It’s hard to believe that I am now three quarters of the way through my paternity leave. The thought of returning to work on Monday is something of a sour one to say the least. It’s been nice to cast of the weights of roof leaks, toilet blockages and council demands and instead concentrate on leaks, blockages and demands of another sort.
I little imagined how enjoyable it would be to have a baby around the house. Sure it’s tiring but as Karen pointed out: you know you love them when they howl their lungs out in the middle of the night and you still think they’re adorable.
Talking of Tom: he’s feeding (and pooing well) and when the mid-wife visits today we’re hoping she’ll confirm what we already suspect – that he’s exceeded his birth weight. He’s certainly looking a very healthy little chappie. Long may it continue. He’s got a really cute smile as well though it’s a bit disappointing to realize that it’s only wind at this stage. But hey – maybe that explains the similar reaction I get from most people?
The last two weeks have been a pleasant blur. It’s felt like Christmas in an odd kind of way. With Ben on half term we’re all home and it’s been really great to spend so much time together as a family. Somehow we’ve settled down to a very relaxed, easy going routine where nothing much seems to happen and yet the days seem stretched and full.
Little of import has occurred and really that’s the greatest pleasure in itself.
In fact the only really exciting thing that has occurred in the last few days was the appearance of half a mouse in the garden. I kid you not. I woke up yesterday and spotted the hindquarters of a mouse lying beneath one of the garden chairs. Yuck. Not an appetizing thought when one is preparing breakfast. Butty as I christened him was gone when I got up this morning, however, so I can only assume that some enterprising moggie snaffled the rest of him in the night.
Let’s face it; he wasn’t going to attempt much of an escape...
So this is the world that Tom has found himself born into. A world of mysterious half mice and father’s who will return to work with a heavy heart.
I wish I could think of something deep and meaningful to say at this point but to be honest I’m far too content to ponder such things…
Result!
9 comments:
It's good that you've had time off to enjoy your newborn and nowt wrong with doing nowt (apart from looking after the young one that is!) I can appreciate your despondency about going back to work. Personally I think it's kind of unfair and unbalanced, the amount of time fellas get for paternity leave, in comparison to the ladies! Okay, so the man didn't give birth but the role of the Dad is still an important one...
Well, perhaps Butty could have attempted something! Remember the Knight in the Holy Grail?
Thanks for the thumbs up, OC! Being a dad is an important role and Karen and I agree that the amount of time given off to dad's is undeniable meagre - plus I'm going to be over £200 down in my wages this month as a consequence! Not a good time to be short of money but in all honesty the last two weeks have been worth £2000 let alone £200!
Ally, to my everlasting shame (yes, it's confession time) I have never actually seen the Holy Grail. About the only thing I have seen is Life Of Brian and a few re-runs of Monty Python... I get the feeling I'm missing out!
I could really feel your glow of happiness when I read that, kind of like when you can tell someone is smiling when you talk to them on the phone.
Lovely post. :)
Glad to hear you are having such a nice time with the new arrival Steve and sorry it is soon to draw to a close.
Perhaps you should consider a new job if you are so unhappy with the current one. Big changes in life often spark other big changes!
Thank you Per.pri - for a comment that put another smile on my face!
Hi Laura, I think once my degree is finished (I have to admit my employers have been brilliant about giving me time off to attend lectures, etc) I may well consider another line of work...!
e to me, Steve! There I was happily wandering about at lunchtime and found myself noticing babies everywhere! And I was getting all dewy-eyed thinking about how cute they were and how much they have in store for them and how gooey they will make their parents (and their nappies)...it was a great feeling actually, thanks so much!! You enjoy that wee man of yours. They're gone far too quickly.
I certainly mean to, Amanda - the last two weeks have flown by far too quickly as it is!
> Sure it’s tiring but as Karen pointed out: you know you love them when they howl their lungs out in the middle of the night and you still think they’re adorable.
I like this line. Describes it perfectly. I feel the same way about the Hitch (he does just the same thing ;-))
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