Mr. Mom: Day Four

It's hand-off time, and it's a little bitter sweet. Sweet because we all really missed the real mom, especially me. Bitter because now the kids' favorite is back and I am not the principle source of comfort and fun or the principle object of snuggles. I have to share the good as well as the tough. This morning was a headache getting ready for church, and if it weren't for some friends in the congregation who were willing to sit with us and help with the kids, I may have lost it. It's funny, one whole good week with the kids and the only time I was tempted to lose my temper was during a one-hour church meeting. I regrouped quickly and really gave the last full measure of love and patience until my wonderful wife made it home right before dinner. When she arrived, the kids exploded with a new sense of energy and it was difficult to get some order out of chaos enough to have dinner, books, and bedtime. But we loved the time together. I am especially proud this week of keeping my temper during the whole four days. The kids deserve a lot of the credit. Next to that, I am proud that the house was clean, dinner prepared, and everything in proper order when my wife returned home. I've become quite domestic. In fact, I was a little protective of the house at first and found it a little difficult to hand back over the reigns. My wife commented how surprised she was when noticing certain things. That does a lot for a man's pride. In short, we had a successful week, and I feel so much closer to my kids. I think I will miss being able to focus only on them. Maybe someday I will be lucky enough to be a stay-at-home dad.