I remember watching “Three Men and a Baby” more than a few times growing up. Pretty sure we had it taped on VHS. I didn’t watch it as much as “Ghostbusters” or anything, but definitely more than a few times. For those that don’t remember, “Three Men” involved a set of bachelors living in a New York high rise when a baby is left on their doorstep. Not knowing what to do, they try their hand at taking care of it, learning more about child care than they ever thought they would.
Granted, I have a bit more experience than Tom Selleck (and no mustache), but there are times I can relate.
When we first started this little adventure of ours, we didn’t know quite how long we’d be doing it. As of next week, it will have been two months of Brooke being here for the weekend, and Meg and I alone four nights a week. Brooke typically gets here mid-evening on Thursdays, though a few weeks there, it’s been closer to 10:00. She will then be here through the weekend, keeping busy making sure the produce from the garden is processed and that Meg and I have something to eat during the following week, and then she leaves after putting Meg down for a nap on Sunday afternoon.
For the most part, it’s gone shockingly well. Certainly, it isn’t an ideal situation, but all things considered, I haven’t damaged Meg in any permanent way. 🙂
We generally stick to a routine, which thankfully works well for Meg and for me. I get up at 6:00 am, then I wake her up at 6:30. I give her some milk and we hop in the car, so she’s at daycare by 6:50, putting me to work only about 15 min later than I normally would get there. I pick her up anywhere from 4:30 to 5:15 pm, then we come home and eat. She likes hot dogs and bananas, but I’ve had some luck giving her bits of whatever I’m eating. Her new love is cottage cheese (blech…). Then, we go outside or watch some TV, or just play with toys for awhile until she goes to bed at 7:30. After which, I finish cleaning up, do some laundry, and either watch TV or play video games. Rinse and repeat.
Regardless, it’s been an interesting experience, one that, in some ways, I’m glad I’ve gone through. It’s good to know that I can take care of a small human without hurting it and that she’ll still prosper and thrive under my guidance. If anything, I think we’ve “bonded” a bit more than we would have, otherwise. Obviously, these aren’t the circumstances I would have chosen for such things…
Meg still misses her “Mama,” though. They talked on the phone a bit tonight. 🙂
Fun Fact: “Three Men and a Baby” was directed by a young up-and-comer named Leonard Nimoy. I learned something new!
Had this all happened last summer, when Meg actually WAS a baby – you would have needed 2 more men to help. I don’t think this post would have been quite as positive!! Hopefully there is an end in sight!!
Agreed. Last summer would have been pretty horrible if I had to do that alone.
It should also be noted that our dinners would consist of peanut butter, jelly, and bread if Brooke weren’t able to make stuff over the weekend, or freeze down casseroles. 🙂