through the snow in our little Hyundai. As we pulled into the truck yard and picked out a spot to sit and wait, my mom would pop in the Neil Diamond Christmas tape, and we would sit, and wait, and sing. My father drove a US mail truck for a sub-contractor, this meant one thing: uncertainty. We didn't have a cell phone back then, so we had no idea if his route was running late or not, what we did have was a CB radio! My mom would keep the windshild wipers on so we could peer out into the snowy darkness and both she and I took turns talking into the hand-held mic of the cb "breaker breaker 37, this is LiteFoot (my name I made up for myself) looking for Night Stalker, you out there Night Stalker, you got your ears on." We would sing along with Neil, eat snacks my mom brought, and break occasionally to try my dad on the radio. As an adult I now understand this situation, and how it must have made my mom feel, a whole lot better. She never made it seem like a hassle or a burden on us to have to wait like that, sometimes well past our bedtimes. It must have been even harder in the bad weather, around the holiday times, but she made the best of it and I am familiar with every word on every tape from Neil Diamond, along with Bruce Springstein, and one of my personal favorites, The Traveling Wilburys!


-Michael



3. Bing Crosby - mele kalikimaka -- When I think of Christmas & The Holiday Season the last thing that comes to mind in Hawaii. But, somehow this old time jam blends the two together in a way that makes me want to throw on a hawaiian shirt, shorts, an ill 80's visor, and a pair of shades and jump in a snowbank. It also makes me thing of that scene from Christmas vacation where Chevy Chase is daydreaming of that 80's hottie. Seriously though this is a rad Christmas Tune.

-Don




4. Beat Street's "Santa's Christmas Rap" by Treacherous Three - I know people love the Run DMC Christmas song but for me this video has it all, a drunk Santa, break dancing nutcrackers, and Doug E. Fresh beat boxing!

-Andre


Enjoy and feel free to leave a comment below with what your favorite holiday tunes are!!

My Alphapets Prints Giveaway WINNER!

The winner is Fawn Lynn!

Please email your mailing address to us and we will get the prize out to you right away! Thanks to everyone who entered and even if you didn't win I HIGHLY suggest you head over to their store and buy something anyway. They rule! Thanks guys and keep an eye on the blog for more giveways coming very soon! -Craig

p.s. Did we mention the winner also makes really cool stuff? Check out her Etsy shop for some really cool custom wreaths just in time for the holidays!

Hipster Dad Field Trip: The Boston Ballet's Nutcracker

The Moniz Family's experience at the ballet:

Having not been to the theater in an embarrassingly long time, needless to say, me and my family were very excited to attend The Boston Ballet's production of The Nutcracker. The fact that 2 of the other Hipster Dads and their families were attending with us increased that excitement ten fold! The only thing Adriana and I were a little apprehensive about was Hendrix and the fact that he may not be captured by the performance, boy were we wrong! Upon entering the opera house a certain air of holiday magic, anticipation, and overall glee hung in the air. Everywhere I looked people were smiling, courteous, and welcoming. We made the rookie mistake of directing our gps to the actual Boston Ballet building (my fault!) and ended up getting to the opera house in the nick of time! Parking nearby was cheap and it was a brisk walk to the show. I would recommend the coat-check to anyone attending with kids, it was a piece of cake dropping off and picking up our coats and made navigating the theater much easier.

Once we were in our seats, Hendrix in his booster, we were ready for the show to start. While waiting the three of us just sat there scanning the room, admiring the architecture, it truly is stunning! I dipped out to grab a couple of glasses of champagne and it was time for the show to start! Right from the opening Hendrix was mesmerized. The costumes were classic with a modern edge, as was all of the props and set design. The choreography itself could have carried the entire show. The troop seemed to know exactly when to focus on the story line and artistry of the performance and when to break away and add that air of playfulness that the kids needed. My favorite part of the show was when the children are presented with the harlequin and columbine toys. When the ballerina steps out of that box I looked over and my beautiful wifes face was lit up with pure joy, it honestly made the entire day for me. Hendrix, he was obsessed with the mouse soldiers and the dancing bear! The entire show flew by and we are absolutely making this an annual tradition! The Hipster Dads were treated to a backstage tour after the show (photos to follow) and trust us when we say, putting this production together is no easy feat! We were all completely captivated, impressed, and grateful to have experienced such a show. Thank you to the Boston Ballet for having us! 


