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Why are we in competition with the one we love?
A Momologue by Jackie: "He woke up with the kids
at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning. He changed their diapers, brought them
down for a breakfast of waffles and applesauce, and got them dressed. I
was able to sleep until 8 a.m. which, as a parent, is like noon before
kids.
As I came down the stairs, the first thing I noticed was the sticky
high chair tray. Dirty plates and cups on the counter flashed at me
like a broken traffic light. There was a puddle of milk on the floor
seeping into the grout between the tiles. Pieces of chewed-up waffle
were wedged into the side of the booster seat. The kids were dressed in
outfits that made it clear Garanimals were a genius idea that really
needs to be brought back. It was a beautiful, sunny day outside, with
temps making their way up to the reported high of 75 degrees. So why
were my boys wearing fleece-lined pants and sweatshirts?Breathe...
While I should've been appreciative of the extra time I had gotten under the covers and the happy kids playing with their endless collection of toys, I could only see all that needed to be done. Why do women—yes, not just me, but many, many women— look for the things that haven't been done instead of just enjoying the things that have been? Is it because every other day but this particular one, we get the kids dressed and fed while managing a schedule, cleaning the house, paying the bills and, for 75 percent of Moms, holding down a full time job? Yet, there's my husband—sitting at the table, drinking coffee and checking his email with the most satisfied and accomplished look on his face. In his mind, it was a job well done. In mine, it was a job barely started.
As I wiped up syrup, peeled food off the floor, and started the dishwasher, I silently repeated my daily mantra: He is a man. They are not made like us. Move on, say nothing—pointing out all you do will not help.
He looked up from the table and had the sweetest look on his face. He really did feel like he went all out this morning. I took a deep breath, kissed him on the forehead, and thanked him for letting me sleep in. I know I could've done it faster, neater and better. But I'll keep that to myself today.
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