Sunday, September 6, 2009

School, trips, and a new routine

The kids finished up their second week of school on Friday, and the adjustment to the new flow of life is well underway. The three little monkeys wake up each morning to grab some breakfast and try to sneak in a few cartoons while try to sneak in some work before the day gets going. Laine heads to school at 8:20, most days I'm able to walk along with her up to H. R. Driggs Elementary. The morning walk is nice, all of the kids in the neighborhood walk to school so it's like a little parade to school every day. Then it's time to get some work done, conference calls or research or putting together documents for my current project. At noon it's time to switch gears again and get Eve off to preschool and James down for his nap. A few more hours of work to hopefully finish my work day (so I don't have to get back to the grind after the kids go to bed) then it's off to pick Eve up then take Laine to Kung Fu, take Eve to dance lessons (starting this Thursday, she's so excited), run to the bank, pick them up from lessons, shop for food, buy more socks (how do they always lose their socks?), make dinner (something awesome!), feed the kids, go over homework, get teeth brushed, tuck them in with books for our new bedtime reading routine, say prayers, read scriptures, then make up a new and original bedtime story on the fly from stuff they choose, hugs and kisses, lights out, then head upstairs and blow off some steam (so I can do the whole thing again tomorrow). How do single parents who don't have awesome families to help out survive this?

Then of course it's time to start prepping things out for my next trip to the East Coast for business. It's been pretty steady at a three-day trip (three full days there, which means four nights away) once a month, sometimes with more notice than other times. I only had a week's notice on this last one, and I found out that it only takes eight adult relatives in a coordinated schedule to replace one superdad. Pretty good on their part, I would have thought it would take at least ten of 'em. Seriously, how do single parents who don't have awesome families to help out survive this? On the upside I get my airline silver medallion next trip, that's 25,000 miles I'll have flown and now I won't have to wait as long in the security line every time.

Laine seems to be loving her first grade class, Eve has no complaints about preschool, and James is still the king of afternoon naps. Thanks to everyone who helps so much, we really couldn't do this without you.

4 comments:

Christine said...

Superdad, could you please find some time in your schedule to take pictures too?

Christian said...

Nope, there is no time in the schedule to take pictures.

Jeffrey W. Baker said...

Chris,

You really are a Superdad!! You are doing such a great job. Your love for your children shows in everything you do with them,for them, and because of them. I can imagine how hard it must be at times, trying to be both the nurturer and the bread winner for three active little ones. I also know that you are a strong person, stronger than even you know, and you will become stronger yet. I also know that it is the love, smiles and happiness of your children that makes it all worthwhile.

You are a good man, Christian Bradley! To bad there aren't more Dad's like you. Watch out SuperDad, because it won't be long before some bright, wonderful woman snatches you up!
Love, Aunt Linda

Anonymous said...

We don't do much but love them, but YOU, you are the super dad of all time. Thanks for being a devoted father and fun too! And such a good cook!
Mom