For ScienceGirl

EcoGeoFemme's virtual baby shower is such an awesome idea!

I don't have kids myself, but over the last few months I've seen two of my best friends become mothers. They're really growing into their new roles, and their daughters are two very lucky little ladies!

ScienceGirl's daughter will be, too.

One of the most important things I've learned from friends and family about parenting is the importance of teamwork and a united front - at least in front of the children! One pair of in-laws, in particular, have this down to a fine art. They share all the chores, they take it in turns to read the bedtime stories, and their sons know beyond the shadow of a doubt that if one parent says "no", there is absolutely zero point in asking the other.

Now, ScienceGirl obviously has a kick-ass husband who will do his share of the parenting. But not everyone is so lucky... one of my new-mum friends sent me this chain email earlier this week, which made me laugh and makes for a nice virtual baby shower gift!

ScienceGirl, this is for you... and for all the stay-at-home parents (mums AND dads) out there!

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A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pyjamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and 20 wrappers strewn all around the front yard.

The door of his wife's car was open, and so was the front door to the house, and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. 

In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.

In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door.

He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened.

He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.

As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife curled up in bed in her pajamas, reading a novel.

She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went.

He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?'

She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world I do all day?'

'Yes,' was his incredulous reply.

She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.'

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