For the Record

I'm sure many couples take each other for granted--they don't realize what a blessing it is to share each other's company or household responsibilities (laundry, cooking, childcare, yard work, killing icky cockroaches hiding in shoes). Normally everything during the week falls on my plate. In the last few months Eddie and I have gotten our routine down pat and we do really well when it is just the two of us.

The nights when I want to throw in the towel because of having to do everything myself are long gone. Once Eddie could sit unassisted my life got so much easier--I could then take a shower, cook food, start a load of laundry, or whatever without having to juggle him and do things one-handed (he was never a fan of tummy time or being in a swing or bouncy seat for more than a few minutes at a time). I made sure to let him learn to entertain himself with toys or whatever (safe) goodies were within his reach. Now that he's crawling and navigating the furniture--learning to walk already--my life is really easy peasy all things considered.

I remember when he was itty bitty and I'd tip toe around the house lest I accidentally wake him up. I'd think, "Please oh please oh please don't wake up yet! My nipples hurt so much I don't want to nurse again just yet. And I really want to take a shower and eat something!" Now I find myself missing his company during his 2 hour naps but I'm wise enough to enjoy the alone time instead of waking him up. When he only sleeps for 40 minutes instead of 2 hours I'm no longer disappointed. I just figure if he's ready for play and not sleep then so be it.

A few weeks ago I was cooking dinner after picking Eddie up from daycare and realized that I finally missed Dave for the right reason--I just missed his company. Before I'd complain to him that I needed him to get a job closer to home because I needed help raising the baby. It wasn't fair that I had to do it all myself. I guess it is a valid argument but it really wasn't constructive to make him feel bad. After all, he works hard to provide financially for our small family. (But I have to say, being distracted by his tv shows while on the phone listening to me gripe on the phone after work while I'm at home folding diapers, nursing, walking the dogs, etc. is NOT okay. HELLO! I want to have leisurely time to watch tv!)

This week Dave's been home with us because he's on jury duty. I can't even express in words how much I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove having him home with us for dinner and breakfast every day. It makes the sun shine brighter, the spring air smell fresher, and our precious baby that much cuter (if that's even possible!). Being able to go back to lab for a few hours after Eddie's in bed is also a treat--I'm so much more productive with my schoolwork, too.

Yesterday Anthony didn't come over to play so Eddie and I met Dave for lunch near the courthouse and then visited one of my fellow grad student/new mommy friends. Seeing Dave during the MIDDLE of the day was icing on an already scrumptious cake.

Thank you lunatics from West Sacramento who do stupid stuff that lands you in court so Dave can be your juror and live at home with us.

My fingers are crossed that the universe will align and Dave will get a job he likes in Sacramento so he can move home. A job with benefits in Davis would be the best, but I'm not going to push my luck. The job Dave used to have in Sacramento was SO terrible for both of us that he just had to quit after sticking with it for almost 2 years. We realized we'd rather live on the streets with no job than keep working there. Of course, then the economy tanked and he couldn't find another job in our area so he went back to work for his dad.

So to all you folks out there who get to have your spouse/partner live with you, make sure you stop to enjoy their company and realize how lucky you are!