This morning, after letting my 9-month-pregnant-body sleep in for an extra hour and getting our 2-year-old ready for daycare AND cleaning the house to prepare for our home visit with our birth team this afternoon, my husband sat on the edge of our bed and woke me up. I could tell he needed to say something, but was hesitating and nervous with his words. He put his hand on my very pregnant belly.
“Chels, I need to tell you a few things. I’d rather be honest and open with you, rather than hide it while taking care of it myself. There were ants on O’s play table this morning. And after getting rid of them, I noticed mouse droppings that led to a corner in the wall. It’s going to be okay. We’re going to get this taken care of.”
And that folks, is why I am head over heels in love with this man. I’m a strong woman, but we all have our limits. Unwelcome living creatures in my personal space is enough for me to abandon all rational thinking and smoke bomb my house.
Then there was yesterday afternoon. I sent my husband a text to let him know that O and I were going to Target to return some things. He walked in the door 25 minutes later to find me laying on 5 pillows on the couch, crying.
“Chels?! Are you okay?”
“I couldn’t (sniff) get out of the (sniff) car. It hurt too much. My body (sniff) hurts and I can’t even (sniff) walk into Target.”
“You are growing our baby. You can’t always be physically or even emotionally strong. I am here to pick up your slack, but you need to let it go and take care of yourself.”
Then he proceeded to give me a long back rub while I cried some more, and then he made us all dinner.
This man is the co-parent of every person’s dreams. Because being a good co-parent is not only about your kids. It’s about being a good partner, a good steward of your space, and taking care of yourself. It’s a heck of a lot to balance, and no one person is 100% of a family. Life happens, and we pick up each other’s slack. It’s not roses and daffodils all of the time.
So with that I celebrate you, dear husband, and your incredible ability to keep our family chugging when life hits us square between the eyes. You are an inspiring father, a loving man, and a kickass ant exterminator.
Oh. And I’m really, really excited to bring a new little life into the world with you.
Just beautiful. I, too, am incredibly grateful for my amazing partner in life. We’re lucky women. You said it so well.
Sweetness! Thanks for sharing, Chels. That life partner of yours sounds pretty swell!