When Daddy is Away…

When Daddy is away the key in my book is distraction and relaxed creativity. In other words, some rules that normally apply such as bedtime routine, limited snuggle time in mommy’s bed, and adventures to normal sites are all out the window. We adventured far and wide, missing dinner and improvising with sleeves of Ritz crackers and bags of rice cakes.

The mantra was “if we have fun, stay busy, we won’t miss Daddy as much.” It worked for the most part, kept the evenings of great longing at bay. I’m not complaining by any means, grateful I have a man worth missing!

The downside to this mantra, however, was I wore myself out a bit too much the evening before he returned between grocery shopping with four kids, one pounding my insides, and managed to stretch muscles and wear out the kid inside to the point of concern. But all was well. Lesson learned – do some things without so much lifting, pushing, etc.

But we had a great time nonetheless! Impromptu visits to the beach. See, this can be achieved with one pregnant adult, two kids, a big umbrella, chair, and a few snacks. If it was 10 degrees hotter I would have retreated before we made it down the boardwalk, but it was a glorious day and the kids had a ball! And honestly, I enjoyed it too!

We also stayed up many nights three hours past bedtime reading books in bed, watching way too many movies on the iPad, and getting up at 2am to sooth aching gums (Rory now has three teeth! Hello right front tooth, welcome to the party!).

Impromptu kidnappings of Oma to the beach-round-two.

Blueberry picking with t-minus 25 minutes until closing because, well, we didn’t plan ahead. It was fun! And even more fun with two other adults to wrangle kids.

I actually sat down and picked a basket of berries! Of course, I had to fend off the rascals so my sister still beat me in the weight berry game. Go Michal! Gold blueberry picker of 2012!

Speaking of gold, we all got a healthy dose of the summer Olympics to the point some days it was even requested over Curious George (gasp!). Beach Volleyball was the hit. Gymnastics was also a favorite (more mine than theirs).

Yet no matter what activity or distraction we attempted there wasn’t a day we didn’t think of Daddy and pray he was having a great time building a house in the Dominican Republic with a crew of friends for a family who  needed it most. Olympic gold to Greenbrier Church Dominican Republic team! We are proud of you!…and so glad you are home!