Well the day has finally arrived that our boy has used the potty for something other than peeing….yikes!  

We could not be prouder of our little stinker.

Cool Quote: “It looks like chocolate, but I can’t eat it!”

Resist. Multiply. Use some wipes!

So today Bridget and I decided it would be fun to take Jacob to see his first movie. There was a limited release of a “Thomas the Train” movie that we both thought would be perfect. I bought the tickets online and we headed out to the theater in beautiful Cedar Grove, New Jersey. Jacob was excited and we both were pumped to see his reaction when the movie started playing on the big screen. We purchased popcorn and we sat down in the dark arena. Then there was trouble…

Apparently, the theater, a less than updated cinema, had a power outage the morning of the showing. The movie projector was fried and countless families sat in the theater waiting, and waiting for a movie that was never starting. Luckily, Jacob is friendly and he befriended another little boy who was growing quite restless, as well.

Long story short, after 50 plus minutes of waiting and several attempts on my  part and Bridget’s to get the theater to start the film or at least admit it was not going to happen - we finally left. We got our money back and headed to Friendly’s for lunch.

Jacob said he loved the movie. We are thankful he does not really understand what he was missing. I think he thought it was all about just playing and eating popcorn in the dark.

So I guess he had a fun day despite my disappointment. His first movie will have to wait….

Here are some pictures from the day.

Jacob sitting in his movie chair.

Waiting to eat his Friendly’s meal.

Eating his ice cream cone treat.

Making a mess of it. Priceless.

Dean here. Sorry for the last month or so. Things have been all way too busy. Staying home as Jacob’s father was a less hectic job. It was busy, but less involved when it came to all the new additions to my day. For instance, there is the obvious take-home work of being a teacher. There is the shaving every day now. That part I try not to do on the weekends. Maybe a beard would be nice right about now. Of course, it would add about ten years to my appearance.

Honestly this is starting to sound like a Jack Handy skit from SNL - “Deep Thoughts” by Dean Everton Prescott. I guess what I am trying to say is that the blog is dying a slow and painful death. Owen has been absent for some time now and I am starting to dwindle away, as well. Life, real life, is taking over again. Another baby is on the way, Jacob is growing up, I’m working five days a week instead of two. I’m wearing a tie four of the five days (not Fridays). Life is moving fast and changing.

So I am not promising anything. I can’t and I know I can’t. I’m focused on my family, my job, and everything else but this blog.

It’s been a good run. Is it over? Who knows? Maybe. Maybe not. Time will tell - but I’m not making any promises.

I can try to do more, and I can try to do better. In the end, I think it may have run its course. We’ll see…

Resist. Multiply. Offer me some motivation.

Thought this was too cute not to share. Enjoy. More posts soon.

So Bridget, Jacob, and I have all started back to school. For Bridget it is the same routine she has been used to the last two years while I was home with the little warrior. For me, I have to admit after the first day I was seriously considering leaving education and finding another job in the world of paint. Of course, this was a normal feeling after so many changes that had become comfortable and welcome - as the main caregiver the last two school years.

I returned to fourth grade (a new grade level for me), a new school, and the thought that I most certainly will not be seeing as much of my son as I had grown accustomed. It was culture shock for that first day.

After an almost full week (four days because of Labor Day), I am back on the bike so to speak. I feel comfortable, confident, and pretty secure in the assumption that I can do this for the next 24 years or so. I’m back.

Jacob, on the other hand, is in a world of hurt. The first few days were fine for him. My mother watched him everyday until he began nursery school on Wednesday. That’s when the castle began to crumble.

The first morning I dropped him off and he seemed eager to go - after months of saying “that’s your school” as we drove by it all summer long. I brought him into the school and we met Ms. Monica, one of the teachers. She seemed very kind and Jacob was okay with a hug and a kiss goodbye from me. He didn’t cry - or so I thought.

I left and arrived at school ten minutes later. I taught all morning, with thoughts of him in my head, and then I received an upsetting email from the woman who cares for Jacob the three afternoons he goes to school. She said he cried almost all morning and was asking to go home. I was so disappointed and heartbroken to hear that he did not enjoy his morning. The rest of his day was more blissful, as he really likes Gal and staying with her for lunch and a nap.

I arrived home that afternoon, after picking Jacob up at Gal’s, and I spoke with Bridget about what happened. We both agreed that CHANGE is hard. I had survived mine the week before, and he was going to survive his. We sent Jacob back on Thursday and Friday morning.

