The aftermath

First and foremost, I want to start by saying B did an excellent job with the kids while I was gone. Everyone was bathed and fed and put to get mostly on time. The girls went off to school, lunches in hand, without a problem. The baby didn't fall down any stairs or off any furniture, which is a feat considering his new love of climbing. Granted, B had help from his mom and dad while I was gone, but I guess it's only fair given that my mom comes to help when B is gone for more than a few days. He really did need the help this weekend; he had out-of-town clients he needed to shop.


But . . .


I came home to this

B did laundry, several loads of it. But it didn't get folded or put away. Instead, it was just left on our bedroom floor, and apparently the girls and B just rifled through it when they needed something. Although, one of the first things both girls said when I got home was, "I don't have any clean panties!" I found a stash at the bottom of the pile. B's comment was, "We missed your laundry skills."

B did keep the house neat, but he didn't vacuum. And I don't know what exactly happened in the kitchen, but the floor was so grody I'm surprised the baby didn't stick to it.

So I'm picking up the pieces - folding laundry, vacuuming, mopping, buying groceries - while putting my work schedule back together. I think my time away and B's time with three kids has made him more appreciative of what it is I do all day long. I know he understands a little better how hard it is to find time to work, clean, fold laundry, make lunches, cook dinner (as opposed to ordering pizza), and get everyone where they need to be.

It's worth going away just to teach him that lesson.