Things My Husband Does…Did…Will Do Again

My husband has had surgery last week and I just realized how much he does around here, because he no longer does it. I am now tasked in doing things that I have not done in years and so I want to give a shout-out to the men and all they do, even though I still feel like the weight of the family sits on the mom’s shoulders.

I have always said my husband is a better parent than me. He is 5 years my senior and that five years has given him patience and understanding that I just don’t possess…yet. What I failed to notice was that he is a very hands-on partner in life as well. He helps out with everything over here, no task is “woman’s work” and we have a great groove going. I underestimated this man.

Not wanting to worry anyone last week my husband went and had surgery to re-attach a tendon in his thumb without letting anyone know. There was no warning that he was going to be unavailable. No chance to prep for all of the work that had to happen.

Things He Does…Did…Will Do Again

Drives the kids to and from school – Things I noticed at our school: most of the kids have their dads doing the pick-up and drop-off. Who am I to screw with this. Giving this role to the hubby meant that I did not have to change from my pyjamas until I had to leave the house. Sometimes that was days. Now I have to take them.

Garbage & Recycling – Although there is no “woman’s work” here there is a clear line between what I consider “man’s work”. Garbage & recycling are the only things under that column. We have three green bins, two extra large recycling bins and still somehow end up with 4 or 5 bags of clear blue recycling bags every couple of weeks. It’s smelly and thankfully the maggots are not around anymore because it’s cooler but I actually had to pop a bottle of wine out front of the house yesterday while I broke down boxes at 11 PM. He usually has this done by 7 AM

The Dog – Charlie is our family dog and although we all help out with him hubby is his Master. I have become the feeder and walker of the beast which I don’t actually mind doing but again with the lazy thing.

Getting Groceries – Over the years hubby has become our grocery-guy. I still went with him on big trips but if we needed milk or ran out of onions he would jump in our truck and go. He can’t carry anything now so it is a family ordeal. I went to Costco FIVE times this week. I should see if my work will just forward my cheque straight to a Costco account because I seem to be working only to make these trips.

Basic maintenance for himself – I get to help with showers, putting on deodorant and cutting nails. Did I mention I am lazy and so he now has the nails cut on one foot and not the other. I asked him if he wanted my help to shave and he quickly said no.

The Kids – God he does a lot. Whether it is getting bottles, changing diapers, or just buckling them into their car seats he can no longer do it. He can still give cuddles and sage advice so I will take it but wow do I want him back.

And all this happens before 10 AM. There is still the rest of the day full of things he does. I am never going to tell him he does nothing around the house again, or at least I will try.

I realized this past week that I am really lucky to have him be such a big part of our day-to-day. I don’t think I could do it on my own, at least not with a smile on my face. If you are looking for tips on how to solo parent I don’t have them although you know who does? Maya from Mayahood Blog! She manages to rock it and you should check out her latest post–The good, the bad and the ugly of solo parenting.

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Aneta Alaei

Aneta is a Toronto-based mom of four that loves a good meal, great company, and learning something new. In her free time, you can find her trying to keep yet another plant alive.

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