With the ‘line manager’ in isolation, it’s dad who has run of the house
DOUBLE TROUBLE FOR A FIRST-TIME DAD OF TWINS
VICTORIA had set up camp in the spare room and was self-isolating due to a high temperature and a cough.
I’d been awarded control of domestic chores, catering, laundry and the full-time care of Thomas and Emma.
In some ways, it was going to be similar to running a very small B&B/nursery, but without the fear of a negative Trip Advisor review.
In keeping with my desire to remain positive through a pandemic world crisis, I thought it would be an excellent way to spend quality time with my children, perfect my culinary skills and operate autonomously without a line manager.
Day one started at 6.30am and we spent some ‘quality time’ opening and closing kitchen cupboard doors before breakfast of porridge and toast.
I left the twins climbing on the kitchen table, checked in on the patient and did some basic observations. She had a tickly cough, temperature was hovering at 38˚C and required toast, porridge and tea.
After a morning involving the destruction of the living room, it was time for lunch service.
Twins enjoyed beans on toast while Victoria made a text request of cheese sandwich, crisps and a French Fancy.
The twins’ nap time brought a chance to tidy up, do laundry and remove dried porridge from the floor. Upon waking, we
decided the afternoon would involve The Minions, which I also enjoyed.
Dinner was fish fingers, mash and peas while I prepared a stir fry for Victoria and myself. My shift was nearly over and by 9pm, I got some precious ‘Me’ time in which I fell asleep watching a documentary telling me we’re all doomed.
Day Two dawned and saw the twins wearing their sleep suits for the day and me letting cleaning duties slide.
On the plus side, COVID-19 hadn’t affected Victoria’s appetite, who continued to demand regular meals, snacks and tea.
Day Three arrived, and it was apparent Victoria was fine, twins were grubby, and the house was in disarray. Day Four meanwhile, had me wishing for a COVID-19 test for peace of mind but mostly so I could have a break.
Day 5 brought the realisation the twins were turning a little feral and I was tired. However, as I prepped for lunch, Victoria appeared at the kitchen door. We knew it was technically two days early, but we weren’t going out for another nine days and everybody was just fine.
Victoria made a logical decision based on the circumstances, twins’ general appearance and the need to regain operational control from her deputy.