Division of Labor

As we get ready for some good friends from Atlanta to stay with us for the weekend, it made me wonder... what is the division of labor like in most homes? I don't think Todd and I are the norm -- I am certainly blessed to have Todd as a husband. Todd is so helpful, and even now that I am not working he insists on helping with the day to day things in the house. I can't sing his praises enough! He does so much around the house, and the more I think about it, I just don't know many men who are so involved with the division of household labor.

Two nights ago, Todd had a friend coming through town that we were going to meet for dinner. In the end, he stayed with us after realizing how far away his accomodations were and that he would have to pay for a cab to the airport the next morning. The best part is, yesterday morning I woke up to find that our bedroom door was closed so that I could sleep and Todd had already stripped the guest bed and had the washing machine going, took Breck out to potty, and unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher. He may have even done more in that time, but how thoughtful of him to do all of that before sitting down at his computer to work!

When we were both working, I felt so blessed to have a husband who was so good about helping equally in the house. But, now that I am at home and not working I feel that I should be taking on the majority of the work around the house. However, that is not the case. Todd still contributes greatly to the daily chores in our home and I feel so grateful to have him! Not only does Todd do the "manly" things like take out the trash, and reach things on high shelves for me, but he does everything in between too. Being in an apartment, most of the things that need to be done around the house are more domestic - we have no yard to mow, no leaves to rake, no plumbing to fix, etc.

We joke that Todd is my sous chef, as making meals has turned into good quality time for us. We share a bottle of wine, enjoy some cheese and crackers, and he truly does help dice, stir, and plate anything I ask for help with. He is actually seeming to be more comfortable in the kitchen, when only a few months ago his best friend was the microwave. I am never surprised to find that he has already switched the laundry from the washing machine to dryer when I go to do it myself. I think Todd is primarily the one to make sure Breck has food in the morning, and takes him out at the two worst times...first thing in the morning, and last thing before bed. While I am the one who primarily loads the dishwasher, Todd always seems to put the dishes away before I get to them. Oh, and for all of the horrible hand wash only items like pots and pans and knives -- he does those regulary too! And, as I write this he is going to get the mail...as he usually does.

All of this to say - I thank God for such a supportive, helpful, and giving husband who wakes up daily thinking of what he can do to make my day easier! How sexy is that?!?!