From Backlogs to Baby Duty: A Day of Balancing Acts

Friday, 12 July 2024 — Today was a busy day as I found myself dealing with a pile of backlogs. There were pending emails, unfinished references, and reviews waiting for my attention. It was crucial for me to tackle these tasks and avoid overwhelming my network connections. So, I dedicated myself to getting things done and ticking off as many boxes as possible.

In addition to my work obligations, I also had a few responsibilities for my church team. It was fulfilling to complete those tasks as well. However, the thought of dealing with the mounting backlogs was undeniably stressful. Nevertheless, I understood the importance of facing these challenges head-on and doing what needed to be done.

The highlight of my day revolved around caring for my six-month-old baby. As my wife returned to work, I took on the role of babysitting while juggling my own commitments. Amidst this, I also wanted to find time to read a chapter, but it seemed like a luxury I couldn’t afford at the moment. Although I wanted to take things slow and steady, circumstances demanded a different pace.

I began by taking my son away from his mother, and unsurprisingly, he cried. It made me realise how children become attached to routines and resist any changes. I couldn’t help but wonder if adults could have such resolute hearts when it comes to pursuing what they desire in life. If we had the same unwavering determination as my little one did to have his mother around, imagine the accomplishments we could achieve.

Despite the initial resistance, I persevered. I took my son out, brought him back in, strapped him into the car seat, all in an effort to ease the transition. He continued to cry throughout the drive, but I understood the necessity for him to adjust to new circumstances. It wasn’t easy, but it was essential.

Throughout the day, we engaged in feeding sessions and attended to different needs at various times. Each time my son realised his mother wasn’t around, he would cry, expressing his discontent. This cry, without tears, felt like a form of communication, a way for him to express his desires. It was his way of resisting what he didn’t want and staying focused on what he did.

I continued to assure him that his mother needed rest and that we would manage. Putting him to sleep became a challenge, but I knew it was a task I had to take on. There will be days when I’ll have to handle this alone, and it’s important for both of us to adapt. By midnight, I switched roles with my wife, and together we discussed plans for the weekend.

Most of my day revolved around caring for my six-month-old son, and I can’t deny that it was overwhelming and challenging. I have a newfound appreciation for my wife, who handles this responsibility on a daily basis. While I acknowledge the benefits of breastfeeding and the unique bond they share, I also recognise the immense time and effort involved. So, today, I want to express my gratitude to my wife for everything she does.

As I wrap up this journal entry, I realise there are more reflections and thoughts to explore. But for now, let’s leave it at this. Remember to reflect on your own daily activities, as there’s much to learn from them. Stay connected, keep thinking, and until we meet again, take care.

Insights of the Day:

• Children are resistant to change when they become accustomed to a routine. Their unwavering determination to have what they desire can be a lesson for adults.
• Balancing work and personal commitments can be overwhelming, but it’s important to face challenges head-on.
• Appreciating and acknowledging the efforts of loved ones, like my wife, is crucial for the support they provide.

To-Do:

1. Follow up on pending emails.
2. Complete the remaining references and reviews.
3. Plan and prioritise church team tasks for the upcoming week.
4. Find time to read a chapter when possible.
5. Continue adjusting and caring for my son, encouraging adaptation to new routines and circumstances.