As Kate mentioned earlier, the pair of us were both ill today and spent most of the day in bed snuffling, and feeling sorry for ourselves. I hate taking days off work - no really - but I was a shivering wreck.
And the problem is that now Kate is so heavily pregnant, I should be waiting on her hand and foot - particularly if she's ill. Trouble is, if I'm also ill, that's not a lot of fun and I feel a bit guilty I wasn't looking after her today as I should have done.
I am very aware that as Kate's pregnancy continues I should be shouldering more of the burden of the household chores. In fact, I don't always do a great deal around the house. I have a goodish excuse up to a point. My work pattern means I don't get home until around 9.30pm or sometimes later. I also have a two-hour drive from Wrexham to Llandudno Junction and back whereas Kate's workplace is just down the road.
But I felt awful this evening when Kate's parents turned up with a load of our washing that they'd done for us and eight of my shirts ironed by her mum! It was very good of her - too good of her - I should be doing that if Kate can't manage it.
The thing is, Kate and I are under more pressure at the moment in a way than we will be after Thomas is born. She is still working and does not want to start her maternity leave too early because that will mean she'll have less the other side. However, I now realise it is becoming an increasing strain on her to get routine household chores done and this is a time when she should be encouraged to take it easy.
I know I'm going to have to do more - particularly for the remaining weeks of Kate's pregnancy and I really can't have Kate's mum doing our washing and ironing, tempting though it is. At least when the parents-in-law turned up tonight it was me cooking in the kitchen. I do enjoy cooking from time to time and I'm feeling sort of inspired having just finished Gordon Ramsay's autobiography Humble Pie (which is very good by the way).
Now all I need is something to inspire me to lend a hand washing, cleaning, ironing, etc etc fitted in around my working life - and as I'm still feeling pretty ill it's frankly, a grim prospect.
John Duffty wrote...
I hope you don't mind me posting this as a comment...
As a fairly new dad myself, I still remember the long, long, long wait. However, as you clearly know, the outcome is worth every single second. Our beautiful son was born in May 2006, and I now find I can share the joy at the arrival and continued care of a child.
I wish you well with your own child, and all the best for the future.
John
Posted by: John Duffty | January 5, 2007 11:59 AM