One of the themes I like to explore in this space is the idea of evolving gender roles, how just because I'm the dad doesn't mean I'm working, and just because my wife is the mom doesn't mean she's doing housework. The funny thing is that right now, she actually is a stay at home mom, and I am the one going to work. The important thing is that this isn't because we like to conform to social norms, it just works for us right now. This summer, when my school is closed and I'm not working, those roles will most likely be reversed.
That kind of terrifies me.
I love my kids. They're the best kids you could ask for. They're happy, healthy, fun, and loving. I can't get enough of them. But truthfully, I don't know what it's like to be with them, by myself, all day, everyday.
That's what my wife does, and she's incredible at it. I see the activities she does with them, decorating our ceiling so Grace can look at the stars, baking, coloring, making crafts, all sorts of things, and I'm not sure I can come up with all that stuff. She keeps the house clean too.
I can't even keep the house clean with just myself home.
The other day I had them for one hour, she tried to call me, but I couldn't answer because I had an infant screaming in my ear, a toddler screaming to go to the bathroom, and the floor was covered in spaghetti. How do you deal with that for 8 hours a day by yourself?
Today is mothers day, and I've been reflecting on how lucky I am to have such an incredible mother for my children. I am blown away everyday by the patience, wisdom, creativity, and care she shows our children all the time. Frankly, I'm envious of her. She's in the trenches everyday with those two, and some days aren't easy. Some days run you down. But she wouldn't trade it for the world; and I wouldn't trade her for the world. So, here's to Moms. Not just any moms, the best moms. The ones who make the everyday exciting, who make the missteps lessons, who make childhood magical, and who make us all proud.
