Earlier I wrote a blog about how my wife does everything. I never really and truly understood how true that statement was until earlier this week. I’ve now learned how true that statement is (and was). This past week I started my stint as a stay-at-home Dad. Am I working? Yes, as a teacher/graphic designer but the semester hasn’t started yet. Am I still going to class? Kind of. I’ve got dissertation hours which don’t require my physical presense on campus anymore. So it’s easy? No! No it is not! I’m studying for my qualifying exams too. The class I’m teaching is new to me (meaning I get to create new material… which is great). It’s not easy at all. I am, however, giving it my best shot.
So how’s it been going? Rough. Our son is a monster (actually he’s a really sweet little boy). He’s kind of needy. I realize how much he misses his mom. Their bond is quite special and it is certainly something that we do not yet have. When he watches her drive away in the morning he doesn’t get sad but he stoically studies the situation. He tries to read his mother’s face for any indication of how she is feeling. We try to make it a happy and normal thing though. Mom smiles and Dad tries to get the baby to wave “bye bye” but he just sits and stares and waits. (He’s looking up at me from the floor right now).
Our first days were really rough but they’re getting better. I understand what he needs a little bit more. I know when he naps. I know what he eats. I’m beginning to understand how much. I know when he needs to be picked up and comforted and when he’s just acting upset to get something he doesn’t really need. Most importantly we’re spending some serious time together. Unfortunately that means that I’m having trouble getting work done. I’ve had a summer of difficult work and I’m entering a Fall of more difficult work. In order to compensate for lost daytime work I’ve been getting up to work at 5AM. This might be normal for some of you but I’m normally a night owl. At any rate, we’re trying our best. I’m gonna go pick him up now and read him a story. (This job is kind of fun!)