There is one thing that drives me crazy when it comes to dads taking care of their kids: when they call it "babysitting".

It's parenting for Pete's sake! Chris takes advantage of my pet peeve by joking around with our friends and co-workers that he has to "babysit". He then quickly turns to see my reaction and laughs. 9 times out of 10 I'm already rolling my eyes before he finishes his joke.

Can you imagine if a mom said, "I'm babysitting this weekend," and she was talking about her own children? Yikes.

If you're wondering where this rant is coming from, we're coming off a weekend where Chris was in charge of Kanyon and it was going to be his first nights flying solo with the little man.

It was my mom's milestone birthday and I wanted to do something special for her, so we booked the Greenhaven scrapbooking retreat and were all set to have a fun girls weekend making baby #2's first year scrapbook!

Chris didn't complain (much) ahead of the weekend but there were several questions about when we'd be home. I can't blame him. I know it's a lot of work to keep up with a 15 month old and to keep him happy! But we were on our way and dad was in charge.

Luckily Kanyon is a good sleeper, so the first night was no problem. I got to tuck him in Friday night and mom and I were off. Daddy reported no problems overnight and mom and I enjoyed the spa tub room until the wee hours of the morning.

It was the first night I've been away from Kanyon for a year. While I missed being able to peek in on him and hear his little snoozing self, I have to admit, I didn't miss worrying about how early I'd have to wake up! Of course, being pregnant, my bladder and body aches made sure I didn't sleep through the night. Alas.

So as mom and I celebrated her birthday by scrapping to our hearts content, Chris navigated the choppy waters of a toddler's Saturday. I love the perks of technology, because it kept us both updated and on track. I went back into the text log and it kind of cracks me up! Here's how the weekend shook out via text:

Saturday morning:

Me: how was your night?
Chris: Great. He slept until 8:30, then we had breakfast, played, went outside, watched a lawn guy, now he's napping

Afternoon update:
Kanyon had two tantrum/meltdowns - source unknown

Saturday evening:
Chris: he only slept for 45 min. and woke up crying

Saturday night:
Chris: what should I give him for late snack?
Me: cheese and crackers and milk.
Me: oh and brush his teeth please
Chris: brushed, bath and in bed.
Me: Good job, daddy! Church at 9:30, we'll be home at 8:45 to get Kanyon ready. Can you wake him and start breakfast?
Chris: I'll try. Love you

By 8:45 Sunday morning Kanyon was up and fed. Chris was doing a great job! Happily, in exchange for surviving Kanyon's meltdowns, he was rewarded with something special. Kanyon started saying "dada" again! It was his first word, but he hasn't said it in months! It was so cool to hear him addressing his dad again! (Everything has been "mama" "mama" mama").

So we made it to church, brunch and had some bubble-blowing and Easter basket fun. As Chris loaded up his plate with more prime rib than you can imagine a linebacker eating, I asked him if he was trying to get his money's worth from the buffet. He replied: "I haven't eaten since lunch yesterday!" I laughed and felt bad at the same time. Welcome to motherhood! I haven't finished a meal since Kanyon was born -- unless I'm at work! Poor guy ate like it was his last meal.

Then it was time for mom and grandma to continue our scrap-a-pa-looza! Chris didn't say a whole lot but was curious when we'd be home. My answer? Late. (If you've got an amazing place like Greenhaven, you've got to milk it)!

As we were elbow deep in stickers, papers and punches, I got several more texts on Sunday versus Saturday. Apparently the novelty was wearing off. I was updated on naps, snacks and playtime... then... around 7 p.m. I got the text I figured would arrive at some point.

Chris: Just hurry up and come home
Me: we're not close, hun
Chris: good thing you have all summer

This is when I employed the "oh no you didn't technique" and stopped replying because as all of us working moms know, we need a break sometimes and this was my chance!

It must have registered, because about 15 minutes later he said, "ok have fun".

I did have fun. I had so much fun. I made a wonderful book for this next child's first year of life and it was great having several hours strung together that didn't include 85 interruptions. (Don't get me wrong, I love my little interruption. He makes my world go round, but ladies, you know how nice it is to be able to complete a task)!

We made it home in time to put Kanyon to bed, but were greeted by a screaming toddler in daddy's arms. I can't quite describe the look on Chris' face but you can imagine it was a mix of exhaustion, annoyance, relief and a dash of "if you are gone again any time soon I'm going to lose my mind."

I grabbed Kanyon and let daddy decompress in front of the tv in the basement for the rest of the night. It was admittedly hard not to get the giggles. I am, however, proud of how well he did. He's an amazing dad and I could cry just thinking about how special that is. I had no doubt he would give it his all during his time with his son.

As we were about to go to bed that night I asked him, "so am I going to hear about this for the next 20 years?" He said, "No. 15." We both laughed.

I didn't think I'd be leaving him alone with Kanyon again for a while, but then just yesterday my best friend announced she's got a wedding dress appointment this Saturday. Yep. Remember that look I got Sunday night? I got that look plus some when he heard that. Luckily, I married the right man and he'll suck it up and do some more solo parenting so I can go be a good friend Saturday. I love you, Chris!

P.S. Chris and I have both said numerous times how we don't know how single parents do it. If you are a single parent, you should have a parade in your honor every single day and someone should stand outside your door to give you a high five every time you leave your house. You are amazing and we salute you! You should be so proud of yourself and I can only hope you get some moments to rest and relax every once in a while.

(New Easter pics included under the photos tab)