"This is how we roll."

• 1/2 bomber Port Townsend Winter Ale - home

This morning as I strolled London around the neighborhood to search out winter brews at the local grocery stores, I noticed a few guys also pushing their children around in strollers. I have to admit, even though it's not uncommon for me to witness this, it still catches me off guard sometimes. I tried to remain a bit aloof on the outside, but on the inside I was excited as a baby with a toy. As I approached them, however, I acknowledged them with a subtle sly knowing quick up-turn of the head; as if to say, "Hey, I know what it's all about. This is how we roll." The gestures were returned to me in an equally subtle manner and I suddenly felt that I was part of this unspoken dad stroller society and the three of us were all members. It reminds me of my motorcycle riding days when motorcyclists would nod heads or flash a quick finger-wave to each other, just to acknowledge some kinship, as if to say, "I understand."

A friend of mine gave me an article about how dads are becoming a larger part of their child's lives today. It's unfortunate that most American companies do not offer an adequate amount of paternity leave. Most (male) friends I know were very limited in the time they were able to take off to care for their newborn. This puts an enormous amount of stress on the wife who, if never having done it before, is left at home to care for a baby that demands attention most every minute of the day. It seems that the first three months, if not the first six, are the some of the most important months in a child's development. And if not the child's development, the parent's development with their child. I have learned so much about London these four months and I can't imagine what it would have been like if I only had two weeks, or a month, with him when he was first born. I truly hope that paternity leave continues to change and that dads are offered more time off to be with their child/ren.