Between a crazy workweek and an increasingly demanding baby, my hygiene has suffered this week, to say the least.

I wore my pajamas (mesh shorts and a t-shirt) all day Monday and Thursday. I didn’t brush my teeth at all on Tuesday. And, in perhaps the most disgusting development, I haven’t shaved since May 12, making me look like I’m trying to sport a playoff beard like the guys on the Chicago Blackhawks.

Under normal circumstances, these developments are gross but manageable—because we live in the far northern reaches of Sonoma County, I don’t have to interact with many people unless I’m on an assignment.

Today, however, the situation was dire: I had to motor into the city for a meeting.

Lucky for me, the facial hair hasn’t graduated from George Michael to Sasquatch. Still, I felt gross, and sincerely hope none of my clients judged me as unkempt.

The reality is that given the time constraints of most weeks, something in the schedule has to give, and it’s usually my own hygiene. Quite frankly, I don’t understand how more stay-at-home and/or work-at-home dads don’t experience the same dilemma. Gentlemen, what’s your secret? Enquiring minds want to know.