It’s become clear to me that this new version of the website has become all about me and the kids. Where’s Colleen, you might ask? Well, she’s in the bedroom sewing, like a good wife. I was going to insert this really cool picture of Colleen sewing under this huge wedding dress but I can’t find it. There are only 30,000 pictures on my computer to search through. Check back soon, maybe I’ll find it.
The way it works here, now, during bridal season (something like deer season, if I had my way) is I go to work every day, waking up at 5:15 or whenever Mason feels like it’s time to get up (whichever comes earliest). I’m at work until 4, I drive home (listening to NPR and relaxing), then about 4:40 all hell breaks loose. Colleen gives me a few minutes to collect myself and, then, we either keep the kids in the living room while she works or they have the run of the house if she drives to fittings in Raleigh. Either way, I work the day shift and she takes care of the kids and, then, she works the night shift and I take care of the kids.
We have our rituals, dinner around 5:15, then me chasing them around the room while Violet is screaming, “Monster!!!” and Mason is doing his squealing thing. Then, Violet and I color or play play-dough while Mason chews on something he’s not supposed to chewing on.
About 6:45 or 7 Colleen comes out to help me with the bath (if she’s home), Mason goes to sleep, and Violet and I brush our teeth, get our jammies on, then watch an episode of Blue’s Clues while coloring in “Daddy’s book.”
I’m worn out by this point and only want to go to sleep, but end up helping Colleen with all the chores, and, then, maybe have a few minute conversation with Colleen before the day ends in the dread that our sleep time is going to be way too short and we’ll be up in no time to do the same day over again tomorrow.
The only reason I can think that I’m telling you this is… everyday I wake up and wonder how I’m going to do this again. All I have to do is look around, see the artwork hanging on the walls or see a picture of one of the kids and I remember what my life is about. I love my family and it’s now my life’s work to keep them alive and healthy. Who would have thought?
