When the Cat’s Away. . .

Tom was gone a good half of January.  He had 4 different business trips in 28 days.  Around here, we count everything in terms of “bedtimes.”  Daddy was gone for 15 bedtimes in different chunks.  I’ve been on my own a whole lot with Abby and some most of our rhythms changed at least a little bit.  With Daddy gone so much, we ate a little less healthfully (um, chicken strips for Breakfast anyone?), we spent a little more time in front of the T.V. and computer (oh thank goodness for the library’s copy of Dragon Tales!), we did stuff on the spur of the moment more often (a walk in the dark right at bedtime?  Why not?!).

For me it meant less time away from Abby, but more time by myself.  I spent a lot of that time trying to NOT miss Tom.  When he’s gone, I tend to stay up way too late so that I’ll fall right to sleep when I hit the sheets and not lay there missing his sleeping body next to mine.  I spent more time with friends and even got a babysitter one night so I could go dance in a friend’s living room.   I wore vintage gold.  It was NOT a costume party.  It was a great time.

And, despite some of the slacking, we did make a few amazing soups (I’ll post those recipes soon, I promise), enjoyed some pretty awesome play dates and did some crafting.  Abby’s art has moved from the 2 dimensional to the 3 dimensional.  Her sculptures are really something. . . chenille stems and toilet paper rolls and lots and LOTS of tape.  Here’s something I never thought I’d have to consider in my life: it’s much harder to store 3 dimensional art than her scribbles and writings.

I’ll share my craftiness soon too.

For now, I’ll just say that I’m happy to have my sweet life partner back home.  We’re laying low enjoying our time all together before we set out on a big round of trips away together!  Oh, not to mention Abby’s 4th birthday on Friday. . . FOUR years old people.  I’m freaking out here.