Each day he cried when I left (I’m the lucky one who gets this job - since I start my day ten minutes later), but he also stopped crying shortly after I left. I am okay with that for now. The big picture of socialization and learning is much more important than a few tears.

The hardest part in all of this is that as a parent we all have to let go a little. At two and half, Jacob is more of a person than ever. To keep him isolated from the world could be tougher later on. So he will go to nursery school - whether he likes it or not.

Hopefully he will like it more in time. We think he will. Of course, for now we will have to put up with, “I don’t want to go to school anymore.”

I know what you mean, brother. I know what you mean.

Resist. Multiply. Don’t cry when your kid does.

Our president made CHANGE the center of his campaign. I have talked about it much lately, too. It is an inevitable thing. We cannot avoid it. Change comes to us all in many forms and many connotations. In less than two weeks I will embark on yet another change in my life. I’ve seen numerous changes to my life in the last two years, and perhaps the best has been the addition of Jacob into it. He is an absolute joyful son and each day with him has been a blessing.

Now the hard part is coming….letting go a bit. In September I go back to work full time and Jacob will be enrolled in nursery school three mornings a week. The rest of the time he will be with my amazing mother and another fantastic woman, Valerie, a mother of four boys, all grown. Of course, my mother-in-law will help plenty, as well. She is terrific and Jacob loves both his grandmothers so much. This was the best we could do for the first five months of the school year. Bridget and I wanted to ease the little man into school and also allow him to keep his nap schedule. Again we are lucky to have great support - even if we have to pay for some of it.

CHANGE is upon us all in many good ways, but I know I will feel a huge pang of sadness at letting go of the best two years of fatherhood - staying home with Jacob. I have bonded with my son and he has done the same with me, but I somehow feel he will be more resilient. Ironic, isn’t it? He’s two and a half and I am thirty one, but he is better equipped at letting go. How did that happen?

The newest and best news I have to offer is that Bridget and I are expecting again. Yes, it’s true and you can feel free to send a congratulations our way if you feel inclined. That CHANGE will be here in February. Until then, Jacob will be telling all who will listen, “I’m going to be a big brother.”

Resist. Multiply. Accept CHANGE because what is the alternative?

The stage was set for a spectacular game between Premier League rivals, Manchester United and Chelsea. It’s hard to believe that just a few short weeks ago I was actually in London touring Chelsea despite my firm allegiance to Man. United. Regardless, today I watched a brilliant football match that left me feeling a bit disappointed, but hopeful still as life without Ronaldo and Tevez begins in just one short week.

Even though today’s Community Shield match was brought to a tie in the closing minutes of regulation by Wayne Rooney’s masterful footwork, the final outcome left Chelsea on top and Man. U. without any hardware or bragging rights.

Nevertheless, the team will find itself. Nani showed promise and perhaps the first glimpses of escaping Ronaldo’s shadow. He is, of course injured with a dislocated shoulder and will miss the start of the 2009 - 2010 campaign. Rooney also stepped up and looks to be able to secure the goal scoring form of his youthful past. Carrick and Fletcher also performed with confidence and stability in the midfield. I expect them to hold down the fort all season long.

Now don’t get me wrong - I am not a sore loser. In fact, I support Chelsea (unless they are playing Man. U.) most of the time. Today, they were better. Their penalty kicks were crisper, and their keeper (Petr Cech) was much better than Ben Foster. But most people will realize that there are two things to think about as the season approaches. Chelsea is probably going to peak early - as they did last season. By mid season they will fizzle out. Man. United are notorious slow starters. They don’t hit their peak until it matters. Secondly and lastly, Manchester played without a majority of their key players. Chelsea had a line-up that boasted most of their starters they used in the last campaign. Vidic and Van der Saw were both absent and that makes a huge difference. They are the spine of the defense and if you don’t think that plays a part - you are out of your mind.

So here’s to Chelsea and their first shoot-out victory against Man. United since John Terry missed in the Champions League two years ago in Moscow. Enjoy it boys because you may not see a trophy like this for a long while.

Resist. Multiply. Support good football.

A buddy of mine from way back just opened his own restaurant in the town I grew up in. Jacob, Bridget, myself, and my parents all got lunch there today. The food is excellent, the prices are low, and the service is top-notch! Check it out here.

Tell Steve that Dean sent you…

on Fox Soccer Channel

It should be a great game and real preview of what this season holds. Of course, there are some interesting names missing from United’s line-up - as we have come to be familiar with the fact that these blokes often start slowly and build up momentum as the season progresses. Look for Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney to team up again up top, while Frank Lampard and John Terry try to upend the current champs.

