A week as a SINGLE mom

This past Thursday Justin left for his annual hunting trip (this year he's tracking caribou on the Canadian tundra) which leaves Easton and I with some mother-son time for a little over a week. This is the first time as parents Justin has been gone for several days at a time, and in just 3 days of his absence I've learned that being a single mother is HARD... 

You see, as a married mother, I take for granted having Justin to bounce ideas off of regarding Easton's care (examples: Why do you think he's awake and it's midnight? What should we do about ________(anything new that comes up)? I think he's teething have you noticed ________(signs or symptoms)?) I also take for granted how accessible & hands-on Justin is regarding Easton. There are so many times in the rush of the morning when we are getting ready for work & Jus will make the time to ask "How can I help get you all out the door? Can I go ahead and get Easton up and change him? Does your car need to be loaded with Easton's stuff?" Also, I don't want to forget to mention how two are much better than one when you are talking about juggling a 40 hr per week work schedule as well as Easton's daily routine. 

BUT it's not just about needing a partner to get through the daily grind. In Justin's short absence (going on 4 days) I've been able to realize that it's so nice at the end of the day to have someone to laugh together with about the funny & new things Easton has done or accomplished & to just talk about things like what the future holds for us together & our family. I've realized this week that as a parent team you just don't feel so alone in your parenting decisions. 

There is a famous quote that says "absence makes the heart grow fonder" and I know it to be true. Easton and I both miss "DA DA DA!" and can't wait to pick him up at the airport on Friday...caribou and all!