Last night, Jason and I had just put the kids in bed after a long day. I'd made a special "dinner" of homemade pear & raisin muffins and homemade hot chocolate. I'd washed 2 loads of dishes. I had just put away the fourth load of laundry that day. I'd changed the babies' diapers and nursed them and tucked all six kids into bed. And then, just as I sat down on the couch, Nathan started crying. He had taken off all of his clothes and his diaper and was naked in his crib, calling for me. As Jason headed up the stairs to take care of Nathan, he said something over his shoulder...
"I don't know how you did this by yourself for so long."
And I had to smile because that is the very first time I've heard him say that. Ever. And in some small way, I felt like making it through 2010 was the greatest accomplishment of my life.
ETA:
And in some sick twist, it turns out that my compliment was not actually a compliment at all! It was actually Jason's lovely sarcasm, intended to make me aware of the fact that he has been helping at bedtime. So, silly me for thinking that my work was appreciated. That'll teach me.