-Michael

Adeline Trades Her Nap for Ballet:

When I initially thought of bringing Addy to a 2 hour long ballet, I thought that it was going to be a half hour long ballet cut short by a crying 2 year old. Once we made our approach to the beautiful facade of the Boston Opera House and entered I realized the excitement and beauty was going to accompany our journey to our seats and into a dream world where a nutcracker becomes a prince. It was also a journey where a 2 year old that usually will not sit still for 10 minutes turns into a little princess and sits through an entire ballet without throwing a fit and making me feel like an asshole.

It was pretty clear as I set up her booster in her own "big girl chair" that she was in for the long haul, as was I. From the start of the first act the newly designed sets were awe-inspiring for both Daddy and Daughter. I found myself turning to my wife at each scene change to exchange a statement of amazement with our eyes, we were like kids ourselves. The movements seen on stage made Addy ask for more…"more ballerina Daddy, more bear dance Daddy, more nutcracker".  All of this happening during what would normally be her nap time, which any parent knows is playing with fire.

Bottom Line: The Boston Ballet did an amazing job on this production. The set design was amazing,  choreography was breathtaking and fun and lighthearted when it was called for. I can't think of many things right now that would have the sophistication and beauty to bring awe to parents while at the same time delivering fun that a child demands (especially when you are putting off her nap). 

-Don

6 adults and 3 amazing kids:

Let me start out by saying to anyone who has been on the fence about bringing small children to see The Nutcracker, FEAR NOT! The Boston Ballet is on top of their game with accommodation of children and families with everything from free booster seats to a very knowledgeable staff... oh yeah, and a fully stocked bar.

When the Boston Ballet reached out to us about attending The Nutcracker all 3 families were beyond excited as it would be the first time any of us have brought our children to such an event. I couldn't wait to see how Sierra would react to seeing something entirely new and so visually stimulating. I wasn't too nervous about her behavior in the theatre as she's been to the movies before so I knew she had the ability to sit still in a seat for 2 hours.

From the second you walk through the huge archway into the building the experience just takes you over. From the hustle and bustle of the lobby to the gorgeous architecture, staircases and lights everywhere. The room just feels alive in a way your local movie house doesn't offer or could ever hope to. Once locating our seats and being amazed at how close we were the excitement just grew until the curtains finally opened and the show began. I can't begin to explain how wonderful it was - it's just something you need to go see. Sierra loved every second of it and I can't wait to take her again.

After the show we were treated to a back stage tour where we saw pulleys, rigging systems and tons of amazing props. The detail on the props and sets was breath taking and I can't thank the Boston Ballet for giving us that once in a life time view of the inner workings of such an awesome event. The night was truly magical and it was a wonderful experience I know all of us and our children will hold dearly for a long time.

-Craig

Guest Dad: Mark DeGuilio

My name is Mark and I have been a single father for roughly 5 years.

There were stints, some longer than others.  I usually felt alone during those times so not much really changed.  This never stemmed from the detachment i always felt towards my son's mother or my on and off ability to commit to a relationship fully.  No.  This all comes from one place that i guess is best to bring up right away so you can understand why i say the things i say.  If you know me, why I act the way that i act.

When i left hospice that early afternoon on July 24th 1999 I knew that was the last time i was going to see my father, Charles, alive.  Not to say he was responsive.  I had not seen that for weeks by then.  He had already spoke his last words to me less than two weeks prior.  I will never forget that moment, what he said and the strange factual, numerical sense that they make.  

The band i was in was playing Lupo's for our first (last) time.  It was some all day RI band fest that we had all been really excited for.  My father was the biggest support of me playing music.  He bought my first bass and paid for the lessons.  He would come to shows when he could considering he had retired shortly before that and living on the Cape running a bed and breakfast with his girlfriend.

That day we were scheduled to go on at 5:15 exactly.  It being a big strict club that is what we did.  the clock struck and we played.  As tears rolled down my face with the opening line to a song, "where do you run to when the world gets to you.." , my father was pronounced dead at 5:15.  He left to come see me one more time.  

I have wanted to be a father since i was young man (32 y.o now).  I wanted to be the person my father was able to be for me for at least the last half of my life with him. 

I am not really sure how to write for a blog or write at all.  I have known Craig and Mike for some time now through music/Prov/Boston and i always admired them doing this blog.  What i am going to talk about is not light hearted, advice or easy to write.  This blog has been about positivity and holding your sense of identity which is a great thing.  I am searching for both of these.  After all this time i need to say something and i hope in ways it can be enjoyable.  

