...do you ever secretly hope your SO says something about what a great job you did?

Answer: of course, I am a man! But as the kids have gotten older, I care about these things less. I've been feeling lately like the kids are growing up sooo fast, and I just really enjoy soaking up time together with them. So the time together is its own reward. (In moderation, of course. If I solo for an extended period, ignore all of the above!).