Katie’s Babble post today is on C’s undying love for her “boppy,” possibly the cutest word in the ever, presumably derived from “bottle, please.”

I keep thinking about this boppy. Yes, I get the same stares from people that Katie gets, and no we are not imaging it. A few weeks ago I even saw someone’s mouth drop open, and yes, I was embarrassed.

It’s an odd thing, really, because I don’t think there’s actually anything wrong with the boppy (except at night, because I’m tired of milk-encrusted sheets). Why bottles are bad at 22 months but pacifiers or security blankets or – gasp – security “juice” cups are ok is beyond me. Simply put, it makes her happy, and it’s not hurting her. She gets enough food otherwise, and she drinks water when she that’s what she really needs. Big deal.

Parenting is such an odd thing in our society. It’s a universal. Most of us are or will become a parent, and all of us had them, to a greater or lesser extent. The whole “if you didn’t vote, you can’t complain” adage does not apply. Everyone’s got an opinion, and everyone is entitled to it. It’s a sure bet that no matter what you do, someone probably disapproves of it, and given enough of those somebodys, someone will be bold enough to let you know about it. Even if it is bizarre, none of their business, and ultimately ridiculous.

And what is even more ridiculous is that I care.

So up until here, I am totally on C’s side. I just want to let you know, dear beloved C, that I’ve got your back. As your dad, I support you in what you do, and I will gladly get you a boppy when you need one, so long as you say “please” instead of “now!” I have no interest any time soon in taking away your beloved boppy, despite the disapproval of strangers. I am simply not that mean; you wouldn’t understand what was going on, and even if you could, I wouldn’t be able to give a particularly good reason for being so stingy.

But I’ve just got to ask, between you and me, “why?” Why milk? Why milk even when it’s hot outside? Why milk first thing in the morning or last thing at night? Why? I mean, I know I’m not much of a fan anyway, so maybe my vote shouldn’t count for anything, but it just seems incredibly unappealing, and I can’t quite imagine how it could be a comfort. Yes, it’s cute, but, really, milk? I mean, yuck!