Coen.  My Coen Charles.

As parents, we all imagined what our house/apt would be like having our little boy/girl running around, naked, half dressed or over dressed yelling things that make you and your partner laugh, smile or embrace closer.  That generalized idea of what happiness is and where it comes from.  The one moment i will always remember that made me know that this little boy will love me forever as i will to him.  We were playing around in a dept store while his mom was looking around.  We had already split up but spent time together.  I sat down in some comfy chair while Coen was pretending to hide.  Coen then ran up to me, climbed up on me pressed his face right in front of mine and looked me right in the eyes.  He gave the largest smile and looked at me and said I Love You with them. Coen was 1 and half.  

My experience is about disconnect to a bond and then recreating in a reversed role.  The hardships that come along with it and trying to find coping mechanisms.  I know there are others who can relate and i would love to hear feedback from these people.  If you have not then i hope my words can help if you ever have to deal with it or if your significant other/partner has to.  

Imagine Christmas morning !!!  Your child's first time blowing out the candles on his/her own.  Family members coming to meet your brand new baby for the first time.  The shining moments in your life and your child.

   

As wonderful and inspiring they were and continue to be they have been clouded.  No matter which occasion i eventually have to separate myself, find an empty room and i fall down and cry.  The feeling of being cursed.  Why is my father no longer here?  Why was he ripped away from me? Causing me to not be able to give him the physical gift of a grandchild he had been wanting in his last years of life. Then the tears really start coming..

heavy anxiety ridden breathing sets in....  crying becomes harder.  You do your best to not let anyone hear you especially Coen.  I have begged what ever higher being bequeathed our existence knowing it will never, ever happen.  Then it all gets worse.  

My life would be better with my father still here.  I would be a better person, to myself and others.

Coen is the brightest light i know.  He warms everyones heart.  So skinny and kind of tall.  He is only a pain when it comes to eating.  So super picky and goes back and forth with what he likes.  He is raised vegetarian and sometimes the only guarantee of him eating is pasta with raw broccoli and carrots.    I know so far all i have said is gloomy stuff.  There is definitely more than that.  My little boy loves to run.  When he was a little younger and used to getting carried he would ask to be picked up when tired.  I would instead say to him, Want to just run instead?!?!  He would get a big smile and we would race.  His energy level is astounding considering his eating habits.  He just started playing hockey and bowling lessons.  What an imagination he has too!  Coen will come up with these stories and character when playing with his toys or sing a song about not stepping on frogs then putting them in a crocodiles mouth.  Obviously not as hilarious when read, but i crack up every time i listen to it.  

I have made it a point to let him know who is grandfather was and how important he is.  Telling Coen what "Papa Charlie" liked and fun times we had together.  I feel you should keep a connection between your children and close relatives who are not with you anymore.  Having a sense of where you came from is important and can shape the decisions you make in life more than we realize.  For example, no matter my disdain for Dems at times, I will not vote republican because of their anti union stance.  I walked the picket lines of New England Telephone/Nynex when i was 7 years old along side my mother and father.  I've called someone out as a scab when they crossed that line.  That 17 week long strike helped in the eventual foreclosure of the house i grew up in.  My parents divorce also hurt keeping that house as well.  No matter i still know that collective bargaining is one of the best things to ever happen to the American working class and i am happy to have fought with my parents to protect it and other issues.  Coen will learn about this story one day and i hope it shapes him in a positive way as well.  

This is a strange introduction to my life as a young father but the background needed to be said.  I have a lot to say and talk about.  I hope you are interested.  I hope i can continue this.  Welcome.

I was the youngest of 3 sons and i was the first to have a child.  A son.

Charles Leo created Mark Charles who created Coen Charles.  The Father and the Son.

Tuesday Tunes!

