Things are a changing...

With a new job comes new work hours and with Sean being so close to work and me being pregnant, he realizes that he will have to step up a lot more around the house this including making dinner. In the almost 5 years since Sean and I started dating, I might be able to count on one hand the number of times he has prepared dinner. It was one of those before we got married conversations we had of who will do the meal preparations in the house. But don't think he gets off so lightly, the arrangement was I prepared meals, he cleaned up the kitchen after dinner. With my new work schedule, he has recognized he will be the one doing the dinner preparations and cooking and I will do the clean up. 
With this transition, my plan is to start easy meals for Sean. I will still do the meal planning that I have always done on Sunday and leave the recipe on the counter for him to follow when he gets home for work. Other ways that I will help this transition hopefully be somewhat easier are crock pot meals and meals like lasagnas and enchiladas. I'm not expecting Julia Child quality meals the first week, but maybe the second ;-) Like all transitions in life, it will take some time but I feel fortunate to have a husband recognize that the roles we play in our marriage have to change at times. In fact he has said, when you start work, all I want you to do is go to work and come home and rest. Yah, I married a good one :-) 
I have been pinning a lot of easy to make ahead or after work meals for Sean's sake but knowing that occassionally I might get the "can you pick up a pizza on your way home from work honey"phone call :-) 
Here are a few of the easy meals for Sean.
Chicken Enchilada Pasta

Baked Gnocchi with Taleggio, Pancetta and Sage

Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot  - an hour before dinner, put the noodles in the crock pot

Balsamic Pot Roast made in the crock pot

Crock Pot Beef Stew

Let's just call this transition period preparation for January :-) 

15 comments:

The Pink Growl said...

He can do it, I know he'll step up to the challenge!

Molly {Dreams in HD} said...

congratulations on the new job! and i think it will be a great opportunity for him to learn how to cook, and he might just grow to love it :)

Molly {Dreams in HD}
http://dreamsinhd.blogspot.com/

agalandherdog said...

That's great that Sean is stepping up to help. My Sean did the same thing when I was pregnant (although he already does most of the cooking bc he's a chef). It really makes a big difference!

whit | Black Little Button blog said...

awe that's awesome that he said he just wants you to come home and relax. what i wouldn't give...but i know it's only going to get worse. ha ha. enjoy his cooking dear, if he's learned anything from being around you for how many years, he's gotta set the bar high ;)
-whit

brooke lyn said...

yay for finding boys that can cook!

Carly said...

That gnocchi looks AMAZING!!!!

Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com

Simply LKJ said...

I am so blessed to have a hubby who is an amazing cook. And, I don't mind cleaning.

Tiara | a Happy Healthy Home said...

You have a good one! Love crockpot meals. They are a staple in our house during the winter. Again congrats on the job and good luck next week.

Heather said...

Sounds like a good menu! The baked gnocchi looks delicious!

Happily Ever Parker said...

Thank goodness David cooks - otherwise we would eat take out all too much. I don't mind cooking but I hate the timing of it all. I am a much better baker!

Lauren said...

enchilada pasta!? yum! and chris is a TERRIBLE cook, but my goodness is he good a emptying the dishwasher and taking out the trash :)

Caroline said...

I need to steal some of these recipes!

Johanna said...

I was just looking for some crock recipes last night. I just made a small goal to try one new recipe a week to get the girls off toddler food and more on our food. You guys should try this cookbook, it's old but it's a Betty Crocker 4-ingredient dinner cookbook. Tonight we had a victory which is huge!

Sarah @ The Not Quite Military Wife said...

What a sweet husband you have!! Good luck with this transition month, hopefully no burned dinners!

Amanda @ A Good Hue said...

Crock pots are the best and so easy! Let us know how he does :)