A Baby Bag for Dad

 D.I.W.V. - Why do something yourself when you could Do It With Vivi?! (D.I.W.V.)

When we found out we were having a girl, I was thrilled. There was just something about the prospect of a daughter that got me collecting little bows, ruffle socks, pink this and purple that, that, and that. I surprised myself because I have never been a super girlie girl. I generally keep my nails short and my heels flat. Regardless, I dreamt up my nursery in black and white damask surrounded by deep lavender and subtle femininity, filled with shoes, shoes and more shoes.

Corey, though equally ecstatic with the expectation of a baby girl, was less enthused about the impending saturation of all things girl. With me going back to work, he would be watching her at least once a week. He wanted to be Dad, not Mr. Mom. I could respect that.

So, with his manhood in mind, I kept things gender neutral in choosing our big purchases like the carseat and stroller. (Plus, I wanted to be able to reuse them for any future children.) But when it came to purchasing a diaper bag, I fell in love with this one.

It was big, versatile, and unmistakably girly. Corey wasn’t so keen. He didn’t want to carry a “huge purse” when taking our daughter out and about. Ok, fine. I attempted to show him more gender-neutral bags with no success. It seemed that anything with a strap was too “purse-y”. Even the ones made for men, called “Diaper Dude” and sporting skulls and crossbones, were just purses in disguise.

There was only one kind of bag he would consider manly enough to carry around. A briefcase. I searched the Internet for a diaper-ready version with no success. They were all understandably business oriented with file folders and penholders intact.

So, I decided to repurpose an old briefcase for him to use. I would purchase the metallic silver dream bag for myself.

It just so happened he had an old unused briefcase. The interior lining was dirty and smelt like someone spilt a bottle of cheap cologne all over it. I ripped out all of insides and was left with this.

I went to Joann's and found a fabric that was chic and simple. I also bought foam-core and fabric mod podge. I cut foam-core to the size of the bottom of the briefcase and mod podged the fabric to it, leaving an inch or so on each side of the fabric to wrap around the backside. I sealed the surface with more Fabric Mod Podge. I did the same thing with the top and the sides and ended up with this.

Now Daddy can maintain his manhood and be equipped with everything baby may need throughout the day. 

Materials Needed:

• An old briefcase
• Fabric
• Fabric Mod Podge
• Foamcore
• Scissors

Oh, The Places You'll Go

About a week ago, just days before her five month birthday,Vivian began to crawl. She is thrilled at her own achievement, squealing and squawking with every step.

The house is as big and unknown as the western frontier and she’s as curious and adventurous as a pioneer. She explored the bottom shelf of the coffee table, slipping around on its smooth surface. She embarked on a journey to the laundry hamper, blazed a trail to the sliding glass door, and climbed a mountain of blankets.

It’s about as dangerous as the wild west too with dangling cords, glassware, and electrical outlets. I have to chase her around, baby-proofing as I go.

Vivian, my fearless girl, you’re going places.

She also discovered how to sit up on her own. She’ll take a break from exploring to chew on a particularly delicious toy or her fingers.