1. Into It. Over It. - Embracing Facts -- This week I have chosen Into It. Over It.'s "Embracing Facts" off their full length album "Proper". Fellow Hipster Dad, Don, introduced me to this band about a month ago and I have not been able to listen to anything else lately. It's fun, poppy, full of amazing lyrics that you can't help learn and sing along to instsantly. They are coming to Boston next month and I could not be more excited to go check them out! If you like the song below then listen to the album here. - Craig



2. As Friends Rust - The First Song on the mixtape you make for her -- Realistically I could post pretty much every track from every artist ever signed to Doghouse Records, and be ok with it! This one in particular has always struck a chord with me, maybe because the title alone plays to the emotionally turbulent 20 year old in me? This was released on a split with another fantastic band, Discount, on a 7" on Goodlife Recordings. They later went on to re-release a bunch of material as well as new stuff on Doghouse, and Equal Vision Records. Did I ever make a mixtape with this as the lead track? Yes. Did I do it more then once, can I plead the fifth on that one? Sorry ladies of my younger days, you were all special at one point in time, but I pulled this one out more then once. You can still look at that photo of me in my beaded neclace, XXX t-shirt, and listen to this on repeat if you want, nothing wrong with being sentimental! -Michael



3. Maritime - Parade of Punk Rock T-Shirts -- About 6 years ago I got a package at my house that My wife had ordered. By the shape and size I guessed it was some new vinyl, I opened it up to find the new (at the time) Maritime record. At that point I hadn't actually got to check them out but being that it was formed by members of The Promise Ring, I was very interested. I gave it a spin and the rest is fun time indie rock history - Don




4. Petite Noir - Disappear --  Besides being an amazing song that reminds me of 80's New Wave it's also a very danceable song and the imagery in the video is absolutely beautiful. - Andre
 

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Like the music we post every week? Subscribe to The Hipster Dad: Tuesday Tunes Spotify Playlist and we will automatically update it every week with 4 new songs! Enjoy. -THD

Hello! My name is André.

Hello! I'm Andre, one of the newest additions to The Hipster Dad. Let me tell you a little bit about myself (without tying to sound like a singles ad)...

I met Craig through our friends from American Authors. We became good friends because 1- we are both art geeks/MassArt graduates and 2- we both have crazy adorable daughters. We set up our first family date almost a year ago where my wife Liz and Craig's girlfriend Lauren hit it off right away. We've all been hanging ever since and I feel really luck to have made good friends as an adult (which is tough to do) and to have a dad friend to swap stories with.

I've written maybe .004673% of the posts over at Husband Wife Baby, a blog my wife started shortly after finding out we were pregnant.  I'll share more about trying to get pregnant/dealing with infertility at some point, let's just say that sticking your wife with needles in order to try to get pregnant is NOT fun. 

And just to prove how parenting always keeps you on your toes, we have baby #2 on the way through NO medical assistance (and this one was a definite surprise!). We are due in late May and can't wait to add another kid to the crew of cuties here at The Hipster Dad. As for my daughter Eila (14 months), this was her reaction when she found out:

Well, that's it for now. Looking forward to hanging out here!

-André

Sierra's 1st Stitches a.k.a. Friday night at the E.R.

While at work today I got a phone call along with the picture message below from our daycare provider. She told me Sierra had tried to climb a book shelf to reach a doll, had fallen down and hit her head on the corner of the shelf leaving a deep cut. Sierra didn't even cry, she just walked over to Gabby and said "I hurt my head". What a trooper!! Gabby said we may have to take her to the doctor but wasn't sure. I called up our primary doctor and explained the cut as best as I could based on the photo and she suggested we go to an ER as there were no appointments left today and it sounded like she may need stitches or bonding.

Once we picked Sierra up we called our insurance company, explained what happened and headed right out to the ER based on where they said to go. Our, apparently incompetent, insurance provider told us TWO hospitals that were in our network and that we should go to so we headed to the first one who upon walking in told us "Oh we don't take children...". So we headed to the second one who upon walking in told us "Oh we don't take children...". At this point it was getting late so we just went to the Boston Children's Hospital across the street where we've been before and had an amazing experience at. Voted the #1 pediatric hospital in the nation! Now I just really hope they accept our insurance... 

Here we are waiting to be admitted.

Getting weighed, blood pressure taken, etc. Also here is a higher quality version of the cut.

After we had all the standard hospital tests we got into the room and watched the Fox and The Hound for a bit while rubbing a numbing agent on the wound every 3 minutes for about 30 minutes. Next the nurses came in for the actual procedure which started with cleaning the wound with a water shooter (I don't think thats the medical term). She actually laughed uncontrollably during that part saying it tickled but I think that mystery nasal spray had a bit to do with it. After being cleaned and numbed around the wound the nurse stitched her up and bandaged her and it was over. SHE WAS A CHAMP. She didn't cry, flinch or anything and we couldn't be happier or more proud!

