I've been meaning to write about this as it happened, but I'm glad I waited until it was all over. The week leading up to the trade show was an unusual one. I had to get ready with production runs, last minute packaging changes, sales meetings, etc. I was busier than usual and the time requirement was more demanding than the normal routine. Luckily, Peter's schedule was lighter that week. We basically swapped roles as mommy and dadda...and it sure was a great experiment.
I felt like I was on one of those television shows where you swap roles as an experiment to gain perspective on another person's life. Peter and I swapped responsibilities and expectations for one week. Peter did most of the morning and night routines with Kayla - dropping her off and picking her up from school, night time baths, dinner, etc. It was quite impressive. The house was a MESS, but hey...he did an amazing job keeping Kayla together and giggling. On the other hand, I was working late getting everything prepared and coming home just to put her to bed. It was a tough week for all of us, but the BEST thing that happened was gratitude of our current roles.
We all know it. We complain at times about things that we wished we had. Peter would say to me, "it's easier to be home! You are with Kayla and you have more down time." I would say, "It's easier to work and stay late to get all your things done." Well, we both realized that it's tougher on the other side. Peter was EXHAUSTED after that week. Now he keeps saying, "how do you do it? Taking care of a toddler, working, and keeping the house together is completely insane!" You could only imagine how good that felt when I heard him realize that.
On the other hand, I also realized that working all day so intensely is EXHAUSTING. I missed Kayla terribly and it was hard to immediately jump back into home life after being so intense for so long. When I got home, I expected to jump right into the bath with Kayla to play with her out of eagerness, but my mind was mush. Now, I realize that I can't expect Peter to just jump into dadda duties immediately after coming home. He needs down time as well.
It was the best "experiment". We realized that it's not about one role being "easier" than the other. It's about the teamwork and keeping perspective on the purpose of this juggling act. It was good to step out of my routine to realize that I would never swap my role as mommy...as crazy as it can be. (Geez, and I only have ONE child right now! To all you parents of multiples out there...I raise my glass to you!)
P.S. During Peter's "wife" role playing, he left me a note on the fridge with directions on how to make the steak that he already prepared! "Don't eat anything! I made you a Delmonico steak already for the broiler..." One of the sweetest moments of the week...as I chomped on the steak and watched "The Bachelor" (the reality tv junky side of me) after I put Kayla down that night. The best ending to the week.
