Sat 8 Mar 2008
Ever since my baby boy was born on February first, everyone keeps asking the same thing. How is it that I can find so much time for video games? Having a baby is very time consuming and, even with my generous 6 weeks of parental leave, I still found it hard to find time for myself (ie: gaming time).
That is, before I discovered that my shoulder is more comfortable to a newborn than any bed, pillow, blanket or hammock made by man:
Related posts:
- Towardsmecca turns two!
- Towardsmecca turns one!
- Music in Games, who should pay for it?
- Osama Loves Video Games
March 8th, 2008 at 22:58
Haha. Wow. Nice, man! Great ingenuity.
March 8th, 2008 at 23:07
That’s really sad. I’m sorry, but if I had a baby I would never treat it that way.
March 8th, 2008 at 23:08
noice !!!!!
March 8th, 2008 at 23:09
c’mon whats wrong with a comfortable sleeping baby? lol
March 8th, 2008 at 23:11
ifandthen…. the operative word is “IF”. Come back when you have one.
March 9th, 2008 at 00:18
I can see how someone could think it’s insensitive to just put a baby on your shoulder and play games but, after about 2 hours of constant crying and 5 days with barely any sleep and no time to yourself, anybody would need a break.
March 9th, 2008 at 01:11
the thinking man
March 9th, 2008 at 11:33
ifandthen…you will never have a child – and if you do it will run away because your a squishy politicaly correct non-disciplining tree hugging rights activist turd – babies are VERY comforable on the shoulder of one of their parents – you wouldnt know this because you obviously have never touched one – atleast, not one that liked you enough to sleep around you
March 9th, 2008 at 12:55
I did the same with all three of mine. I stay at home 3 days a week to watch the kids and, as a dad, I gotta tell you that the kids would toss and turn in the crib and cry for a minute or two before falling back asleep, but on my shoulder, they slept for much longer and much better.
So, until you have a kid, shush!
March 9th, 2008 at 13:02
Fuck your games, man. Raise your child.
March 9th, 2008 at 13:10
I did that for the first few months but good luck when your baby starts moving. I haven’t logged on to WOW for 6 months.
March 9th, 2008 at 13:22
Hallo thar!
You WIN!
March 9th, 2008 at 13:22
Nattyize, you don’t raise children, you rear them. You raise barns.
March 9th, 2008 at 13:25
People don’t be ridiculous, this is really cute and the same as if he were reading a book and taking care of the baby. Do you expect him to stand next to his baby all day like a man servant waiting for the baby to need something?
March 9th, 2008 at 13:30
When you are on your death bed, will you look back and say, “I wish I would have played more video games” or will you say “I should have paid more attention to my children”? The cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon…
March 9th, 2008 at 13:44
Nattyize, using terms like *uck is not a good thing when “raising” children.
Jake, Kev is right. If the kid was sleeping next to you while you were watching “Hell Date”, that would be OK?
March 9th, 2008 at 13:54
Those of you with the negative comments apparently don’t or haven’t had kids. And if you do then maybe you haven’t read online or in the newspapers of the parents that do harm to their children. This man is spending quality time with his child as the child sleeps. Anyone can put a child in a crib and go off and do whatever, he chooses to keep his child close ensuring he gets the rest he knows he will get being close. I assume those of you with negative comments that hold their child when they are sleeping sit and do nothing else during that time….yeah right. This man should be applauded for wanting to spend this time with his child when so many men choose not to even be involved in their childrens lives nowadays.
March 9th, 2008 at 14:02
@pegt45:
amen
March 9th, 2008 at 14:31
I’m a dad. Having my kids sleeping on my shoulder or chest was much better than leaving them alone in a crib. Sometimes I read, sometimes I napped. I think it’s fine to play games or read or nap or watch TV, Babies sleep a lot and the physical contact with people that love them it good.
I’m glad not everyone chooses to be parents. The person dropping the F bombs and the “holier than thou” crowd are the type that raise scared and insecure and alone kids.
March 9th, 2008 at 14:41
I am intrigued by the anti-American pics at the top of the page. Will this guy be raising an little terrorist?
March 9th, 2008 at 14:50
so if he was letting his child sleep on his shoulder and not playing a game would it be ok?! But its the fact that hes doing something that makes it wrong? what if he was watching TV is that wrong?alot of you people leaving negative comments have no clue.
March 9th, 2008 at 14:52
what anti american pics? am i missing something i just see pics from games at the top of the page.
March 9th, 2008 at 14:57
As far as I know, the State of Liberty was made with a head. Interesting choice of pics, two terrorists, Mecca with two towers, Statue of Liberty with no head.
March 9th, 2008 at 15:04
Note to self: buy condoms
March 9th, 2008 at 15:08
Thats from the movie cloverfield, douche. Oh no not popular culture images! I’m so glad I don’t live in America.
March 9th, 2008 at 15:09
Those are meme’s idiot. Spend more time on the internet or STFU.