This game is always bound to be a classic and I am just so excited another season is beginning. Go United!

Resist. Multiply. Watch the FA Community Shield.

So I couldn’t upload this funny little video in Florida because Aunt Margo’s computer was a little on the fritz. However, I can today since I am home again, home again. Enjoy. More to come on the Florida adventures soon.

Resist. Multiply. Dance like no one is watching.

Bridget, Jacob, and I are off to Florida to visit some family tomorrow. I will try my best to update you on the goings on, but I cannot promise anything. If you wind up going a few days without TRIBE please feel free to read some past posts. We’ve been at this gig for a year now, and I am certain you haven’t read everything yet. Wish us safe travels.

-Dean

Resist. Multiply. Enjoy a summer vacation or two.

Aptly dubbed the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford, stands for many things besides all out victory. Yes, it’s true that in the past three seasons my favorite football team has captured three Premier League Titles, a Champion’s League trophy (and second place finish, as well), and several other accolades - including the FIFA World Club Cup.

Guided by the intelligent mastery of Sir Alex Ferguson, the team has produced many international stars while managing to continue to secure team successes, as well. I, of course, came to be a fan during my tour of duty at home with Jacob. I enjoyed the way they played to win always, and the way that they possess the football throughout the match. There is excellence in so much of what they do on the pitch, and I found that so appealing as a coach, myself.

RESPECT. I have nothing but respect for the team, its players, the manager, and most notably the fans. They are dedicated and strong in numbers - worldwide.

I am sure there are loyal readers of TRIBE OF DAD that have found it strange that weeks have gone by without any comments by Mr. Prescott about the recent changes at Old Trafford. The summer started with the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, perhaps the best player in the world despite complaints from many of his true abilities. Next there was the Carlos Tevez debacle, in which Sir Alex was unable to sign the striker to a deal that would have continued his reign as a fan favorite. Tevez claimed to be insulted by the manager’s lack of a$$ kissing and a shortage of playing time despite 19 goals in all competitions the previous season.

I remained quiet about both departures, even though I knew they were big losses. Then Sir Alex did something brilliant. He spoke about both losses and stated that they were going to be fine without such amazing players. It is always about the team, not the individual at Manchester United. Perhaps that is why they have kept veteran players like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Gary Neville for so long. These guys are a combined 103 years of experience and they are still playing like they were ten years younger than their actual ages.

My point in all this: Sometimes experience trumps youth. The old dog can learn new tricks to remain vital and useful.

Thus, Ferguson showed his absolute genius in the signing of Michael Owen - one time enemy to Manchester United and a Liverpool legend. He did not replace Ronaldo with a young big-name star, but he was wise to put Owen in the number seven jersey and make a clear statement to all those that ever doubted what was going on in the summer transfer window. Put simply, you can make your enemies into friends, you can rely on experience over youth, and you can do all this without breaking the bank. Sir Alex is getting more for the money than any manager out there today and I believe the same results will be there with this very different looking squad.

Look for guys like Giggs, Scholes, and Neville to anchor things as they have done for so long. Look for Rooney and Berbetov to work better together more than ever. Expect Michael Owen to regain the strength of spirit he lacked at Newcastle United, but had at Liverpool. Don’t question why it will all work out in the end. Just remember that a winner always finds a way, and Sir Alex is an old dog that can learn new tricks.

Resist. Multiply. Remember there is something to be said for experience.

Here’s Jacob falling down at the beach. I know that sounds cruel, but he did not get hurt. He is the type of boy that usually gets right back up again. He absolutely loves the ocean. We could not be happier with his approach to beach life.

Excuse the wind sounds in the video and enjoy.

Recently I bought the little warrior a helmet to wear when he rides his little power wheels go cart in the backyard. Here’s a fun video I shot of my father playing around with Jacob. It’s priceless. Yes, this is the ever famous 80’s Dad in action. Enjoy.

Resist. Multiply. Expect more writing next week.

In just two short days Bridget and I will depart for France and England with a tour of high school choir students. Owen will keep things going in my absence, but I have plans to write some international pieces when I return. Jacob will be in good hands with my overjoyed parents - as he gets a week of pampering I am sure to not have had as a child. We will miss him, but he is too young for this trip.

For now, I offer my congratulations to the United States men’s soccer team for an amazing 2 - 0 win over number one ranked Spain. They may not be the best team in the world, but they beat the current best team with true grit and determination. I will be cheering for them in France on Sunday.

Until I return, keep resisting, keep multiplying, and keep reading our blog!

-Dean