What I needed to hear

During the Christmas break, Bill had a long four day weekend to relax at home. We didn't do much other than sleep and hang out around the house. Maybe a trip or two to the grocery store, but that was it. It was pretty much an accurate demonstration of what my day-to-day life is like with the kids when we're stuck at home without the car and no activity to go to.

When the long weekend was nearing the end, Bill was being exceptionally nice to me. He was constantly telling me he loved me, giving me long hugs in the kitchen and helping out more around the house. I was suspicious. Usually when he does this, he's guilty of something - like keeping a secret. I flat out asked him if he was in trouble for something or if he needed to get something off his chest. I said it in a joking manner, but I was as serious as a heart attack.

After getting a good chuckle out of my question and assuring me that he wasn't keeping anything from me, he told me that he realized that staying home with the kids was not easy and that he appreciated what I did. I think I might have had a deadpan look of disbelief after he said this because it wasn't too long ago that he asked me what I did all day long in a lovely "I'm sure you're sitting on you ass all day" manner. After my suspicions were quelled, I really appreciated hearing this from him, especially after the month that nearly put me in a straight jacket.

One thing I think he's beginning to realize is that even though he thinks that something is inferred, like how much he loves me or how much he appreciates what I do at home, I need to hear it every now and then. He's been getting really good about this the last few weeks. And I really appreciate that. A lot.