Playing “Stay-At-Home-Dad” For A Day
By CJ Mills on Jul 25, 2008 in andrea, family
Andrea, along with her sister, took “the kids” to the water park (the kids being my niece, nephew and Jadyn) today. I’m glad my wife is able to spend some time with Jadyn right now without me having to take time off of work. I know that may sound shallow, as if I hate spending time with my kids, but you should know that I love being with my kids; however, it wasn’t until last night that I realized I haven’t really spent time with our kids as babies….by myself…outside of the house….
Last night, I met up with Marvin and Josh to watch the MLS all star game. Because Andrea was with Jadyn at the water park, I took Asher with me. When I arrived at Marvin’s house, I realized that this was the first time I had ever taken either of our kids out of the house by myself during the first year of their life - crazy huh? Asher is usually such a good baby, but of course the night I had him all to myself he HAD to have an upset stomach and puke all of his dinner on my shirt and Marvin’s couch (sorry Marv!). I think I did pretty well with the alarms going off every 5 minutes, and Asher never really “settling” down, but there is no way I could ever do this all the time.
Andrea - you are amazing. I have no idea how you manage to stay home, with TWO kids, all day long and not throw them both at me when I get home, tired and worn out from a long day at work.
TO ALL YOU STAY-AT-HOME MOMS OUT THERE - you have more balls than most guys in the world! I SALUTE YOU!
To all my guy readers - do you think you could be a stay-at-home dad? If you are, HOW DO YOU DO IT?!
To all my gal readers - are any of you stay-at-home moms? If you are, WHAT IS YOUR SECRET?! Any working moms who think the stay-at-home moms are nuts?
Adam | Jul 25, 2008 | Reply
I think I could handle it for maybe 2 days.. but sometimes Madison really knows how to push my buttons. I can handle Gavin and all his stuff becasue he is an easy going guy.
I dont know how Karen does it every day. Taking both kids out. Carrying all of Gavin’s extra stuff. She is awesome.
Adam’s last blog post…Love Grass?!?
ckroboth | Jul 25, 2008 | Reply
I would love to say I could, and if push came to shove I would do it in a heartbeat.
BUT… My wife is Awesome, she is a working Mom, and she is the best Family manager in the world. There is no way I would be near as organized and prepared for each day as she is. Man I love that woman.
Marvin | Jul 25, 2008 | Reply
you handled it well last night…I could even see a sparkle in Josh’s eye…he wanted what you had
…and don’t worry about the couch, like I said, it has seen much worse.
Mark Walker | Jul 25, 2008 | Reply
I’ve been a stay at home dad for about three years now. I don’t know how I’ve done it either. Lots of work! I have a great wife with a fantastic job. Kids are great…I am thankful that I have time to spend with them. But I am sure ready to start spending some more time away from them and work on my career again.
Good read, thanks for the interesting post.
Mark Walker’s last blog post…It Runs Two Ways
CJ Mills | Jul 25, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for stopping by Mark, and for your honesty here.
Adam and CK - both of you obviously share the same sentiments as I do.
Marv - if the whole school/band/church thing doesn’t work out, maybe you could be our nanny?
Heather Duling | Jul 25, 2008 | Reply
CJ- I am so happy with being able to stay at home with my boys full time. As I hit thirty this year I feel like I am more scatter brained then I used to be and forgetful. But I am working hard to stay focused. I love the challenges.
My boys are 6 years apart and the second was born in Oct. so Conner was off at school so I could nap when the baby napped. I have been impressed with all that you have done in helping to care for your little ones. I know Josh works hard all day, so it is a little challenging to get the break time in when he gets home since he wants to relax too. He needs way more sleep then I do too, so he goes to bed early with Conner.
Andy Borgmann | Jul 25, 2008 | Reply
Dude. Let’s rock that little guy to a Cubs game when I am up in town…ehh….
Andy Borgmann’s last blog post…To Have or To Be
wideawake1 | Jul 25, 2008 | Reply
Not a stay at home mom. I think God knew exactly what he was doing when He decided we couldn’t have kids. He gave me lots of nieces and nephews and others kids to love on and….send home! Don’t get me wrong, if I had ‘em, I would be at home. Nothing I would like more, but God has other plans.
Lisa Ruggles | Jul 25, 2008 | Reply
I have been a stay at home mom for the last 10 months. Prior to that I worked part time. I love my children dearly but I have to say in the last 10 months, there have been days that I envy Brad being able to walk out the door. Especially during our time the hotels. Then I always remember what a blessing it is that I can be home with the girls.
Joshua | Jul 25, 2008 | Reply
I have to give a shout out to my wife, Heather, for being a wonderful mother. There are days I would love to stay at home with the boys, but half way through the Thomas the Tank Engine video for the 2nd time, I’d be thinking of ways to hurt myself. Ultimately, her being the nurturer and I being the enforcer seems to work out pretty well.
In my defense, going to bed early with Conner could mean 9:30. Wait until you’re 31 with an 8 year-old, and you’ll understand….
CJ Mills | Jul 25, 2008 | Reply
@Lisa » I can’t even imagine being a stay-at-hotel mom. That would be tough!
@Josh » I get to bed at about 1:00 most nights…I’m a night owl, but I suck at waking up early….good thing I live close to work so I can sleep in until 7:10…