My friend Dave uses the term “lazydad” to refer to any activity in which adequate childcare results from minimum effort. For example, setting children loose on their favourite activities while you sip coffee and surf the internet. I can’t set Cole loose per se, but I can still engage in “lazydad” activities to achieve better-than-adequate childcare for almost zero effort. Hint: calling all grandparents!
Day 18
This one was easy.
Morning was occupied by a visit to Nana. Nana fed him, cuddled him, and entertained him while I ate some breakfast and had a coffee. Then he visited with the rest of the family until he just couldn’t stay awake anymore and had a bit of a nap. Then Nana entertained him for a bit until lunchtime, when we all (including the Monkey) sat down for some food. After which, Nana entertained him and cuddled him some more while I played New Super Mario Bros. Wii (extra lazydad points for videogaming while theoretically on-duty).
Afternoon was almost as easy. I had to resume some responsibility, but Alex elected to have a short day of work. After getting a few prior commitments out of the way, we basically had what would be a normal “both parents off” afternoon. Neither of us were just slacking, but there were two of us to handle the little guy. Got some grocery shopping done.
Day 19
This one was easy, too. Though, I was “lazy” in terms of caretaking, not as a generality. No video games.
Called my parents in the morning and arranged a visit starting at around 11:30. The morning WAS a touch tricky; he had woken up early, then had an early and very short nap. So I had several hours of entertaining the little guy to get through. But, it wasn’t so bad. Bit of the usual diversions, bit of carrying him around while trying to do a few small chores, and before I knew it, 11:30 had arrived.
Grammy and Abuelito had brought some lunch. He loved the Metro spiced potato wedges. When he could squeeze out a little cooked potato “mush”, he was a happy little camper.
After lunch, Abuelito entertained him while me and my mom did some cleaning. Then the two of them entertained him (and somewhere along the way put him down for a nap) while I continued cleaning. Managed to get the kitchen, living room, dining room, 2 flights of stairs, and basement all swept and vacuumed (plus in kitchen, all dishes done). Swapped a load of laundry over and put a new one on. Put away some clutter that’s been hanging around for a while. As a last act, I braved the icy cold and took the dogs for a walk while they kept care of Cole. I couldn’t bring him out for fear of frostbite, etc., so it was nice to just have the dogs to worry about. Balu did NOT like the cold, but at least they got their exercise.
It wasn’t total “laziness”, but I can tell you this: it felt like a BREAK to be cleaning. That’s the secret to getting me to clean more I guess. “I’ll take care of the baby if you want to get some housework done.” DEAL!
The Way of the LazyDad will continue into the weekend. We have our first “extended” babysitting gig. For the first time since the monkey was born, we will be alone with each other. Our diversion of choice: Avatar at the Imax. Then maybe supper depending on how the “check-in call” goes.
It’s actually a blessing to both be on the same page in understanding that cleaning is actually a “break”. I can’t imagine the number of divorces that result from spouses not understanding the reality of how time-consuming it is to be in charge of a little one, and how no, you’re not slacking by not cleaning, most of the time it’s just not possible (and yes, you’d ALSO like the house clean!)
It’ll be nice to see the LO for their pool date this aft. That’s your next “break” – doing WORK! Fun, isn’t it?
Heh, I will never look at housework the same way again.
I hear your LO has a blast at the pool. Hope you had fun!