We didn’t put a bag in the diaper genie.

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WE DIDN’T PUT A BAG IN THE DIAPER GENIE.

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So, that’s how my morning started. Hello. How are you? Hopefully you weren’t forced to dig out a weeks worth of dirty diapers because, mysteriously, they kept going into the pail without filling the bag and why isn’t the bag full and oh god oh goodness oh lord it’s’ everywhere.

The days are hot as Phoenix will let it get, meaning we’re breaking triple digits everyday but somehow each day feels hotter than the last. Fortunately, my wife, the boys, and I have been holed up for nearly 4 months now. We’ve seen family twice, both instances only coming after two-week self-isolating events for them since we never leave, have our groceries delivered, etc.

I feel like I’m settling into my role as a Stay-at-Home Dad a little better now. Some days, I’m on it. Up right after the boys at 6am, showered, teeth brushed, breakfast for wife and boys, cleaning, laundry, so on. Then, there’s other days where I’m in my pajamas until noon. Those are the rough days, when I think I’m failing at being a dad and a good homemaker.

Also, my hair is getting RIDONKULOUS.

Project Update:

NESS – I moved this MG novel from being due June 30 to now being due July 31. The mental tax of everything that happened in June was too much, but I’m feeling much better and am prepared to accept that the world is flawed and it’s my job to make it better for me, my boys, my wife, and anyone who reads my stories. I’m participating in Camp NaNoWriMo, hence the update bar at the top of the page.

GREY – Received another rejection letter from an agency two days ago. This brings my total rejections up to 4, with 3 still considering. I need to send it out again before week’s end.

TWILIGHT – On permanent hiatus, until I feel I can confront the origins of this story and what it means. Maybe I’ll get it, maybe I won’t. It’s not really top of mind because I have too much else to worry about.

And that’s kind of it. I have some other story ideas I’m considering, even some old novels I never finished but might have figured out how to complete, but have to be more selective. Most of my available writing time is when the boys go to sleep and, by then, I’m so tired I can’t see straight.

Stay safe. Stay strong. Be your own hero.

Thanks for reading,

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Contact: robertmichaelacosta@gmail.com