We miss the hustle and bustle

Image courtesy of JMike

Here at The Zen Dad I have been developing this blog in my head for quite some time now.  I want to provide “real” content based upon “real” life. Having said that, I have to find a balance because I am a very private person, but I want to share my experiences.  I think I have found a place in my head where both can coexist.
Our daughter (peanut) had a very exciting event in her life happen very recently.  She got to do an extended visit with Nana and Papa for almost 3 weeks! Her grandparents live about six hours north of us by car in Nortern Ontario.  She no doubt is having a blast with her quality time with them.  Her favorite, from what I gathered on our awkward telephone conversation (anyone who’s tried to talk to a three year old on the phone knows what I mean) has been feeding the horses at a farm up the road some carrots.  My wife and I are ecstatic she has had this time away to bond.  Nana and Papa also took our beloved family dog (a boxer-beagle mix named Lacey) north also for some long walks, laying in the sun and a swim in the lake.  A great time is being had by all.

On the other hand we were a little lost in the beginning.  We went from our crazy and hectic household to dead quiet here, well there is the family cat but she doesn’t liven the house up much.  Those of you who are parents say “Enjoy it while it lasts” and “Catch up on your sleep” because when you have two (my wife is pregnant with our second) people are a little less willing to take two for extended periods and with a new baby in the house soon I am sure there are going to be some sleepless nights.  I have managed to catch up on some sleep and start a few projects around the house that have been on my “Honey do” list for a while now.  We even managed to sneak in a fairly romantic dinner for just the two of us at a trendy new café around the corner from our house.

Heres a list (as you are going to learn I love lists) of some things that we’ve accomplished with our free time in peanut’s absence.
• Clean up and thin the herd on peanut’s toys (easier to do when she’s not watching)
• Romantic dinner out
• Make some small preparations for our new baby (only 5 mos. to go)
• Clean up the house
• Exercise
• Photograph all of peanut’s artwork and crafts she does at daycare (more on that in another post)
• Get our “garden” ready for spring.

So I ask you parents, what do you do when you are kidless for extended periods of time?  Please share your tips and tricks in the comments section.
Regards,
Zen Dad