If you are anything like me the moment you found out you were going to be a parent, your mind raced all over the place. The scenario might have started with a few high fives, perhaps an end-zone dance or two (the dirty bird, a little Ray Lewis dance-off, or the cabbage patch), some oh-yeahs, some whoo-hoos, some I am the man or woman.
Then it hit you like a load of bricks.
You are gonna be a P-A-R-E-N-T.
That's leads to the oh shits, the how am I going to do this, the questions of money, questions of work, the should we live here anymore and of course how am I ever gonna teach this kid out to live, how will I ever impart all the knowledge that I have in my brain.
Well last spring, parent-to-be and local DC resident Walker Lamond decided to take control and start a list of learned lessons putting together the 1001 Rules For My Unborn Son blog. As of this week, that blog has launched as a book under the same name, Rules for my Unborn Son.
Here's just a sample of the witty and wise learnings you will find throughout:
- If you choose to wear a tie, commit. Button your top button.
- Stand up to bullies. You’ll only have to do it once.
- If you attend a late after-party, have an exit strategy
- Keep a well-stocked bar
- Girls like boys who shower
- Don’t spit
- Don't jog shirtless
Walker has been all over the place lately, but was nice enough to take some time sit down with DC Urban Dad and discuss the blog, being a parent, the launch of book and plans for the future.
He was also nice enough to give me a copy of the book which I will be giving away. And how do you win? Just leave me a comment and you will be automatically entered. And who is eligible? EVERYONE.
Now let's get to the real important stuff.
Thanks for spending some time with us. So tell us a little bit about the book? Where did the inspiration come from?
I knew what kind of man I wanted my son to be--thoughtful, industrious, well-dressed. I figured the best way to make that happen was to write up some instructions.
Now that your son is born, what do you like best about parenting?
Naptime.
What's the hardest part? The easiest? The most unexpected part?
The hardest part about parenting is understanding that you cannot be there every second of his life. He has to find his own way.
The easiest part? Beating him in basketball.
What's your favorite thing to do with your son?
Throwing rocks in the river provides hours of fun. And on Sundays we wander the flea market together. Her has a good eye for mid century modern. And trucks.
How are you at diapers, folding clothes and bathing?
Professional. I should be sponsored.
Any advice for new Dads? Especially the ones that just found out?
Yes! It's called Rules for My Unborn Son and it's in stores Oct. 27.
Growing up where did you see yourself at this age?
Accepting an Oscar.
Let's go into some favorites.....
Song - Personality Crisis, New York Dolls
Album - Tom Waits, Asylum Years
Concert - Cheap Trick, Trax - Charlottesville, VA
Movie - Don't Look Back, dir. D A Pennebaker
Book - All the King's Men, Robert Penn Warren
Quote - Take it easy. But take it. -- Woody Guthrie
Word - Occoquan! (As in, "there's a backup on the Occoquan...")
Curse word - What the french, toast?
Song to sing to your son - "Little Boxes"
Book to read to your son - Histoire de Babar, Jean de Brunhoff
Best parenting advice? Worst?
Best: "Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface, and paddle like hell underneath." Michael Caine
Best place to take your kid in the city? Worst place?
The greenhouse at Dumbarton Oaks is like something out of great expectations. Great place for a picnic.
Worst place? The Opera.
So what's next on the agenda?
A girl.
Thanks Walker for sharing with us today. Good luck on the book and the girl.
