One on One

Dishes were piled in the sink. Toys were strewn all over the house.

Rosie and I were in the midst of a very giggly game of Memory.

It was bath night, and Steve was giving Buddy a bath. I love to do all sorts of things with my kids, but bath time is not one of them. Steve stepped forward months ago and offered to be the one who gives baths, provided I would dress them/ clip their nails/ brush their hair afterwards. Deal!

It's been one of the best changes we've made in our routine because it guarantees us one on one time with each of the kids, a few times a week.

My instinct is still to want to wash those dishes, pick up those toys, because I mostly operate under a "Work First, Play Later" mentality. However, on bath nights, my time with each kid is limited so I push the must-do's to the side.

Rosie and I played Memory, then drew some pictures. She drew her first recognizable face! We finished with a book. Steve brought Buddy out, and I dressed him. He immediately brought over his favorite book to me- "Trashy Town"- and I read it him.

I have to pause.

My baby boy, who didn't show interest in books for months and months, now has a favorite book, and wants me to read it to him. Over and over. I'll take it!

Before I knew it, Rosie's bath time was over. Steve brought her out, and I proceeded to get her dressed while he put Buddy down for bed.

On our best days, we run like a finely tuned machine, at least when it comes to who does what, between Steve and I. There isn't anything I do for the kids that he isn't able to do. When he comes home, he does as much as I do, and often times, more. I always knew he would be a great father but every day he exceeds my expectations.

He listened to my offhand comment about not liking bath time months ago, and just took it on. He is a true partner.

It's amazing what such a small change can do!