Whenever my beloved wife becomes ill and is unable to care house, home, and family, I typically take the day off. Without the support of other families in our neighborhood, I don't know how my wife could adequately get well without a good deal of time and unnecessary suffering. I therefore take some days off now and again when Mrs. Pickles is unable to do much more than read and rest. Yesterday was one of those days.
Mrs. Pickles came down with flu-like symptoms on Sunday, so she basically needed rest for the day. I recalled from Katie's birth (nearly a year ago) that I needed to give myself some sort of direction and goals for the day, or else I'd be lost on what to do. Here was my list for the day:
- Vacuum
- Wash and Dry diapers
- Make Dinner
- Buy razors
- Play with daughters
- Work for about 2 hours from home (project deadlines looming)
- Bathe girls
There were many other small items that didn't make the big list (such as put girls to bed, make lunches). I'm happy to say that I accomplished nearly all of those tasks, but I still wouldn't have done it without my wife. Since she alone could nurse Katie, that time allowed me some child free time to work on dinner and make lunches undisturbed. I was also able to go shopping for some needed items during Miriam's nap time, but only because my wife wasn't napping at the same time. It is certainly a difficult job of juggling that wife accomplishes each day.
Bathing both girls at once is an adventure in keeping my children safe. I put both girls in the tub at the same time. Though she is a very steady and sturdy walker, I still need to use Katie's bath tub for her. Without it she spends all of her time trying to stand up, fall down, and drown herself. Regardless of its use, I have to watch Miriam to make certain that she doesn't drown Katie by dumping about 3 cups of water on Katie's head. Despite their joint attempts to make Miriam numero uno in Mr. Pickle's will, bathtime was a lot of fun. The girls spent so much time splashing and laughing at each other. It was such a riot. I also get wet, of course, but that simply adds to the fun. (I don't think my wife likes water fights,..., and she's the only one in the house with a squirt gun.)
Overall, yesterday was definitely the hardest day of work I've had in awhile--but certainly well worth the effort. This picture pretty much shows how I felt around 6:00 p.m., and yesterday's experience also reinforced why Mrs. Pickles is so happy to see me when I come home. In the evening Miriam gave me a huge hug after saying goodnight, and Katie walked up to me to lay her head on my chest and give a love pat. It was the best compensation I've received all year for a hard day's work. Nevertheless, I'm glad that my wife is the one who wants to work at home.
