Sunday, April 28, 2013

You know, this month, I read your post, and realised how much of our life is wound up in our daughter. Not that this is a bad thing, but it has taken a bit of a toll. It is difficult to spend time together when we have both a 50kg foot warmer and a high stim baby.

But we must persist. Even though I am doing my best to make sure I get cross because you are trying to take more than your share of the burdens. I should be a little more appreciative I know, and I’m trying (more than just a little according to you).

It has been a long month, very long. And not neccesarrily in a bad way, but maybe not in a good way either. We’ve been at the end of a very worn tether this month, both of us. And I just want you to know, now, in retrospect, that I’m not as cross with you as I might have seemed.

I know that doesn’t make much of a difference now, but I wanted to tell you anyway. It’s been a hard month, and try as we might to spend time just being with eachother, it seems as though timing has not been on our side. But we keep trying, and that’s the important thing. We will get some time together, alone, without the dog… eventually.

On the other hand, I have noticed how amazing you are this month. Admittedly, in some of those cases, that has been because you have pointed this out. But fair play, I probably should have noticed well before that time. Like housework. It wasn’t until you rather forcibly suggested that I should help you with it that I realised how much housework we actually generate. And I’m not normally contributing more than a little. You, my wife, are incredible.

I did try to put in a little more after that. And I would hope that I at least succeeded in being a little more helpful and reducing your work load a little more. I know I should be doing more, and hopefully by doing that, it will give you a little more time to do the things you like to do.

It was great, however, that this month, we had more time with no TV and more music. Which meant that my bad white man dancing skills came out a little more with Genevieve in the living room. Now, I would like to point out that we should be living this up now, seeing that as soon as she can tell me how silly I look, I’m not sure those dance moves will see the light of day until the next child.

All in all, this month was hard. But we’re good, Genevieve is good, Reuben is good, everything is okay. And sometimes, okay is perfect.

Love You

Karl

Saturday, March 30, 2013

So this month had it’s share of ups and downs…. We went away, which was great, until I got sick. And not just mild “I feel crook” sick, but the I cant get out of bed kind… So that could have gone better, but I did like that the place we stayed was awesome, even if I say it myself…

When we were away, I only realised at the end that it was the first real ‘holiday’ that we have had, the 4 of us… It was great though. Its so nice to spend the time away from the crap of the city with all of you. I only wish I was healthier for the experience. We have, however, made the decision to extend our stay by a week next year, which will be even better.

Also, I tried to be generous this month…. I know, try not to be too surprised, I’m not trying to set any records here. I tried to give you ‘time’ to do what you would like to do. And I think it was appreciated. Which was great. I know you do a lot around the house, and it’s been a very trying few months, and I appreciate you… So therefore my attempt at giving you some “you time”.

I also just want to point out that things have been a little difficult this month. I would like to say that it has been because of chaos theory, or the world spinning a little differently, but unfortunately, I think I have just been a bit of an ass this month. Sorry.

You know, this parenting thing isn’t as easy as it looks… And not because of the baby. All of a sudden we have 2 full time relationships to concentrate on. And it’s hard. Time is fleeting, and grey hairs are apparent. And all of these things are difficult to deal with. But I’m glad to have you with me to go through it.

Pain in the ass thought I may be.

Karl

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

And we're done......oh wait, what do you mean this is only the beginning???


So, my beatiful wife.....
I believe, quite possibly, that I might have missed a few weeks of letters that I am sure you are due. In fact, I definitely, without any doubt, know that as fact.

First, let me apologise for being so tardy with writing this post for you. I could explain it away as 'I was working so hard' or 'I tried, but couldn't get started', but the truth is just that I forgot.
And what a time to forget to post something. I know we have both been so overwhelmed in the last 3 months or so since I last posted on this blog, with you know.... this and that... But seriously, what type of an excuse is having a baby?!? Who puts that out there? Weak really isn't it? I can't take out the rubbish, I can't do the washing up and I have so much to do… (Just take this one as an admission of guilt)

Can I say however, that you were amazing. I don't for the life of me know how you ever got that little (well she looked a little smaller than I imagine she felt) thing out of you. I apologise for almost passing out. Can I say though, I would like to emphasise the word ALMOST. I would like to say something in my defence, although considering our individual parts in the occasion, I don't think it's a great idea.
So we had a baby! Wow, that was full on. As well as the giant furry beast at home, the amount of time out and about in that week, and the fourth night in hospital, I think you and I did great. And we made it home. Just. I can't say that it got easier, mainly because that would be an abject lie, although we coped.

At least Genevieve saw fit to relax us as soon as we got home, although I think I might have to have a chat to her about that. Projectile poop is not generically the most appropriate way of relieving tension in the room. Funny, but most definitely not appropriate. And then we were on our own.
So the last 9 weeks have been a rollercoaster. From gas, poop, pumping, more poop, crying, more poop, more crying, and everything else, I think we have fared very well. She has slept, not slept, eaten, not eaten, leaked, not leaked, you get the idea. I must say that through all of this, you have been amazing.

I'm sure there exists somewhere in the ether a 'super dad' who can cope with everything, work six full time jobs, and do all the housework without losing his s@#$. I am not, unfortunately, that man. I am the damaged, strange, unique? individual that you married. And thank God you knew that before we had a baby.

I'd like to think that we complement each other, and that has led to a rather productive parenting unit, or maybe that’s just the way I like to justify the fact that I don’t get up for the night feeds. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that by the way. I don’t often just acknowledge how many things you do around the house, and that really should be better addressed on my part, so I thought I would mention it here as well. To be honest, I don’t know how I would do as a stay at home dad. We’ve had the discussions, and I like the idea, but really, I couldn’t do what you do, I don’t think (that’s a compliment, by the way).
And how have we fared through all of this? Well, I wouldn’t say that we came out completely unscathed, but we’re still married, and talking, and have all of our limbs intact, so that’s a plus in my book. I know we’re not always so ‘friendly’ with each other, but we know we’re in it together. Yes, admittedly sometimes that means we are up the creek without a paddle, and it seems that I might have possibly used them for firewood, but you always manage to have a spare. I know Genevieve is lucky to have us both, and we are lucky to have her, and I am eternally grateful to both of you for letting me be a part of all of this.
So, we’ve gone through a bit already, and it has only been 2 months. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m thankful that our little girl has you for a mum, and that I have you for a wife.

Your faithful idiot Husband