A Short History Lesson

Since Henry is spending this week in Monterey, CA for his EMBA orientation course, I thought it would be appropriate to learn a little bit more about the school he is attending. For those of you likewise curious, here is a little bit about the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS).

The school was first established over 100 years ago in 1909 in Annapolis, MD. At the time it was only for Navy officers and taught courses in Engineering. The first class was made up of 10 officers and 2 instructors, with enrolment expanding to 25 students in 1913.

It wasn't until 1945 that the school became a fully accredited, degree granting graduate institution. At this point a new location for the school became necessary. In 1951 the US Navy purchased a hotel and the surrounding grounds in Monterey, CA, and the entire university was moved 3000 miles to where it is today. The campus has been expanding ever since and now covers 627 acres, but the hotel that was purchased still houses the main administrative offices.

The Hotel Del Monte in Monterey, CA 1945

The student body has expanded from the origional 10 to nearly 1,500 today, most of whom are uniformed officers from one of the branches of the US military, but also includes officers from over 30 other countries as well as a small number of civilian employees.

So that is where Henry is spending his week. And while Henson and I miss having him home, we are so excited that he has such a great opportunity.

Congradulations Henry!

So for some of you this may be old news, but for those who haven't heard Henry got into grad school! I'm so proud of him, he has been working so hard. He was accepted to the Naval Postgraduate School's EMBA program. He is flying out to Monterey CA for a week long orientation at the end of this month, and he officially starts distance learning classes in January. His graduation date is already scheduled for December 20, 2013 (that sounds so close). It's going to be a lot of work, and our family is going to be even busier (if that's possible) but we are excited.

What I Don't Care About

I apologize in advance for this post. It is much preachier than I usually like to get on this blog, but it is something that has been on my mind. Becoming a parent is an interesting thing. I always anticipated that it would be life altering and perspective changing, and it certainly has been. Schedules, habits and priorities shift to fit your new life situation. There have been a few other, slightly unexpected consequences. Other parents suddenly welcome you into their confidence, as if your choice to procreate grants you access into an exclusive club. Within this club the sharing of very personal information is both encouraged and expected. Most of the members are very friendly and helpful. However, as with anything on which there is a difference of opinions, there is also some pressure and judgment to be contended with. Some tend to think that their way of parenting is the right way; that what was best for their child should be best for yours. I have never taken this type of judgment and unsolicited advice seriously, but I have known many who have convinced themselves that they are less of a parent because they do not measure up to someone else's ideals. With the emotional nature of parenting rooted in a deep desire to do what is best for your child, it is not hard to understand why so many are so quick to second guess their own actions in the face of ridicule. So in response to all of the judgment, harsh comments, and unintentionally cutting remarks that I have heard, I just want to say to everyone who is a parent or who may ever choose to become one:

I DON'T CARE
If you breast feed or formula feed
If you use cloth diapers or disposables
If you swaddle or not
If your child sleeps in a crib, a bassinet, or your bed
If you start solids at 4 months or at 6
If you give your child a pacifier or not
If you potty train at 1 or 3
If you wean from the bottle at 9 months or 2 years
If you dress your child in new or used clothing
If you rock your child to sleep or if they self sooth

I DO care that you love and take care of your child. That you do what you feel is best for your family, your child and you. I have my own opinions, and they may be very different from yours, but every person is different and there is no one-size-fits-all for raising or defining a family.

Thanks for letting me indulge in this rant. I promise not to turn this blog into my own personal soap box.