My DH’s completely unrealistic expectations about paternity leave.

[Epacris]

DH is taking 3 weeks off very, very soon (one week before and two weeks after this bub’s due date). He is convinced he is going to paint the outside of the house (eves, facia, double hung wooden windows and fibre cement extension) and keeps bugging me to work out how much paint he needs, in what colour AND go and buy it. So far I have been waaay too busy cleaning bugs out of light fittings.

Anyway, the other day he said, hmmmm.... do you think we can knock over the study while I’m on leave? By “knock over the study” he means: rip up the carpet, sand and polish the floorboards, install two new doors, some rewiring (powerpoints and light switches), replastering the corners and painting. Of course, he then got all huffy when I told him he was INSANE!!!

You’d think... third child... he’d kind of “get” what’s it’s all about by now??? Or is he just overcome with his own special kind of man-nesting?

[Jennifer13]

Rach, he just thinks you're so capable he should get busy doing what he's good at. It's a compliment really, you want to have the light fittings clean for your baby, he wants to get the office all purdy for his baby, just in case he/she really needs the phone socket where it's more convenient.

I'd push the 'sawdust is bad for a new baby's lungs' line (same for paint fumes), rather than suggest he shouldn't be working. And then get to work making a list of things he will be doing in that two weeks. May as well take advantage of all that enthusiasm!

PS This is where the brownie points he earned with the paint and carpet in the bedroom get cashed in - in your patience!

[MummyOfTerrors]

sounds like male nesting lol
my DH before our 1st was born had all these plans and left any odd jobs cause as he said "ill be bored stupid with nothing to do"
i tried many times to point out we will be busy do it now before his born

well lets just say he quickly realised how much work a newborn is and how little sleep you get lol

[~Kim~]

haha, nope in my experience no matter what the reason for the 'leave' they see that as time for ME to do what I want to do, as opposed to well at least I get some time off work to spend with my family.

[*Efjay*]

LOL Man nesting .

[~Hestia~]

I have to say, I love his enthusiasm

[ladybird11]

Woah, I should consider myself lucky! Our third is potentially days away from arriving too - yet DH just wants to play 'family man'! No mention of reno's or anything!

I think your DH is definately nesting lol!!! At least he is making plans to carry out around the house and isn't planning an epic sporting adventure away from the house lol!!

[Junglemum]

Hilarious! And i thought it was just my husband. At least they are ambitious.

[LimeSlice]

Definitely nesting! lol They are fabulous aren't they... Good luck to him!

[ezymay]

LOL at man nesting. Let him try hee hee and see how far he gets!! Mine thought that an appropriate leave period, (remembering he doesn't even live here with us) would be from the 9th of april til the 26th when I'm due the 19th... it is very likely I may not have even had the baby by then!! We have since sorted that out and he will now be back for 6 weeks.

[crumpet]

god i wish my DH would be half as productive as your DH wants to be

definitly a severe case of man nesting!

[tellytubby]

DON'T LET HIM DO IT

This reminds me so much of my DH.
When DS was born he painted the ENTIRE inside of our house, put in a new kitchen, and a new bathroom.
My house was a total s#!t fight, I absolutely hated it, and I hated him for doing it.
The entire time was horrible. He left me as soon as DS was born to "go and get started". Our DD was getting babysat basically the entire week I was in hospital. He never visited me, because he was running around like a chook with its head cut off trying to get things done.

I got home, and my house was such a mess. It was embarrasing having visitors over to meet the new baby.
And most of all - I was home sick. I was home sick for such a long time. I went to hospital, came home and I was living in what felt like someone elses house.

To this day, I am still angry at the whole thing. He took what should have been a beautiful time for our family and turned it into shambles. He missed our DS's first weeks.
ARgh. the whole thing has left a bitter taste in my mouth.
I don't care how much better this house looks now - nothing can bring back that precious time.

Sorry. Stole your vent. lol.

[Liviam]

Oh totally male nesting but I have to say that I'm very very jealous!! I can't get DH to do anything!! Send your hubby my way and he can build my wardrobe shelves and do a spot of painting for me just as not to mess up your house

[Phteven]

I think that you should explain to him that the baby will be much more concerned about bugs in the light fittings and dust on the picture rails than having a nice office

[mbear]

I dont know what it is...pregnancy and rennovations seem to have a perfect fit dont you think....and we always, always leave them till the last minute. I remember standing on a ladder and holding cornices up at 39wks pg with DD#2....try and keep him focussed on the paint...that job will be mamoth in itself....good luck...most of us have been there.....

[DANNIIM]

Yep my DH took an extra week off work cos apparently i wasn't coping and he used it to paint the laundry... men certainly are a different breed.

[jackrose]

How about hit him with:
"Honey, it would be lovely but remember you will want to be waiting on me hand and foot so that I can
a) tend to our baby
b) allow my 'lady bits' to heal properly for both of our mutual benefit."

[entreat]

Or is he just overcome with his own special kind of man-nesting?

LOL! Love it!!