My Husband Refused to Assemble Our Babys Crib, So I Did It Myself While 9 Months Pregnant, but the Lesson I Taught Him Was Harsh

Nine months pregnant, Eloise sat in the nursery staring at the unopened crib box that had been gathering dust for weeks. Everything else was ready for the baby’s arrival—except the crib. Tom had promised over and over to assemble it, but every time she asked, his answer was the same: “Tomorrow.” Tomorrow never came. For Eloise, this wasn’t just about furniture; it was about feeling supported, about knowing she could count on her husband when their baby arrived.

Determined not to wait any longer, she dragged the heavy box across the room, ignoring the sharp twinges in her back and the baby’s restless movements. The instructions were a headache, the pieces stubborn, but she pressed on, screwing and bolting each part together. Halfway through, Tom wandered in, casual and relaxed. He glanced at her work and said with a smirk, “Good job. Why’d you even ask me if you could do it yourself?” The words stung, but instead of arguing, Eloise turned back to the crib, hiding her tears.

Hours later, exhausted and aching, she sat on the floor staring at the finished crib. It should have been a moment they shared together. Instead, it felt like a silent confirmation that she was on her own. That night, as Tom scrolled on his phone beside her, Eloise lay awake. This wasn’t just about a crib—it was about partnership. If Tom couldn’t step up now, how would he handle fatherhood? She decided he needed a wake-up call.

The next morning, she feigned fatigue and told Tom she was taking it easy. She mentioned she’d invited friends and family for a small pre-baby gathering and asked if he could take care of the preparations—cake, decorations, everything. Tom waved her off with confidence, saying, “Yeah, no problem.” He had no idea what he was in for.

Eloise handed him a list the next day—tasks that were simple on paper but impossible to complete with the little time he had. She stayed in bed while Tom overslept, then scrambled into the kitchen, muttering curses when he realized he didn’t even know which bakery to call for the cake. He tore through cupboards looking for decorations, growing more frantic by the hour. She “helpfully” suggested the streamers were in the hall closet, knowing full well they were buried deep in the basement.

By the time guests began to arrive, Tom was sweaty, flustered, and nowhere near ready. Decorations were half-done, food was scattered, and the missing cake left an empty spot on the table. Eloise sat on the couch, watching quietly. When her mother-in-law arrived and saw the chaos, she gave Tom a sharp look. “What happened here?” she asked. Tom stumbled through an excuse, but Eloise stood and addressed the room.

“Thank you all for coming,” she began. “It’s been a challenge preparing for the baby, especially when I’ve been doing most of it on my own. Just a few days ago, I had to assemble the crib myself—nine months pregnant. It wasn’t easy.” The room fell silent, and Tom’s face flushed red as her words hung in the air. “Marriage and parenthood are about teamwork,” she continued. “It’s not one person’s job to carry the load.”

Tom’s mother shook her head, clearly disappointed. Tom looked like he wanted to sink into the floor. After the party, when the guests had gone, he sat across from Eloise at the kitchen table, visibly drained. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “I didn’t realize how much I was leaving to you. I thought I was helping, but I wasn’t there the way I should’ve been.”

Eloise met his gaze. “I need to know I can count on you—for everything. I can’t do this alone, and I shouldn’t have to.” Tom took her hand and promised, “I’ll do better. I’ll be there. I’ll change.”

For the first time in weeks, Eloise believed him. “This is your chance, Tom,” she said. “Don’t waste it.”