Dad’s Log. Mat Leave Date: Day 53, 0945 hrs

Christmas tasks are impacting weekly child and household maintenance schedules.  Scotchguarded Young-ones clothes in order to prolong use between washings and re-wired microwave oven to begin cooking fish sticks in conjunction with entering the house after school, which saves a total of 23 minutes per week.

Dad’s Log. Mat Leave Date: Day 52, 1133 hrs

Gave two dollars to homeless fellow in order to educate Young-ones about giving.  Note to self: Never ask for a receipt.  It is not well received.

Dad’s Log. Mat Leave Date: Day 51, 1315 hrs

Bank balance taking sever damage due to holidays. Required cost cutting measures, including: extended usage of Little-ones 2 litre container of milk by cutting it with water and a dash of baking soda; and Santa will bring Older-one the abandoned Big Wheel retrieved behind the Bulk Barn dumpster, will rent out to local neighborhood youths when not in use. 

Dad’s Log. Mat Leave Date: Day 50, 1047 hrs

Discovered the advantages of Older-ones fear of Santa’s “naughty list”. 

Little-one ate Play-doh.  Wondering why Hasbro has to make Play-doh smell so tasty?

Dad’s Log. Mat Leave Date: Day 48, 1350 hrs

Delivered Young-ones to Doctor to obtain anti-flu injections.

Older-one may have developed an ulcer due to stress levels prior to needle.

Little-one still unaware that a needle was received.

Dad’s Log. Mat Leave Date: Day 45, 0807 hrs

Contemplating lessons learned while on Mat leave, including: multi-tasking; time management; ability to communicate with others about recipes; increased annoyance to clutter and unwashed dishes; and new potential for enjoying Glee.

Dad’s Log. Mat Leave Date: Day 44, 0903 hrs

Older-ones responses to my questions now include “duh!?”, “what the heck?” and “what ev”.

Little-ones communication skills increasing.  Now includes the word “no”.

Dad’s Log. Mat Leave Date: Day 43, 0927 hrs

Older-one off to be educated.

Little-one dropped off at new daycare for trial run.  Little-one very excited to interact with others of similar horizontal height.  No apparent distress during Dads departure and while waving goodbye. Not sure how to feel about this. 

Dad’s Log. Mat Leave Date: Day 42, 1541 hrs

Was informed of upcoming concert.  Limited seating, was known about a year in advance, sold out on first day, must line-up outside in cold two hours early to get adequate seating, and will be recorded and photographed by hundreds. Assumed Coldplay or Van Halen.  Was mistaken, it is the Older-ones Christmas Concert???

Dad’s Log. Mat Leave Date: Day 40, 1342 hrs

Procured Christmas tree from u-cut tree lot. Older-one insisted on helping select and cut tree, which delayed departure time by 57 minutes. Little-one was silent on tree vote.

Discovered that Dad tree selection vote does not count since it relates to interior design. Surprisingly, perfect tree was still procured. However, will still retain final decisions related to backyard grass height and winter tire selection.

Dad’s Log. Mat Leave Date: Day 39, 1312 hrs

Holiday festive outings and dinner parties began last night.  Partook in too much ‘cheer’ based on size of headache.  Curious - Young-ones seem to be able to sense my state of weakness and are using it to their advantage.

Dad’s Log. Mat Leave Date: Day 38, 1257 hrs

After 8 days, the 2 day house project is complete.  Lesson learned: The Little-one will survive even if not being supervised every second of the day.  Although, must remember to keep wood glue out of reach.

Dad’s Log. Mat Leave Date: Day 37, 1522 hrs

Based on Martha Stewart’s cookie presentation, the Spiced Cardamon Christmas cookies were an absolute disaster. Concluded that recipes are to only be used as a guide and achieving Martha perfection with Young-ones is near impossible.  Time commitment versus reward not balanced considering needs of Young-one during cooking. 

Second attempt utilizing Pillsbury Cookie mix a resounding success.  Many thanks little white marshmallow-man chef.

Dad’s Log. Mat Leave Date: Day 37, 1326 hrs

Fellow Moms at playground appear to have renewed interest in cooking due to upcoming holiday season.  Likely “mom” requirement during December.  Will attempt cooking of Martha Stewart Spiced Cardamon Christmas cookies to increasing household festive spirit.