OASAHFLOILABD

Hi again. It's been a humdinger of a week since I last wrote, mainly because I have been swept into the riptide of all things workerly, writerly, rodentally, and fatherly.

Item: The job is currently in the throes of seasonal chaos. It was a comfort to know it was coming, but it doesn't make the slog any easier. Hours will be long and frenetic until my week of vacation at the end of this month, when Robert will get his first taste of ... Disney World. People rag on the Mouse, often rightly, but I'm eager to tell you I can't wait to go and take it all in through his rapidly jaundicing eyes. He was a bit wary at first, because he thinks Disney is full of princesses and stuff, but when I reminded him that 1) "Cars" is a Disney film and 2) somewhere nearby is a huge Lego store, complete with life-size Lego elephants and stuff, he was on board.

Also, the job recently took me aside and told me it wants to pay me a considerable bit more for the work I do. Naturally I feel absolutely chuffed, seeing as the last two jobs asked me to go away and all. Thank you, job, for taking such good care of me. Even though you have no idea this blog exists (please god, let that be true), knowing we like each other so much is a nice change from the angst-ridden shitstorms I'd gotten accustomed to.

Item: Speaking of mouses, I killed my third yesterday. A pattern is emerging: 1) no mice for weeks, 2) bold forays into the living room (and on top of the fridge!), whip out the PB&B (which still smells absolutely heavenly), snap goes the neck. The last one we got was a real bruiser, and his minions have truly been cowed by his loss.

Item: I'm still spending what little spare time I have writing. Or rather, taking notes while ideas spill out of my head. Makes me feel like I'm running around with a bucket during a rainstorm and hoping to store it all away for when the clouds part.

And the last item: My wife will be out every night this week, and so for five straight nights the Three Men will be free to go it alone. Nights like these are truly magical. The boys tell me about their day while I make them dinner (tomorrow's request is pork chops), we read, we play, we wrestle, we wash, and we pass out. It's completely exhausting, and wonderful.

All of which has me feeling like a Once-Again-Stay-At-Home, Formerly-Laid-Off, Incredibly Lucky and Blessed Dad. And which makes for one helluvan acronym.

Comments

[Brian from Circle, AK]

Dadhood is grande. I have 19 month and 7 month old sons and they are a hoot and a hollar. I'm enjoying your account of life and dadhood in the City and contrasting it with my experience of the same on the very edge of all things civilized. I always thought I'd have gobs of free time in Alaska without a television, but somehow it hasn't happened. Twelve hour workdays remain. As much as I enjoy them now, I like to read your accounts and imagine how good it's about to get for us in the next few years. How far apart are your two sons?

[Donna]

Congratulations on the raise! It'll definitely be a help when you visit that other Mouse.

[21stCenturyMom]

I love it that so many 21stCenturyDads love their little kids and love spending time with them. My Dad expected the children to be bathed and ready for bed when he got home so he could tell a story and then have us disappear. On the weekends he played golf. I can remember exactly 1 time* when he took us somewhere 'fun' (a polo game).

The new model is so much better.

Congrats on the raise!

* he died when I was 8 so that might be part of the problem

[Clare's Dad]

You'll find when you mention Disney World that a lot of guys will come out and admit that they love it. I've gotten a few comments from mouse loving dads after my Disney vacation posts. Enjoy the trip...we're going back next month.

[TSM]

How fabulous to be rewarded for hard work rather than fired for it. I know how that is. Well, no, not NOW...but at one time I did!

As for cooking...I have a question: Do you think your time as a LOD gave you a renewed desire to do a bit more of the domestic stuff? Cooking, cleaning, waking up with puking kids at 3am? Just wondering how bad it would *really* be to have him not working for a few weeks. Just a few weeks...

[sophsmum]

I have reading you for the last couple of months and caught up on all of the archives. I adore how well you capture a parent's love, hopes, dreams and fart contests with the 'berts. Just returned from WDW. At MGM, you can meet Mater and Lightning McQueen. It looks like it could be zoo like, but they handle it well. Also at MGM, in the animation tour, there is a great photo op that makes it look like you are in Radiator Springs. If you can swing either the Contemporary (The monorail drives through the lobby!!!!) or Animal Kingdom Lodge (giraffes right out the window!!!) I highly recommend them. If not take a walk through the hotels. It's solid yet interesting down time.

[MammaLoves]

What a wonderful post! I love to hear about how much you adore spending time with your boys.

Hurray for terrific dads!!

[ZandEsDad]

I'm sure you're getting tons of Disney-related advice, but if I can make one teensy recommendation (having taken my boys at ages 2/4 and 4/6) it's this: split the day in two. Go early (you'll be up anyway) and get to a park. Go back to your hotel for lunch/nap/pool time. Then go back to the park in the evening (you'll need whatever ticket allows you unlimited in and out access and it helps if you're staying in the park). I've seen too many families try to slog through the day so they can see everything and the kids are cranky and the parents are at their wits' end. The break really nakes a difference. Have fun and be prepared for sticker shock!

[Helen]

Great news about the job--very enthusiastic congratulations to you! Sounds like things are on the upswing and that is always wonderful. You should have fun in Disneyworld! Here on the other coast we just went to Disneyland in Jan. (and it's an all girl family but still looks like lots for little boys to do)--had a great time, even with the jaundiced 9 year old. Have fun with the boys this week--it's really always a pleasure to hear your thoughts about them.

[Leta]

Congrats on the raise! My husband loves Disney and is chomping at the bit to take our soon-to-be 3 year old. Hope you have a great trip and that the boys adore it.