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| the cutest right? |
So most of you know that our little family has been most fortunate in that Ryan was able to take 2 months paid leave to stay home with Arthur. He had THAT much sick leave saved up (the days of hoarding sick leave for our own individual use are over as now we'll have to miss work when our little buddy is sick too!). This was a blessing for everyone: 1. Arthur was home in the care of his parents for almost 8 months at the start of his life 2. Ryan got a sabbatical from a busy, often stressful job & was able to develop a deeper bond with our son & 3. I had a gentler transition back to work, knowing Arthur was just home playing with dad, not yet worrying about relinquishing care to a "stranger" (that starts next week when we both go back- report to follow).
So I thought y'all might be tired of hearing my voice & we could all enjoy a new perspective. As he prepares to return to the working world, Ryan has agreed to doing an interview, to offer us a peek into his thoughts & the boys adventures over the last two months...
ME: So Ryan... you have just spent 2 months at home with our little son. How have you felt, being away from work for so long?
RYAN: It's been nice to have a change of pace and a reduction of stress.
ME: What was it like being responsible for Arthur's care?
RYAN: Well at first I was nervous 'cause I hadn't spend very much time watching Arthur by myself. But I quickly got into our own routine and had lots of fun together.
ME: What kinds of adventures did you go on?
RYAN: Lots. We went frisbee golfing together, we went to Multnomah falls, we went to the pool, we went to the library, we met A LOT of people for lunch (laughs)... I think that covers most of it. Oh and we played lots of music together.
ME: What did you enjoy most?
RYAN: Hmmm... (pause) well let's see that's a hard question to answer. What did I enjoy most? (pacing the kitchen) I just enjoyed being with him. That was probably the best part.
ME: What was most difficult?
RYAN: Hmm...(another long pause) Probably not getting very much sleep and his cranky time before mama came home.
ME: Tell me a funny story from your time together...
RYAN: Um can you remember any funny stories that I told you? (laughs) It seems there should be something funny. I'm not very good at remembering.
ME: What new insight do you have into parenting?The role of Stay-at-home parents in particular?
RYAN: Well, It's a very time-consuming, also very rewarding... I definitely have a new respect for single parents. Routines are important. It was interesting learning Arthur's routine. It was fun learning when he would be hungry, how much he would want to eat, at what what times of day, so I could predict what he would want. I did the same thing with his naps. I could sort of know when it was time for him to take a nap or if he was cranky for another reason.
ME: What was the BIGGEST help while you were charged with Daddy Daycare?
RYAN: Hmmm... it was great to have my mom help out and watch Arthur sometimes during the week. (shrugs and pauses). It was great that mama would always come home straight from work to help out and feed Arthur... Oh! My first week it was nice of Margot to invite me to her Mommys group, so i took Arthur over there to go swimming.
ME: Would you stay at home again if you had the opportunity?
RYAN: Yeah! It was great to be able to spend a lot of time with Arthur and get to know him and have him get to know me. We had a great time together. I'd love to do it again!
ME: What do you like the most about being a parent?
RYAN: The most huh?... I like it when Arthur looks at me and smiles or giggles.
ME: In our parenting partnership, what roles, skills, styles do you see forming?
RYAN: Well... Olivia will probably be the strict one and Ryan will be the fun dad. Olivia will make me follow all the rules... and I'm sure she will have fun too (little chuckle)
ME: What do you love the most about our little man?
RYAN: There are so many things...but I especially like the little face that he makes when he looks at us when he's proud of something he's done. Hes like ... (wide-eyed) 'I did it'!
ME: Do you miss anything from your life B.A. (Before Arthur)?
RYAN: Sure. I miss having a lot more time for myself, to be able to do what I want to do, when I want to do it.
ME: Do you have any advice for new or soon-to-be daddies?
RYAN: Its a game changer (knowing, significant look)
ME: Did you know that you would be receiving a reward tonight?
RYAN: What?
ME: Yup. For being the kindest, handsomest, most helpful, level-headed, safety-minded, goofiest dad that Arthur has ever had & husband I've ever been married to. Thank you!
RYAN: (laughs) Your welcome.
ME: Now if only you could have done a load of laundry while you were home!
RYAN: Wait what?! I did laundry!
ME: I kid, I kid. Thank you for your time today, & over the last two months
RYAN: You're welcome (laughs)
Thanks for tuning in, happy Labor Day everyone, till next time...
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