Man Flu

A few weeks ago, I did well to hold my composure when a mum came into the local toddler group claiming all men had it easy (toddlers groups are the root of this myth me thinks!), and that "there is nothing in the world harder than looking after a kid when you are ill." Bollocks! Yes there is......looking after sick kids when you yourself are sick.

This week all of us have been ill, and it seems like a man flu virus has got us. The wife is ill, though mysteriously enough, not as bad as the rest of us, which only serves to support the bloody man flu story I suppose. Although my eldest is 5 and a half years old, I was never really subjected to this side of parenting in my capacity as a weekend dad. The eyes are wide open now let me tell you!

So much for all the joy and happiness parenting allegedly brings. The last week has seen my (relatively short!) fuse stretched to breaking point. Whilst BB and I have shared a few very early, albeit very pleasant, mornings on the sofa, he really does know how to turn it on when his mother is around. He will go back to bed for me, but not for her. He will generally allow me the time and space to cook, clean or even iron (yes ladies ME, but you've all missed out now), yet barely gives her time to wipe her own backside. Perhaps that is why I have evolved to be the Domestic God that I am?

On the bright side, everyone seems to be on the mend and over the worst. I managed to accompany BB to his Playgroup Christmas party today, where Santa made the obligatory appearance which perked my boy up immensely. I didn't get to take SS to Playgroup or nursery events either, so it makes one appreciate the day to day side of being dad too. Even if I do want to kick his little backside occasionally.

Fine Dining - For One

This leave is the third since LL came along, and what a difference I've noticed in the boys in that three months. BB has progressed from single words to trying to string sentences together.....which ironically makes it harder for me to understand him that it did a month ago, and the wee man is full of beaming great smiles. The genuine sort, not wind! It's brilliant, but it's happening soooooo fast.

I think I have been put in my place for the remarks I made about Rachel Stevens. This is my third night home, and I've already spent one with the other mums from the playgroup wrapping gifts for the kids Xmas party, and tonight MPLST is off out for a meal with the mums, leaving me with the boys. I wonder.....how is it I can wrap presents with them, but not eat with them?? I took the liberty of asking one of the other ladies to do pudding watch....ie make sure MPLST doesn't have one - she's still not back in those size 10's. Gone are the days when she made an effort I tell ya. That's 3 months now.....

The Poor Oilman's Guide To Christmas

I'm home for 4 weeks from tomorrow morning (weather permitting of course), which means I can get into the Christmas spirit without the distraction of work. I am particularly looking forward to this years festive season, having worked Xmas and NY last year. The only downside will be everyone asking when I am going back to work as usual, which is this side of New Year. My friends have such a unique way of making me feel wanted.....

The new job comes with more responsibilities (but rather predictably not much more extra cash!). That has rather curtailed my blethering and web browsing over the last couple of weeks. In fact, I've spoken to my other half probably less in the last 2 weeks than at any other point since we got together, so the next 4 weeks being stuck indoors should be good for us!

There will be a distinct lack of nights out this year, as both our chosen babysitters have social life's as well. Bugger. Now that I think about it, my next four Saturday nights will consist of Strictly and X Factor! As I've been stuck on nightshift, I have no idea who's in and who's not, so I live in the eternal hope that the Great British public have been voting for Rachel Stevens and Alexandra in their droves. Ahhh, how Saturday nights have changed in the last 5 years.....anyway, nuff said as I'm sure the wife still reads this occasionally.

Being a Fifer, and having and Aberdonian better half, we are better equipped than most to deal with the harsh realities of the Credit Crunch at Christmas. I think we are headed for a repeat of 1981 where my stocking quite possibly consisted of an apple, satsuma, a jigsaw and 50p and not much else. Perhaps there were Top Trumps cards too? And a Slinky! My boys will be the envy of the village.....

It is still a pleasure to have kids young enough that one doesn't have to remortgage just for Christmas, as seems to be the way these days. I, for one am taking advantage, because I'm sure I'll pay the price in years to come.