Harlan loves the Mommy Bloggers!

Perhaps you've read "Help Me Harlan" in the Post-Gazette Sunday edition? As opposed to the Cat's Call/Just Ask Cat advice drivel tucked into Tuesday's edition? Harlan is nationally syndicated ("Like Dear Abby, only younger, hairier and a man."). Cat Specter has local political and society connections, plus a kicky beret. I'm not a fan.

Anyhoo, Harlan is working on a "How to be helpful" book for first time fathers and he wants help from mommies and daddies across the land. Follow the links to share your thoughts on how an expectant father can be supportive throughout pregnancy.

I generally like Harlan's advice, but have to admit that I groaned when he made the oh-so-obvious joke about eating a hamburger in front a woman in labor sucking on ice chips. Having never given birth myself, I can speculate that feeling helpless and terrified far transcend being a clueless, bumbling fool.

My brother-in-law is an awesome father, 100% invested in coparenting his toddler. He was as involved in the pregnancy as possible (from my limited vantage, I must acknowledge). But after being up for 26 straight hours, he went home for a nap and didn't wake up when he was supposed to return to the hospital. After an understandably frantic call from his wife, Ledcat had to literally drag him out of his bed which set in motion a predictable chain of guilt, anger, frustration and some yelling. Meanwhile, I fed the cats. I must give him props for how he handled the entire situation, post-nap. And no one jokes about it. Especially because she's pregnant again.

Harlan should be sure to include one sure-fire solution to these situations: have a set of childless, lesbian aunties on hand at all times for daddy shaking and cat feeding. Plus, where other bring flowers, we bring diapers. Amen.

17 children?

I caught a headline on the PG about the birth of an Arkansas child, the 17th in the family. Yes, 17 children from infant to 19. Wow. Here's a quick link.

Dad is an insurance salesman, Mom homeschools the kids.

How does an insurance salesman support 17 children?

So imagine this as an African-American family living in Detroit or Pittsburgh. Would people be impressed by their family values or aghast at their imposition on public resouces? Would anyone line up to donate diapers or a free minivan?

I suppose it is their right to determine how many kids they can support. But I'm a foster care worker and well aware of how many thousands of children need homes. And support. So it just bugs me.

It also bugs me that the article mentions the "fun fact" that Michelle Duggar has spent over 10 years of her life pregnant. Ick.