The stronger gender? It's no contest.

Over the past eight weeks I've been more aware of wife's contributions to our family than I ever have. Now, I don't mean that as an insult or even to imply that she doesn't usually contribute (on the contrary it's quite the opposite). It's just that, until now, I don't think I ever realized just how much she actually does on a daily basis. You see, in those two months, she's been home, on maternity leave, with our newborn son, and, on more occasions than what I'm sure she would have preferred, our 2-year old daughter. A daughter that's anchored into the “terrible twos” in its purest, and most severe, form. During that time, I've watched her try on every possible “hat” I can imagine: mother, wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law; not to mention the less glamorous homemaker, chef, laundry master, grocery shopper, dog trainer, and even alarm clock (thanks, honey…6:30 gets here awful fast). Between the late-night feedings, diaper changes, and the wash and spin cycle of the washing machine (or dishwasher, take your pick), I've come to realize the one fact that first came to me following the birth of our daughter, and the marathon labor event that preceded it. And that is, women are definitely the stronger gender. Now, I know I was cast from the old boys' club the moment those words slipped past my lips, but come on, guys, it's true. Let's take a look at the facts:

Childbirth. Sorry, ladies, had to put it first. Not because I'm chauvinistic, but because, in my opinion, it is the one act that (a) men can never truly understand, beginning to end, and (b) one act I'm confident, given the choice, most men wouldn't even elect to try. Think about it, guys. Do you really want to carry, what amounts to, an extra limb around your waist when it doesn't involve mass consumption of beer? Didn't think so. Not to mention raging hormones that often made my wife behave more like Margot Kidder on one of her manic-depressive episodes than my loving companion. And, the capper, no alcohol for nine months. Yes, N-I-N-E months. No way, no how, not for me. So which of you guys wanna sign-up for this little adventure, huh?

Family and home. I know most men, myself included, like to believe we are king of our castle. Master of our domain. The mighty leader who always has the answers, doesn't panic in crunch time and keeps things running on a smooth schedule. I know, it's a man's dream. It's my dream. But, unfortunately, it's just that… a dream. Women take that role, as subtle as they may be about it, and just naturally run with it. And, they are effortless in maintaining it. Kids, pets, organization…they make it look easy. I know that if it wasn't for my wife, our house would run more like an understaffed daycare center who's cleaning crew just quit, than the semi-well-oiled machine it is today (sorry, nothing's perfect, babe).

Balance. I think women must attend a secret class sometime in their early years that teaches them how to balance all aspects of their life in complete harmony. Fact is, my wife never seems to get rattled by the occasional curveball that slides into our lives, while I seem to turn into Woody Allen at even the slightest sign of change. Unexpected bills (and unexpected amounts, too), home repairs, sick kids, layoffs at work. Women seem to welcome the challenge, find a solution and move on without a care. It really is quite impressive to observe.

I'm sure I could go on providing evidence to support my argument, however, this gender issue will continue raging on regardless of what any of us believe. Decide for yourselves. I relinquish my role in the battle both confident in my stance on the topic, and comfortable in my manhood. Call me “whipped”, call me a trader, call me crazy if you like. To me, it's more important to give credit where credit is due than to engage in such foolish machismo, letting my testicles form my opinion for me. Even more importantly is the recognition of my wife and what she means to our family. To be sure that she knows her efforts do not go unnoticed, though it may often appear that way. She is truly the rock in our nuclear family tree, and for that she has the highest respect and reverence from her husband. So, thanks, Moe. Not just for the warm meals, clean shirts, packed lunches, clean floors, fed dogs/cats, and everything else you do. But just for loving your family so much as to take the time from yourself to do all of those things for us.