Sunday, August 17, 2008

Daddy's three days alone with the kids...

Day 1

So let me start by clarifying this is not Sharlene, but Sharlene's amazingly unselfish super-husband Paul. Sharlene is currently in Colorado helping Tuesday and her family during these tough times. Since she probably won't get a chance to post to her blog she thought it might be a good idea for me to do it for her. Now instead of trying to update everyone on the events taking place in Colorado, I've decided to let Sharlene do that instead and treat all of you to a play-by-play of my day.

So today went pretty smoothly. The kids woke up in the morning and I was determined to keep them away from the television by providing hours of entertainment. I made them a five course breakfast consisting of grapes, pop tarts, waffles, yogurt, and more grapes which was served over a two hour period. I've found over the past two years that our kids like to graze as opposed to sitting down and eating an entire meal. During this time we played, created a new Olympic event called Blanket-tugging (which Mari dominated), and ran around outside yelling at Daddy to turn on the sprinkler.

Around 10:00 AM I collapsed, turned on the tv, and woke up around 3:00 when Season 1 of Backyardigans finally ended. No I'm just kidding, but I did let them watch their shows until 11:30 when it was decided as a group that we all needed naps. For those of you who may not be up to speed on the whole nap phenomenon, they are the greatest thing ever and I highly recommend them.

By 1:30 I was unable to pretend that I couldn't hear the kids crying to come out of their cribs so we got up, ate a hearty lunch (see items listed during breakfast) and played some more until I decided we couldn't subsist on these items anymore and it was time to go to the store. The customers at Costco were treated to a not-so-rare display of Ben yelling for free samples, while those lucky enough to be at Safeway got to see me pushing their stroller while pulling a shopping cart. Of course, I got a ton of comments about what a great guy I was taking the kids by myself, how I had my hands full, and how lucky my wife was. Seriously...I hope you guys don't let your men get away with not doing this stuff because these people acted like they'd never seen a Dad take the kids out.

So here we are back at home eating the fancy cuisine I whipped up for dinner. What is it you ask? Grilled cheese and Minneolas. What are Minneoloas you ask...hell if I know. They apparently come from Peru and look like oranges and since I prefer my fruit to come from the Southern Hemisphere I decided to take a shot. Next up is bath time and bed by 9:00 followed by Daddy eating Drumsticks, watching the Olympics, and passing out with ice cream stains on his clothes.

If you've enjoyed this post then stay tuned for Day 2. I can't guarantee it'll be in real-time or be much different then today's, but I will do my best.

Say your prayers for Tuesday and JK...don't take any crap from Sharlene.

11 comments:

Dave and Jenn said...

Seriously....I could of peed my pants I was laughing so hard at the play by play of your day. Sounds like a gem. Can't wait for day 2!!

So cool of you to hold down the fort while Sharlene is away helping the Whitt's. You 2 are awesome!!

Jenn H said...

Nice job, both playing Super Daddy and the post. It was beyond hilarious!!!! Why is it that when dad's go out with kids they get treated like gods from women even if their children are not behaving that great but us mom's get no credit and nasty glares if our children whimper or make a single whining sound??????

debi9kids said...

Loved the recap of your day Paul!
You know what I love? That you noticed how obnoxious people are about a dad having the kids out in the store. what the heck??? Like Jenn said, why is it people think it's so amazing? Not that we wives aren't glad you do take the kids, but HOLY!
:) debi
ps Thanks for the CD! It arrived and has been installed! Russ said he loves you, btw, for sending the guitar thingy-ma-jiggy.

The Corradetti Clan said...

Great job Paul. Pete totally agrees with you. Why do people think it is so unusal for a dad to take out the kids. He does it all the time. Ok he only does the park but I think you have motivate him to do the grocery store. Looking forward to Day 2 update.

The jones Family said...

Great post Paul! Thanks for keeping us updated! Sounds like you are doing such a good job with the kids...goal for today? Start preparing them for the Olympics 2016 (or is it 2020?)...Jenn P and I will be there with our twins and we'd love for you guys to join us!!

The jones Family said...

I mean 2024 I guess! Need to drink my coffee before I start commenting!

Terri said...

Scott got the same comments when he was here for the weekend with the kids alone. He took all four of them to dinner at Chili's and said he could not eat for fielding comments. Crazy I tell ya! You are a good man, none the less! So Glad Sharlene was able to do this for JK! Can't wait to hear about day 2!

Sharlene said...

Wow-Isn't Mr. Superdad getting lots of gushy comments. Big flippin deal. I do that every day. Love you honey! I know- I'm an ungrateful ass.

Alisha said...

Paul, you are hilarious! And because I already no Sharlene is funny, it makes me wanna meet you guys even more! Can't wait for Day 2!

The Romero-Schroeder said...

LMAO, Paul that was a fantastic recall of the day!!!!we all thank you so much for letting our Sharlenne go (nobody could hold her anyway) jajajaja

Bre said...

Now I see why Shar married you....you're basically a male version of her. Witty sense of humor and all. Perfect match!!! Love the post!! Can't wait to hear about Day 2