Friday, March 15, 2013

Week without Mommy? I Got This. (The Hub's Guest Blog)

Last week, I was away on business in Philadelphia. This was the first time I was away from my family for more than a night. A couple of years ago, The Hub was out of town on a work assignment for a month, so I know how challenging it is to suddenly become a temporary "single parent." Before I left, I made sure the house was in order and I laid out the girls' clothes for school for the week... just to make it a little easier in the mornings for him. We talked every night and The Hub would tell me the highlights of each day...all were good and reassuring. I can honestly say, I did not doubt his ability to go it alone for the week... and I was right to be so confident. I came home to find the house still standing, the kids were not sold on the black market, S did her homework, and B left the house with her pants on everyday.

Later, I learned that there were a few moments of complete chaos and rule bending that The Hub left out of our phone conversations... He didn't want me to worry. I asked him to write about his week alone with our kids. Enjoy!!

***

Getting Ready in the Morning

Two bathrooms plus three people, T-minus twenty minutes until the bus arrives. The math did not work that morning.

B: I wanna wear my Tinkerbell nightgown to school.
Me: Sure. Why not?
B: YAY!

B's Daycare Teacher: B's hair is full of static! It's standing straight up!
(I walk over to the sink, wet my hands, and slick back her hair.)
Me: TA-DA!
B's Daycare Teacher: When does your wife come back?

B: Daddy, you need to put a ponytail in my hair.


TA-DA!



 Working from Home
 
(I'm on an important business call with a client.)
Me: Yes. I'll get that proposal to you in 10 minutes.
B: (Walks into the room with pants around her ankles) Daddy!! Can you wipe my butt?!
Me: Make that 20.

S: Daddy! I spilled my drink!
Me: I'm sending out an email right now. Just put a paper towel on it and I'll clean it up in a minute.
(She used my work notes.)

Making Dinner

Me
: What do you want me to cook for dinner tonight?
S: Happy China.
B: McDonalds.
Me: Okay.
The Kids: YAY!

Me: I'm ordering pizza tonight.
Kids: YAY! You're the best cook ever!!

The Bedtime Routine

The Kids: Daddy, we need to take baths tonight.
Me: (Give each kid a sniff check.) Nah, you're good.
The Kids: YAY!!

 (30 Minutes past bedtime and the kids are still goofing off in their room.)
Me: You better go to sleep or I'll call your mother and tell her to stay in Philadelphia FOR-EV-ER!
The Kids: Complete silence for the rest of the night.


I got this.

 

20 comments:

  1. www.grandysissy@hotmail.comMarch 15, 2013 at 9:38 AM

    he did his job.no one was hurt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Grandysissy,
      My thoughts exactly! I thought he did a great job.
      Love,
      Terese

      Delete
  2. Holy cow in a hand basket. I'm glad he didn't tell you while you were away. What a wonderful husband and father.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Brilliant! I love it! It's moments like this that I realize I sometimes parent more like a dad than a mom...lol.

    -Jess

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!! And it is quite alright to parent like a dad... because we are cool!

      (Hub)

      Delete
  4. Hahaha! Y'all are the perfect couple and family, I shows through everything you do. Love and miss you guys so much! I must come for a visit soon! Hugs!!! - YCP, H

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad that you enjoyed it!! I will teach you some of my skills in trade for some chicken raising skills... which to me might be very similar. :)

      (Hub)

      Delete
  5. Another pants wetting story...! You open our eyes with humor, an awesome way to see life! I am glad I get to see these happenings first hand and I starve for more!! I love all of you so very much...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nice job - I knew you could handle it. poPs

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hey, can you babysit me and Sam??? puh-leeeeeeaze I wanna wear my finding nemo jammies to work

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Only if I can feed Beavus and the kitties Chinese food and give them pony tails!

      (Hub)

      Delete
  8. I am a working mom and I can SO relate! SO many pros and cons to each side of the coin.

    You are not alone!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Ameena,
      Solidarity sister!!! It's so lovely to know I'm not alone!
      Thank you for reading!!
      Love,
      Terese

      Delete
  9. After reading this post, I just convinced myself its ok to book a girls weekend away for the first time. Daddy can handle it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Catina,
      Absolutely! Go for it!! Just don't ask for details until you get home. ;)
      Dads can handle it... we just have to remember that he will handle it his way and it will be fine, even if his way is not always Mom's way. (Plus, you get the added bonus of "I am so glad you're home!" when you come back.)
      Have fun!!!
      Love,
      Terese

      Delete
  10. Seriously TOO funny! GREAT job Dad!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Shari,
      The Hub says, "Thank you, Shari!"
      Thanks for reading!
      Love,
      Terese

      Delete

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