“I’m not ready for you to go back to work, Jim!” Maggie said.

Hearing her tone and realizing I wasa now being addressed as “Jim” was enough of a red flag to get my attention but, feeling the need to press on, I continued. “I know you need support and I’m just trying to say that there might be a better solution. I mean, why don’t we get someone over here to help you if you need help. I’m just standing around all day and I think getting back to work is what’s best. Didn’t Myra say that she would be happy to be here with you if you needed her? I heard Mama say the same, that all you needed to do was call and she’d be right over.”

More silence.

“Why don’t we call Mama in the morning and see what she thinks?” I said.

Surprisingly, Maggie answered, “Okay, I’ll call her.” And, with that, more silence.

Like I said, no one tells you about this part before you have a baby. Probably a good thing that ignorance is bliss.

Maybe I should write a book.