“Another surprise is that I’m a pretty neat parent. This was not expected. In the past, I’ve lived in a state of somewhat untidiness, letting things pile up until I had time to clean (usually on the weekend). Now, though, I find myself cleaning up the playroom anytime Ruby is napping. I straighten up the main floor every morning, and clean the kitchen after every meal. It’s pleasant to live in a cleaner space, and straightening up doesn’t take too long. I also like that Ruby sees me doing it, so she’ll learn that it is a task to be done (rather than it happening magically while she’s asleep).  I plan to have her help me as soon as she is able.”