Although i wanted to, I did not take any photos during the actual procedure but here is one of her shortly after it on the left. The one on the right is 30 minutes later enjoying some vegan ice cream as a reward for being such a good listener to the nurses and doctors. Overall it was not how I expected to spend my Friday night but it was a new learning experience for all of us and I'm so proud of Sierra for being so tough throughout the whole process. Shes sleeping now and I'm about to do the same... Goodnight everyone! -Craig

 

Giveaway: Win 3 ABC's Prints from My Alphapets

So we haven't done a giveaway in a LONG time and it's about time we change that so here we go...

Just in time for the holidays we have an awesome giveaway from My Alphapets a Boston based company created by an amazing husband and wife team. By day, Carlos is an art director at an ad agency, while Leah, is a stay at home mom.

"We come together at night to form Alphapets, where we create colorful characters out of the letters of an individual's name. We have a tremendous amount of fun creating each "pet", as every character comes to life in it's own unique way. If at the end of the day we can garner a smile or bring joy to any of our customers, young and old, we feel accomplished. Our children are an endless source of inspiration and we hope to pass on the imagination they instill in us each and every day."

Our giveaway is for their brand new "ABC Prints". You will get 3 prints like pictured below but yours will be framed - and you get to choose the frame color! The prints will ship to you just in time for the holidays so if you want to give them as a gift you can do so. 

To enter to win the ABC Prints:

Leave your name and email address in a comment below on this post. Thats it!

For TWO additional ways to win:

Twitter: Follow @MyAlphapets and @TheHipsterDad, and tweet "I just entered to win 3 prints from @MyAlphapets and @TheHipsterDad! Check it out: http://bit.ly/abcprints" Once you've done so, be sure to come back here and leave another comment letting us know!

Facebook: Like MyAlphabets and The Hipster Dad and then post a status reading "MyAlphapets and The Hipster Dad are running a contest for 3 prints and I just entered! http://bit.ly/abcprints" Once you've done so, be sure to come back here and leave another comment letting us know!

So you have up to THREE chances (via three separate comments) to win THREE prints!

We will randomly select a winner Monday December. 10th so check back then and we'll post the winner as well as contact you! Good luck to all who enter!!

More Photos of their work:

Even if you don't win you should order something from MyAlphapets anyway! They are an amazing / adorable addition to any children's room :-)

Links:

http://myalphapets.bigcartel.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Alphapets/129004930475719

http://twitter.com/MyAlphapets

Tuesday Tunes!

It's that time of the week again. This week we're ALL posting a song! So enjoy all four songs and hope you have an awesome day :-) -Craig

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1. "Tom Waits - Hell Broke Luce" - Waits is one of the most influential and greatest living musicians and his newest video for "Hell Broke Luce" is an amazing song and the video is just mind blowing. Enjoy! -Craig

2. "The Pharcyde - Y (J Dilla Remix)" This is just one of those childhood songs that just makes you bop your head. -Andre

3. "Tigers Jaw - I Saw Water" Being that I am starting to get up there in age and my body is creaking more and more, I have to have SOMETHING that keeps me young, right? How about listening to music that reminds me of what I listened to back in the day... made by kids almost half my age. -Don




4. "JMSN - Alone (Kastle Remix)" This track, actually this whole album was on repeat all summer for me. Big thick vibes, haunting yet romantic, solid production throughout. If you are feeling this one you should also check my favorite track on the album entitled alone, I was going to post that one but the video isnt exactly THD appropriate :)   -Michael

This is Not a "How To" Craft Post (Starting Traditions)

This is not a "How To" post for a specific craft project, although initially I set out to do just that. I decided not to share the steps or even what we ended up with in the end. Although what we made in the end is beautiful and hangs in our home with great pride, it was the times in between the designated steps in the project that ended up being the real experience...

As I sat at the table, I realized that I don't think there was a time that I ever sat at a table with my parents and worked on a project together. When my Daughter looks back to times like this, she may not think this anything out of the ordinary. That is what I hope for.

This isn't a family tradition that has been passed down to me. Maybe this is a family tradition that I will be able to start now and pass down to her. It doesn't have to be The Holiday Season to do a project like this, but there is something that feels special about it being tied to this time of year.

She looked over to my wife as she painted on her hands and arms and kept saying, "look Mommy, like Daddy has tattoos".  I look over and say "hey honey, let's keep it on the pine cones".

As I look through the lens of the camera to line up a shot of a step (of the original "how to" post) I see a scene that makes me step back and realize...

We are not making a "How To" post, we are making a new Family Tradition.

Thanks for reading

- DON