From the left:
Portal
Mario
???
Valve
Cloverfield
Mecca
iPod shuffle
dirt bike
Ketchup
M.U.G.E.N
???
March 9th, 2008 at 15:13
and homer simpson is quite the terrorist
March 9th, 2008 at 15:13
Guess what? If I spend the time to choose certain images on my website perhaps they mean something. It does not matter where they come from. The website is called towardsmecca by the way.
March 9th, 2008 at 15:17
so your saying that you have to be islamic to be a terrorist, and knock the statue of liberty’s head off?
March 9th, 2008 at 15:21
The third one over is from Call of Duty 4
March 9th, 2008 at 15:24
All I am saying is the guy chose these pics for whatever reason. He probably likes Homer Simpson and dirt bikes and Mario. I’m guessing he didn’t just grab random images with no thought to them. He also looks like a caring dad, bonding with his kid. I think it’s just fine to hold a baby and do something at the same time. Read or watch TV or whatever. I am simply commenting on what seem pretty obvious other aspects of the site.
Thanks for the douche comments and STFU. It helps promote dialogue.
March 9th, 2008 at 15:30
It seems that the images at the top are taken from(or have something to do with) the other blogs he has posted. Take a look. You will find a Blog to go with pretty much every one of the images up top, even the so called “terrorist” ones.
Take some time and think before you start accusing people of being a terrorist.
March 9th, 2008 at 15:36
It’s a win-win situation
March 9th, 2008 at 15:37
His tag is Osama…
still cute though
March 9th, 2008 at 15:42
Thats his name…
March 9th, 2008 at 15:43
People who are saying that this is insensitive or irresponsible have obiously never had a child before. Don’t comment, much less criticize and curse, on what you don’t know.
March 9th, 2008 at 16:03
Dick
March 9th, 2008 at 16:09
Aw thats adorable!
Good going man.
March 9th, 2008 at 16:18
why are you accusing a guy of terrorism because they are linked posts to his name? yeah they show things that make Americans squeemish, but, is it so different from our movies that feature destroyed American symbols? Face it, you freaked out that it’s a practicing moslem who is shown in a positive manner. Do some research before you attack!
Oh, that computer is facing the right which obviously is the symbolic direction of mecca, is he playing violent video games towards mecca to support Jihad?
Stop being ignorant and playing up to the stereotype of the stupid westerner.
March 9th, 2008 at 16:20
Wow, lots of comments
Well a few answers are obviously in order…
No I’m not raising a little terrorist. My son is half Italian which means that half his family are devout catholics and the other half are Muslim. I’m a peaceful guy and have no such intentions.
As Noog said, those images are simply from previous posts on my blog, nothing more.
My first name is Osama. If you think that automatically makes me a terrorist then you’re the one filled with hate. I have friends of all faiths and walks of life.
Anyone who’s a parent obviously understands that being close to your infant child is spending time with them. When he’s awake, I’m gladly talking to him and cooing him with a huge smile on my face. My son gets agitated when I put him down in his crib and sleeps better on my shoulder and chest. If I’m sleepy, I would lay down with him on my chest. If I’m awake, he goes on my shoulder while I play games or watch a movie.
Thank you for reading
March 9th, 2008 at 16:45
Great job man. I did something similar when my little girl would sleep most of the day.
Keeping the kid close to you does nothing but good, builds a great bond. It gets tougher when they’re 1-2, but past that, they love being involved in what-ever you do, my kids will sit next to me and muck around on their computer playing games and educational software for an hour or two a day while I game. Makes for great times. Congrats on the healthy kid.
March 9th, 2008 at 16:48
Hi
Came across this site on stumble, and I love it. I’m not a huge gamer, but my boyfriend is and I play some. And I know that if/when I have a baby, I’m going to be doing this.
And I must add that anyone who immediately thinks “oh, a muslim named Osama, he MUST be evil and a terrorist” is looking at the world from a completely biased western point of view, and needs to take a reality pill. I am sure (correct me if I’m wrong) that Osama’s a fairly common name, yes?
Thanks for sharing this beautiful moment with your son.
Meira
March 9th, 2008 at 18:03
Genius. My wee boy is two now but I could quite happily sit at my PC with him sparked out with his head on one arm and his feet on the other when he was smaller.
Good job on the progeny btw.
March 9th, 2008 at 18:13
I also found this site on stumble. I whole-heartedly agree with Meira. Many are not informed of the truth that so many are blind to. I make no claim to be any less ignorant, but a good philosophy is: If you are not sure of your information don’t act on it.
March 9th, 2008 at 18:15
you are a faggot
March 9th, 2008 at 18:32
This is too cute! I don’t see why some people are freaking out over this..and saying to raise your child.. THE KID IS SLEEPING! I know this technique will come in handy when our first finally comes. The hubby and I are both gamers!
March 9th, 2008 at 18:44
what’s so bad about keeping a baby on your shoulder? He’s comfortable, or is that your problem?
