photograph by Kathryn's Creations
Cowboy went back to work today after two months away with a broken wrist.
What a two months it has been!
Aside from having a broken wrist and not being able to play football or work, I do believe something magic took place.
I didn’t have to go and pick up nappies or milk, AND he mopped the floor.
Monte and Cowboy bonded.
I am not saying they hadn’t bonded before, but the hours Cowboy takes doing his Cowboy duties (with sheep) meant he used to literally see Monte for about one hour a day.
Most of that hour, bless him, was spent trying to get our boy to GODDAMN SLEEP!
So two months away from work, away from football and just hanging at home was a great gift in some ways.
Monte has had a chance to really get to know his Dad.
Monte has taken to calling Cowboy “Da” (in a quirky pommy accent) and believe me it is all Da this, Da that… the word Mum, though I have heard him say it, is a distant memory.
Before the wrist incident – I was the bomb.
Kathryn's Creations Photo
Monte only had eyes for me.
Looking back I guess I was kind of smug about it.
For instance, if Monte was crying and Cowboy was unable to stop it, I would often swan in like a self-appointed Saint, whisk Monte into my arms to which he would instantly calm.
I didn’t do it consciously, but I admit there was a smug look that I would flicker at Cowboy as if to say “See, he responds so much better to me” .
Fast forward to today, following two months of Cowboy letting Monte play with the dogs, taking him to the park, tickling him, wrestling him, general boy talk – AND (the most magical part for me) going to him in the night when he wouldn’t go back to sleep,… Cowboy has returned to work.
For the most part of today I have had to answer the following question “Da? Woof, Woof, Woof” at least one thousand times already.
“Dad is back at work and the dogs have gone with him” I reply.
He doesn’t seem to believe me so runs to the door and barks and repeats “Da! Da!”
I’m working on reinventing myself to win back his affections.
It is clear to me that I just don’t cut the mustard anymore.
I just cut the watermelon, the toast, his every other whim – I just don’t have the same glamour and appeal that Da has.
My break-dancing doesn’t get the same applause it used to, my costume changes are barely noticed, and the peek-a-boo show I perform from behind the bathtub is just not getting the reviews it once did.
Cowboy has a lot to answer for.
So if I may I’d like to say a few words directly to Monte:
Monte, I might not have a Cowboy hat or sheep dogs, I certainly have zero idea how to get you to sleep or to make you laugh as heartily by way of tickling.
But, let me tell you something, Cowboy is NEVER and I repeat NEVER going to mime the Moulin Rouge Soundtrack and appear dramatically from behind the kitchen island.
May I suggest, that you appreciate and water the grass you have right here, right now, and stop looking over the fence.
Dad is AT WORK!
12 Comments
Great post Sharni and the most gorgeous photos of your family (where’s the one of you in your uberchic, uber hot, uber “I’m the worlds most amazingly excellent mum”, uber “I’m still the me I was before I had kids” coat? Or have you filed them with the page boy hair cut shots.). Funny that not only are we pillow tossers (and how can anyone NOT be, seriously people, have you tried it?) but my husband Johnny, broke his wrist last year, and we had weeks, nay months of incapacitated husbandness. I was sooooo over doing ALL the driving by the time the plaster came off.
Our lives are mirroring a little??? haha, my uber chic coat in all it’s beauty? Nup, my pics didn’t make the cut…. I will try and get some up at a later date hahaha! Perhaps I will write a blog post about the coat and photograph it. Pillow Tossing 4 Eva xx
At least the cowboy got to stay home for a while…most dads are stuck at work forever and totally miss out on hanging out with the little dudes.
* Confession * still get the irks when after slaving away and being super awesome mommy all day their eyes light up when daddy comes home and blows 2 or 3 raspberries on their bellies and he is the best dad ever. Then he’s done. UNFAIR :)
haha so true, no I am really glad he got to spend this time with him, i realise its a rare thing..! I dread the Rasberry parenting of the potential future… (just quietly)
Hilarious Sharni! I’m laughing out loud at the image of you jumping out from behind the island bench. That Monte doesn’t know how lucky he is (yet). One day, he’ll get it.
Ps can you adopt me?
Sure! If you appreciate my musicals I would love to have you as an audience hahaha
This is funny! Be at peace as boys have a special corner for their Mums! I have 2 sons all grown up and their yes light up when they see me…. It is a wonderful feeling…
Ah thanks Yogasavy I will take this information with me into the future. nice to know :-)
Ahh, this was great, I really related, although in a somewhat different way. The Boy has been partial to his DaDa since day dot it seems. My partner is a musician and so doesnt go off ‘to work’ in the traditional sense. Its wonderful for having him so heavily involved, being hands on, being home all the time etc …Buuutttt – and I know I should not complain, I really thank my lucky stars, i do – but The Boy is so enamored with DaDa that I sometimes pout at how I dont get to swan in and by the ‘mummy saviour’!!
Oh RTS I am sure you have been the mummy saviour at one time or another!! Glad you can relate – it is a good thing. Monte has forgotten Dave again now – my dance moves are once again a hit, didn’t take long at all!
Hi – I loved the post and in brought back many memories ! I am Edwina’s Mum she recently introduced me to your “The grass is greener where you water it” Philosophy/phrase. I love it ! How very true it is. Do not bother to look at my blog it is resting! I must get Edwina’s help to find an easier way of putting up my photos then I will blog once more. Meanwhile other things are taking up my mind – thank you for the watering can !
haha! So nice to hear from you Rosanna! I have become good ‘bloggy’ friends with Edwina so it is so nice for me that you have had a read too.
The watering grass philosophy is a great one is it not? Cheers to the watering can! Hope to hear about your blog when it is up and running again!