Father's Day Number 2

What a long, strange trip it has been....
In the past year, I've gone from stay-at-home dad to traditional 9-5 working dad. Or is it 8 to 6? I work full time while my wife takes care of the annointed one. This may be the traditional set-up, but neither of us really like it. I don't get to spend enough time with the kid, she gets to spend too much.

Tomorrow is Father's day number two. My wife asked if I'd like some free time to do my own thing. I asked her what I'd do with that time. The only thing I could think of was to install blinds in our daughter's room. So there it is. I finally get a chance for some at-home freedom, and all I can think of doing is yet another thing for the princess. Looks like I've gone off the deep end.

i'm still a tired dad, but it doesn't really bother me any more. That's the price I pay for her smile, her laugh, and her amazing kid-in-training skills.

Dad's Group

Yesterday I met up with a couple of guys from the Puget Sound Stay At Home Dads Group. Thank you to host Matt for letting us crash your place. Your house is great for kids and adults. I wish my backyard was as kid friendly.

"Unfortunately" I'm going back to work (after being laid off for 8 months, the company that laid me off is hiring me as a temp for about half my previous salary). That means I'll have to miss the dads' group get togethers unless they are at night or on weekends. I guess I could try to make that happen myself. Maybe I will.

But the most unfortunate part of going back to work is that I'm going to miss taking care of Mia. She's been the focus of my attention for 6 months, and while a lot of work, its been amazing. At least I'll be with her evenings and 2 days a week. Not enough, but better than nothing. And daycare will be good for her, I think. Sure, she'll get a few colds, but she'll also get to socialize with other kids and adults, see other toys, learn new games. I just wish I could be a fly on the wall and watch her. I don't want to miss a moment.

Going Crazy

Man, how do people do this? I spent my whole day taking care of the little princess, and was feeling rather insane by the end of the day. Its not that she's not good...she really is good. But the constant attention, combined with the afternoon/evening fussies, is really getting to me. I know, she's only a baby and someday I'll look back fondly at these early months, but in the moment I can say that its much harder than I ever imagined. I can't imagine what it would be like if she were colicky.

Dishes at midnight

I have so much more respect for stay-at-home mom's now that I've been staying home with our new daughter for 5 months. I can't get anything done during the day (the little Princess commands nearly all of my time), and can't wait for my wife to come home from work so I can "relax" by cooking and cleaning! The 50-inch HDTV doesn't get much use anymore!