Parenting + Working From Home = Juggling Act

Well, I’ve been a stay-at-home dad now going on 2 months.  During that time I’ve also been making varied attempts at bringing in additional income to keep the family afloat.  So far so good, but it hasn’t all been victories.  There have been some set backs, some of which are yet to be resolved.  Regardless, finances are in order, optimism is still in place (mostly) and I’ve been given a huge opportunity: To really get to know my daughter.

I’ve been involved with Abby ever since she was born, but I’ve deferred to Becca for her motherly instincts.  That’s not to say that I never did anything or didn’t care, but I considered myself #2 on the parenting scale.  Well, 5 days a week from 8-5 I’m now parent #1.  I’ve learned a lot about who my daughter is (and is becoming).  What’s more interesting is that I’ve learned quite a bit about myself.  All my life I’ve heard my mother, sisters and a number of other parents mention how their children are a mirror into their own personalities, etc.  I now know this to be all too true!

Abby is my mini-me – warts and all.  She’s taken to burping and farting (part of me loves this…) and she has the most bizarre sense of humor.  On the flip side, she’s stubborn.  S.T.U.B.B.O.R.N.  She is quickly becoming an expert at delaying situations/events that she doesn’t want to happen.  I.E. bedtime, naptime and leaving parks, etc.  And man is she slow.  She takes forever using the toilet and even more washing her hands.

Anybody who knows me is probably bowled over in maniacal laughter.  Oh the irony!

Regardless, it’s an adventure.  I find myself defaulting to television as I figure out how to budget my time in working and other obligations.  Need to do a better job of planning activities and teaching her everything I know.  Need to get some musical instruments and start getting her interested in music.  Need to, need to, need to.  I’m getting there.  I’ve found myself racking my brain trying to remember how my mom and I passed the time when I was little.  I remember crayons, Sesame Street/Mr. Rogers and lots of playing outside.

Meh.  Well, I apologize for the brief sojourn from my posting here.  I’ll do my best to not let that become a habit.