It’s been busy around here with Chris’s business, child rearing, and home renovations.  Chris and I have squabbled over finances and household chores more than we ever did before.  However, our marriages is still as strong and as happy as it’s ever been.  I contribute this largely to our openness and honesty.  It’s my hope that Cecilia and all our loved ones find this kind of atmosphere in their relationships.

As we were coming to a stopping point in our weekend living room renovation and heading out to dinner….

“I don’t have the motivation to take a shower.”

“You should take a shower.”

“But I’ll have to fix my hair.  That takes forever.”

“You don’t have to fix your hair.  Just wash your stinky parts.”

“Okay…”

A few posts back I alluded to some changes that are taking place in our household that have indirectly taken away my time and creativity that I used for writing.  (Wait. Did I ever publish that post? I don’t remember.)  I figure it’s time to finally explain that.  A couple months ago, Chris and two of his guy friends/former co-workers (herein referred to as “The Dudes”) decided to start their own business.  I was and am very excited about this.  It’s something that I was encouraging Chris to do (specifically with The Dudes) long before they ever approached one another about it.  Unfortunately, without any capital or funding, everyone must continue working their regular day jobs while trying to get the business started.

Chris has been and continues to be a great father and manages his three full-time jobs (regular job, new business, daddy-job) very well.  However, there are times when something has to give, and often it’s the daddy-job.  Most Saturdays he asks for half a day of uninterrupted time to focus on the new business.  Sometimes he leaves the house and camps out a local coffee shop; sometimes Cecilia and I find things outside the house to do, like visiting the zoo or hanging with his parents.  Occasionally, he asks for entire weekends to focus on the business.  Overall, though, Chris has been making the most sacrifices.  He pulls all-nighters, has a midnight conference call with his contractors Sunday through Thursday, and works while rocking the baby to sleep.  Also, he sets all work aside for special occasions like our anniversary weekend or Cecilia’s birthday.

It’s been tough, but I think we’re making it work.  That’s not to say that everything is sunshine and roses.  There is a certain level of tension.  We’re both tired.  Neither one of us is getting a much of a break from our jobs.  Unfortunately, I think that’s just part of the journey right now.  I’m very supportive of the business.  This is one of Chris’s lifelong dreams, and it could prove to be very financially successful for our family.  However, I’m tired and crabby.  Likewise, Chris understands that taking care of a very active, very determined toddler is exhausting, but he’s doing a lot.  In fact, he’s doing more than most men would ever consider doing.

With that said, I’m trying.  I’m trying to write more, but I’m also trying to keep myself busy so I don’t notice that my best friend isn’t around as much.  Thankfully, Cecilia has turned a new leaf when it comes to naps, and I’m now able to put her down in her crib!  I’m too afraid of making a noise and waking her to clean so I’ll try to blog more.  That takes care of the time factor, but I’m not sure how to conquer the creativity-block.

If you have any interest, Chris and The Dudes’ new business’s site is called Bandit Software, and their first product is LeanKit: Kanban.

…to the best  baby-daddy that a girl could ask for. Cecilia and I are lucky to have you.

I rarely talk on the phone.  If Chris and I speak during the day, it’s on gmail chat.  As you can see, it’s a great place to have delicate conversations with your spouse.

me: did you go see the hannah montana movie on april 10?

Chris: yes, yes I did
what?
seriously?

me: well, there’s a ticket stub for it
on your side of the dresser

Chris: april 10
did we see a movie around that time?
I don’t think so
mustve been my 11 year old girlfriend

me: 7:15 on 4/10
no
for an adult
i think kids are 12 and under

Chris: well, yeah…me and her together


me: oh okay
diggin’ some miley cyrus, huh?
or did you go for billy ray?

Chris: hahaha

For the record, he also has  no clue where the post-it note came from either.

When I tell other women that my husband rocks our baby to sleep every night, they usually respond with an “Awww” or “That’s so sweet”. Recently he’s gotten into the habit of saying, “Come here little one,” when he picks up her slumberous body from my lap after our final nursing session. It melts my heart every time, and I’m completely amazed that this guy:

turned into that guy:

I’m a member of a web forum community, and recently another member posted the question, “What is your useless talent?”  I have lots of these, including being able to perform various tasks with my finger toes and sucking my nostrils closed without the assistance of my fingers.  It also made me start wondering about Chris’s useless talents or, I should say, his lack of useful talents.

Eye Heart Chris from sleepingKelly on Vimeo.

I have a dentist appointment today so this morning I was giving my teeth and gums a good flossing and brushing.  While standing in the bathroom, he heard the garbage truck on the street (I have bat-like hearing, but that’s for another post), and I checked to see if Chris took the bin to the curb because I didn’t remember seeing him go outside this morning.  Yep, like always, he remembered.  I’m so thankful for a husband that always remembers that Tuesday is trash day and faithful wheels the receptacle to the street.

Happy 33rd birthday, Chris! I’m sorry I didn’t order a gift for you until Friday at 4:30 am when I was up feeding our daughter. I’m also sorry that I didn’t tell you, “Happy Birthday,” until I managed to shake my sleep deprived stupor at 1pm today. Though my priorities have recently rearranged, you are still the most important man in my life and my true love. I look forward to the many laughter-filled years in front of us. There is not a single day that goes by that I do not thank God for your presence in my life. I love you very much! Happy birthday!

While the indomitable and I were walking around home depot, he pulled out his left hand and stared at his ring

“Yep. You’re still married.”

“Some times it hurts… …the ring, not being married!”

“This wait is killing me!  I want to know. I hate not knowing.”

“Why don’t you test?”

“Because it was just yesterday. It doesn’t show up that quickly.”

“What? You can’t just pee on a stick right afterward?”