My wife worked for the first time since the kids were born this weekend and I was on full Dad duty, in charge of a nursing one year old and a four and half year old for three days.  It gave me a new level of appreciation for my wife and the role she has in our family.

What struck me the most was the hyper vigilance it took to stay ahead of everything going on.  While one kid was being fed, the other was pooping his pants.  I took care of the the meals, snacks, laundry, dishes, and the list went on and on.

It wasn’t that I didn’t know this was going on everyday, and not that I don’t help out and lighten the load.  I have my daily duties to help out, but when put solely in charge, I was struck with how much brain space it took to keep all the balls rolling.  There was not a time for “shut down.”

I have found a new level of respect and empathy for the job she does keeping this house a home.  I will grumble less about things being cluttered or Sue being tired.  I owe her grace.  She did get to see my side as well and she had her own epiphanies.

I think I want to see mom get a weekend to work or play more often.  It will help me to be both more ingauged and involved.  I see myself pitching in more often on my own with out being asked as well.  Take a walk in Mom’s shoes every now and then and your family will be better for it.