About a week ago, MTM brought out yet another parenting book, showing it to me and saying, "This isn't about you. I got it to review, not about you." The book she was holding was called The Lazy Husband.
Fast forward to after dinner one night earlier this week. The munchkin padded off to the living room to play while my wife and I remained in the kitchen. I hopped up after my daughter to get on the computer to do some stuff, but before I could get to the keyboard, my wife spoke up, "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure. Just let me get this started," I replied.
As I typed away, she continued, "I've been reading that 'Husband' book."
"Mmm hmm." Crap. I knew this was coming.
"It's really interesting. There's a chapter devoted to the husbands, sort of a 'man to man' thing, that I read first. It has all sorts of advice and tips and stuff."
"Mmm hmm." She is so going to force me to read that.
"And after reading it, I realized how lucky I am."
"Huh? What?" Crap. I need to learn to pay more attention. I think she just gave me a compliment.
"I need to apologize to you. I take you and all the things you do for granted."
"Woah. Hold on," I said as I stopped typing and came back to the table. I need to soak in this rare moment. "I want to hear this clearly." You hardly ever apologize to me. What's next? Dogs and cats living together? A fat-free chocolate bar that tastes good and won't give you cancer?
So I listened as she waxed sentimental about me as a husband and father, and I thanked her when she was done.
Then the munchkin came in, farted, said, "Cucumbers make me toot," and laughed. My wife gave me the "I can't believe you taught her that" look as I tried to avoid eye contact, and all was right with the world again.
The FINAL Throwback Thursday
With this collection of posts, I have effectively bridged the gap between Tales From The Dad Side and my old blog (as best as I can - some posts just didn't make it because once you removed the photos with my daughter's face, there wasn't anything there). I am willing to bet
TNS: UI Benefits for Single Parents - news commentary
TRS: Superbowl Weekend - a recap of how I migrated my wife's old blog to new Blogger (weeks before she discontinued it)
TNS: Family Prisons - news commentary
TWS: Painting Our Apartment - about the first time MTM chose paint colours
TDS: My Daughter's Favourite Expressions - just some cute expressions from a toddler
TRS: Visiting The Grandparents - a recap of a visit with my parents
TNS: Catholic Adoption Agencies And Same-Sex Couples - news commentary
TWS: A Valentine Memory - a story of our last Valentine's Day before becoming parents
SFD: My Father/Son Relationship - about my relationship with my father
There is also a new Daditorial up, where I look at a recent study that suggests that severe tantrums may indicate depression.
6 comment:
:)
I'm glad your wife made you feel good about your role as husband and father! I think a lot of men don't do squat, so don't deserve a giant pat on the back when they do change a diaper or take their kid to the park. IT'S YOUR KID TOO!! I was lucky enough to find a husband who understands that I am not in this alone. There are two parents here, and he is every bit as involved and active as I am. I would settle for no less and he wants no less for his life.
That rant being said, I think some men are automatically deemed less worthy and capable by the women and that's why they fall into the stereotype. It's a vicious cycle.
I'm glad you're not one of them either. :)
Awesome post. :)
It must have been going around yesterday. I thanked my husband for continuing to come home even though lately he gets daily, "Good GRIEF you will NOT believe what just happened!" calls from a wife in a lather.
That's a great interchange. :)
And I love the end. LOL
I could send that book to a few guys I know :)
Hey, I love the new banner!!
Great post. I love the story at the end. It sounds all too familiar :)
I know I take my husband for granted sometimes, but when I sit back and think about it, I am a very lucky woman. He works so hard but always has time to help with the kids. Definitely a great dad.
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