March 9th, 2008 at 18:49
your shoulder looks pretty comfy actually…
March 9th, 2008 at 18:54
It must really cramp your gaming style.
March 9th, 2008 at 18:55
I second that. Can I have a go?
March 9th, 2008 at 19:32
Bad parent…
March 9th, 2008 at 19:54
There si nothing wrong with this. For one it’s actually safer for a child if you think about it. Children have died from asphyxiation from lying in a crib. The baby is sleeping at a downward angle, natural position for any baby to vomit from. Second he’s sitting at and angle, it’s not like he’s sitting straight and keeping the baby supported by it’s head, he’s bearing most the weight. And lastly, it’s more comforting to a child to be in the presence of someone the know (ie. smells sounds) then to lie in a crib all alone. Just sayin BACK OFF
March 9th, 2008 at 20:16
I have had two kids with my partner and know how Babies love the shoulder to sleep on.
Spot on with indulging your love for gaming with your love for your child.
Peace.
March 9th, 2008 at 20:28
Its not really smart to do that since umm well babies move.Unless that baby is stuck to his shirt like that then its not a good decision to just plop a baby on your shoulder like that.
March 9th, 2008 at 21:41
hey dude, my bro just had a child, last november actually. And i find that pic cute and hilarious… Congrats!
I just hope ur not the type of dude that hits his keyboard when he looses, poor baby will cry!
mabrouk habibi!
March 9th, 2008 at 22:06
Owl your an A$$ and a parent do you really think obama is going to just let the baby move around without supporting him? Get real!! This appears to be a very loving and caring father…hats off to ya Obama
March 9th, 2008 at 22:20
wow… that is adorable.
March 9th, 2008 at 22:28
I have a 1 year old boy, I’ve had him lying on my shoulder many times. He still loves my shoulder but it’s getting harder because he’s a big 1 year old boy.
Reply to “A parent”, no the infant does not move at that age. It’s completely safe, safer than the crib and the dad is comfortable having the baby with him.
March 9th, 2008 at 22:29
I can’t believe the morons complaining that this guy isn’t raising his kid right. Come on, people. The child is SLEEPING. Is it more or less nurturing to have the kid sleep in a crib, in a different room, or on the father’s shoulder?
I’m sorry, but you are just wrong if you think this is bad parenting.
March 9th, 2008 at 23:48
Obviously, he doesn’t need to be rearing his child at the moment, because, obviously, his child is asleep.
AND doesn’t the poor dad deserve a break? This is dad and child bonding time! My goodness, if you have a hobby, get your kids involved, no matter how young they are!
I’m being very serious about this.
March 10th, 2008 at 00:06
That is called win win. The baby wins and the dad wins. Everybody is happy. I love it!
March 10th, 2008 at 00:38
you’re an idiot
March 10th, 2008 at 00:44
sell the baby for new games! maybe upgrade that old comp of yours its a lil dated! by the way osoma lookin a lil full there, are you pregnant
March 10th, 2008 at 00:52
Osama your picture is full of win! Pay no heed to the naysayers, they are total noobs. I’ve raised 2 kids of my own and a couple others as well. That baby is sleeping serious, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
March 10th, 2008 at 00:52
Multitasking FTW! What a great idea. Please don’t listen to the random internet idiots who have collected in the comment section. You just earned a “thumbs up” on the stumble function.
March 10th, 2008 at 00:53
wow cdo that is totally weird. We just had basically the same post at the exact same time…
March 10th, 2008 at 01:31
Cute and efficient!
March 10th, 2008 at 03:58
Get a grip folks … when you have a baby the first few months are survival and if you can make you and baby happy by this method I say more power to you. The child is not being harmed or neglected. From his point of view, he’s being snuggled and Dad is chilling out.
March 10th, 2008 at 05:51
Ahh, thats only the beginning.. I sit back from my pc as I have a recliner and a wireless keyboard/mouse and my baby (3 months) sits on my lap facing the computer and enjoys watching me game! The colors and stimulation as well as my talking with her as I go, cause her to be extremely excited and happy most of the time. Just make sure you aren’t doing something that you HAVE to survive thru so that baby comes first if he/she starts crying or needs something, and you’re all good.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:31
I find that the comfort zone is not from the shoulder…
But from the very appealing and comfortable belly bang
Love it!
March 10th, 2008 at 21:13
Theres nothing quite like a shoulder to share your love with!
March 12th, 2008 at 23:27
Osama is an amazing husband and father! Love u sweety! XOX
March 14th, 2008 at 09:28
Then I SHOULD be afraid of all the times you told me in MSN that you were only typing with one hand due to the baby.
November 3rd, 2008 at 15:20
Babies crave closeness. Cherish these times you spend with baby. It’s a beautiful thing and it does not matter if you are playing video games, watching tv, on the phone whatever. You are giving your baby what he needs…and he giving you as well. Pretty soon they are big and driving you up the wall. Enjoy that beautiful little creation of yours and your times together:)