I love my husband. I really do. But, some of the things he’s said over the past few years really makes me wonder. Am I the only one who has a husband that says crazy things? I often wonder if these crazy comments are just to get me going in our usual playful banter or if he really does live on some fantasy island that I have yet to visit. Please tell me I’m not the only one with a spouse who has no idea what I do! Perhaps I should give you some examples of what I mean…
On our newborn daughter :: “She always sleeps through the night.”
This was one of my favorites. It stirred up evil glances from women who believed that I didn’t have to endure the suffering of sleepless nights. Was it true? Ummm that would be a no. While my husband snored peacefully on his side of the bed our screaming daughter was working on making me deaf for the first two years of her life. Good times.
On childbirth :: “Your labor was only like an hour.”
I’m not going to say that my labor wasn’t on the shorter side. From the first pain to birth it was about seven hours. While I was agonizing at home, hubby was watching TV. When we arrived at the hospital, my drug-free labor seemed to just “fly by” for him. I wondered if he remembered my screams in the delivery room or had he simply blocked them out. I may or may not have almost punched him in the face when he said this one.
On play dates :: “At least you get to sit around and have coffee with your friends.”
Just like a delightful visit to Starbucks with friends, right ladies? While I have to admit that supervising an almost four year old is quite a bit easier than watching a bunch of two year olds, it’s hardly the relaxing endeavor. Most times they closely resemble two hours of reheating cold coffee and half conversations. I offered to invite his friends over for coffee with all the kids while I went out for a manicure and suddenly the idea didn’t seem as exciting.
On sleep training :: “Just put the kid in bed and that’s it.”
I can almost hear your maniacal laughter. When my husband argued over the proper curtain positioning, the sound machine settings and the clock-watching, I tried to ignore it. The very same man who called me the bedtime drill sergeant is now thanking me for the fact that we can actually put our child in bed and close the door. But it took four years. Of sleep TRAINING.
On my daughter at age 3 :: “She pretty much takes care of herself.”
I guess my job is done now that she can make her own breakfast, wash her clothes, drive herself to school, clean her own room, put herself to bed, take a bath on her own…oh no wait-that is ME doing all of those things.
My husband is a great guy, but some of these comments make me wonder about his sanity. Being a mom is hard work no matter what anyone says. So even if your hubs doesn’t have a clue what you’re going through, don’t worry, I see your hard work and exhaustion. So grab that cup of coffee and hug your mom tribe tightly. We’re all in this struggle together!
