A day in the life of a NEW Stay at home dad

First let me preface by the fact that I previously was a stay at home mom for 5 years until this past fall. It would be safe to jump to the assumption that I SO remember what it is like to do the unpaid mom gig. EXCEPT in my selfish comparison I actually had multiple children at home, AND didn't have anyone to get our children ready for me before I head to work. BUT, since I recognize that God did not create men and woman equal, including my husband who has a role very different than me it is unfair to expect him to be me. I mean I didn't want a husband just like me. We WOULD kill each other I am sure! :) Anyway, let me now add an important fact that hubby is an AMAZING Dad! He can also cook a great meal, manage our 10 acres outdoors wise, among other very important things I do not do well myself.

Now having mentioned all of that which didn't need to be said let me get to the main event. Today, the second official day hubby was home involved NO children until he picked them all up from their prospective schools at 3:00. NOT keeping track because it isn't a competition but somewhat consciously meaning such I murmer to myself about how it must be nice that him being on duty yesterday equaled me having everyone ready when he arrives, as it will be the case all this week. Not repeating that out loud I still was weak and said (as I left this am) " I can't wait to see what all you get done today." I am pretty sure there is no nice way to play off that I meant lay off the computer and tv Dude! I am so sad, right? Anyway, I left and didn't harrass him all day.

After school I had to pick up some fundraiser papers that I am in charge of, stop by the store then come home. The knowledge that I would get to eat a dinner I did not have to think about was pretty awesome. But when I got there half the kids were next door, the other half didn't do their Monday night chores. Ignoring that I ask how long till dinner, when it was 20 more minutes I quickly made my escape to get a run in since the weather was 80 and gorgeous. I was well aware that this would be annoying maybe but the timing would get worse as the night rolled on. The other two kiddos walked in just in time for me to remind of room cleaning etc keeping them out of Daddy's hair till I got back anyway.
Finally arriving home to stay I changed shirts and helped get dinner on the table. The funny part is that my husband still can't seem to get putting a small amount of food on kids plate, he didn't plan for the no red meat eating child (also hates green beens which were tonights only veggies), then he over cooks his hot dog stand in not once but 2 times. When I say overcook I mean cause it to explode over cook. THEN, littlest is in tears because she doesn't have enough meat, oldest is tramautized because meatloaf is like torture and he wants a hamburger. Seriously kid, um it is a hamburger! In the process hubby has to walk out to the deck to not scream, littlest spills her milk all over the table and the phone rings. THANK GOD for my break in OK because for the first time I can laugh at how funny all this really is and walk in patience and love.
Mashed potatoes are quickly heated up from a Gma given frozen package humoring oldest, carrots are retrieved for the now 2 kids who don't want to eat green beans and Daddy sits down. Just as we start to pray oldest daughter yells, "Napkins" and gathers the proper amount. Daddy hangs his head in his hands and I laugh. Littlest laughs too because it is contagious and next thing I know Daddy is looking at me with a veiled attempt at a smile.

Whew! I am pretty sure hubby is not sorry he is headed back to the Fire Station tomorrow before he comes back for round 3 Wednesday, ha! I however look around at my handprint covered doorways, and the surfaces needing wiping and remember that my version of stay at home mom tasks are not the same as Dad's. Well, and after 13 years of marriage and 4 kids I think that is really ok. WOW, have I grown up! Sigh, life truly can be fun!