Ryn,

Hope you had fun at your work-social and got to stay out as late as you wanted!

Being a SAHM with 3 kids, I'd find it terribly demoralising if my husband thought that he had the upper hand just because he earns more money than me (I earn zero, so this isn't hard!). If your hubby thinks he can win arguments because he makes more money than you, how is he going to treat you when you are on maternity leave and not bringing in any income? If I was you, I'd get this sorted out before baby comes. Having a newborn baby can be a thank-less job some days (but I wouldn't change it for the world!) - especially if you husband is not understanding of your contribution to the family. My husband has a stressful job, but he still understands that there is a different kind of stress involved in taking care of young children all day, and he is very willing to give me an occasional break (I go shopping, to the movies, out to dinner, etc). In turn, I encourage my husband to take breaks as well and he loves going for a long bike ride on the weekend. He also respects that although he works and I don't, I shouldn't be the only one getting up in the night/morning to settle the kids. When our babies were first born, I would get up for the 11:00, 2:00 and 5:00 feeds, but then he would take over early in the morning to let me sleep in a bit. I would still be more exhausted than him, but at least he would take some of it on as well.

You sound like a pretty tolerant person. I think you mentioned in one of your earlier posts that your husband doesn't like having to remind you to do your chores, but at the same time it is OK for him to leave the dirty dishes in the sink overnight? I'd say that there is a degree of hypocrisy working there. What if you told him you were tired of having dirty dishes in the sink overnight and can he please pick up his act?

I'm sure your husband is a nice guy and everything, but maybe he just needs a little fine-tuning. He may just need to be "re-programmed" a little.

Good luck and keep us posted.