After five days flying solo with L, I got my parenthood partner back late Saturday, when Powergirl returned from her trip.

I was glad to see my wife for a number of reasons. For starters, I missed her terribly; it was the longest we’d been away from each other in three years. Second, though I savored every moment of watching L by myself, it sure as hell is nice to have a buddy to share some of the day-to-day burdens.

As an aside, a third reason was that Powergirl brought L an authentic “I [heart] N.Y.” t-shirt.

In all seriousness, after doing everything as a single parent for the better part of five days, I was surprised by how quickly Powergirl and I resumed the roles we played before she left.

Case in point: Though I (successfully and without incident) bathed the baby every night in my wife’s absence, immediately upon returning, Powergirl retook her position as the designated bath-giver.

She also reclaimed her job as the primary pre-bed sleep-inducer—a process that involves reading books while snuggling under a blanket on the couch.

(I see myself as the “closer;” I step in exclusively to put the baby down for the night.)

It’s nice to know these roles are flexible in our relationship; that, like utility infielders, both of us can play just about any position. It’s also a relief to have some help.

Quite frankly, I don’t know how single parents do it—everything from wake-up to bedtime, completely on their own. I always thought solo moms and dads were admirable for accomplishing these wonders. Now, at least in my book, they’re superheroes.