You are good, of course:

The aunt who came a couple of times to help was sent (we have mutual dislike with her), but was surprised that the children had 2-3 dishes, the house was clean (which was not with my wife), and I was still...

My wife was fooled. Keeping the house clean while caring for young children (think, sitting at home without exit) for 1-2 weeks is still okay, but after a few months there is apathy. It’s hard for the brain when nothing else happens in life.