Don't tell mummy.

I remember the first time my wife left me with my son. Flapping was an understatement. I knew that I would figure things out eventually. What I didn't anticipate was how many little things that I wasn't aware of that only she knew. As in life, it is the little things that make a difference.

As far as I was concerned, mums didn't make mistakes. They get things right with military precision. They always know what is inside each bag and they have back up for any contingency. In fact, when my wife asked me to pack the bag, the size and weight difference between when she packs it and my packing told the story itself. Well, after being a SAHD for over a year, I have found out that it isn't as it appears. What they don't tell you is that they acquired this knowledge from trial and error. They even made some mistakes themselves and shared these stories with other mums. The feeling of being as useful as a dry wet wipe was all self-imposed! The bags I now pack for Isaac are much bigger and I now think about the 'what ifs'. However, along the way, I have had some 'don't tell mummy' moments. Here are mine, feel free to add to them.

- Forgot to pack nappies when taking him swimming and been too embarrassed to ask other mums for a spare one. So you stuff towels in the car seat and hope for the best.
- Misunderstood your wife's instructions and forgot to feed him in the evening.
- Dressed him in his pajamas during the day thinking they were just cool clothes.
- Been too traumatised to take him out so watched telly all day.
- Didn't pack his bag with essentials so when another mum asked where his bag was, you said you forgot it when actually you didn't know what she was talking about.
-Been so impressed with his throwing skills, you watched him throw things inside that he really shouldn't be throwing.
-Completely abandoned the 'routine' because it was too much hard work.
-Left him happily watching the washing machine instead of taking him out to the park.

As my wife doesn't yet know about all of these, I realise that I am digging my own grave as we speak. If this is to be my eulogy, it has been nice knowing your all!

Superman at the ready!

Before I had my son. Coming home was a pretty chilled out affair. It often involved relaxing for about 20 minutes while I processed the day. I would maybe read a book, watch a bit of telly, or chat with my wife. How things change! Now as soon as you walk through the door, I'm realising that you need to be superhero for your family and kids.

When I first became a dad, I didn't quite understand the concept of transforming into Superman as soon as you walk through the door. In fairness, as my son didn't move around that much, it was slightly easier. However, compare it to a few days ago where as soon as my key went in the door, I could hear the patter of little feet running to greet me. I then spent about 10 minutes going up and down the stairs with my son and his ball, then playing the kangaroo game, horsey game and finishing with running into daddy's groin as fast and hard as you can. Trust me as painful as it sounds, it is all good fun. My only wish is that like Superman, I was impervious to flying toys and the occasional headbutts from my son.

The point being is that it is another step down the selfless pathway that is in essence what parenthood is mainly about. Being tired isn't important and as you continue on your journey, you pay less attention to it. Your kids think you are a superhero and can't wait to see you. As soon as you step into your home, be ready to be Superman until they go to bed. Your kids have incredibly long memories about the games you play with them. The more you play them, the more you bond with them. Your partner on a good day welcomes the break and company. On a bad day, they are desperate for you to take over. It is important that you save something for your family and your kids. You don't want to see it as a task to play with your kids. As a good friend of mine said, "kids want presence, not more presents. "