The Mother Load

I always thought I had been pretty appreciative of the job Carin did staying home with our kids. That is until she left to Virginia last week. I have had the kids alone for a couple of days in a row but never this long. She's been gone for 5 days. I have really enjoyed being home with the kids and spending more time with them than usual. They are good kids. Good kids or not, this is not a job for the half-hearted mother. This job is all-in.

I usually leave for work when the kids are getting dressed for the day. From that point until dinner, I thought I knew what went on here. This job doesn't end. I have been more involved since the boys were born just because with twins, it's a two-person job. I have to admit that I was reluctant to lose our MVP for 5 days and I was quite nervous about it. I learned a few things while Carin was gone.

1. Paper plates make for less dishes but more garbage.

2. McDonald's Drive thru and Totino's party pizzas are life savers

3. Don't say the word "outside" unless you plan on putting on 6 little shoes right now!

4. Grandmas are a big help.

5. Rags begin to stink without a daily load of laundry. I tried to microwave them. I figured it would get rid of the smell. It did.

6. New dishrags aren't that expensive.

7. If it's a rainy, dark morning and the babies wake up early, tuck them back in and give them a binky and they'll sleep for another hour.

8. Rainy days equal long days

9. Humming while Plugging my ears under the shower behind 2 closed doors is the only way to find harmonic solace from the crying. Even daddy needs a time out sometimes.

10. King beds are no good if there is no queen. Thank you night time sleep aid.

Success #1-I did master the 4 hour afternoon nap. Chalk that up to more crying than usual and a noteably quieter house because daddy napped too.

Success #2-No one was critically injured or taken to the hospital

Success #3-I taught Taylor how to play baseball

Yes, now I understand better why my wife's hair is more often than not pulled back in a hasty pony tail. When you shut the bathroom door crying and fits ensue. I now am beginning to understand how much work it takes to run this place, buy groceries, plan meals, fix meals (on time), have a calling in the church, do laundry, get the kids outside, read to them, clean the house and still have enough energy to want to even think about going to the gym or doing yardwork-let alone taking care of a clueless husband.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed being with the kids. I missed Carin horribly though. I will try to be more helpful when I can and try to be more aware as a husband. It's been an eye-opening experience for this husband. I am married to a marvel of a woman that balances this crazy life without one word of complaint and 100 times better than I. The calling of mother truly is the greatest and most challenging.

Taylor crawled in bed with me this morning and whispered, "Daddy, when is Mommy coming home?" I said, "She'll be here tomorrow morning when you wake up!" The Taylor said, "Let's go get the boys up, I want today to go by quickly."

I love you Carin and I can't wait for you to get home! Neither can the kids.