A lot changes when you become a parent. I look back now, and wonder how I ever thought life was busy before Everett. Everett does a great job of eating up the time, and it has meant some things have had to get cut out. But there are a few things that we’ve refused to chop off the schedule.
Date Nights: The addition of Everett has made romantic nights together even more important, so that we don’t risk becoming roommates who look after a baby. We have the advantage of my parents living nearby, and so Everett can spend some time with his grandparents. Despite this great advantage, we’ve actually only gone on two Everett-free date nights. Fortunately, Everett loves his nights out on the town, and so he has played a rather cute third wheel for some of our other dinner dates.
Quality Time with Summit: Summit was our baby before Everett, and he is used to lots of play time and walks. The fact we’ve made sure to find time to walk him twice a day and play numerous games with him has helped ensure Everett became his good buddy rather than a fleshy chew toy.
Hanging out with Friends: This has actually taken a pretty big hit. We also have a great piece of bait to convince people to come visit us. The visits have the added bonus of socializing Everett, and getting him used to several different people. Now, we just have to convince our friends they want to have one-on-one time with Everett, while we go out of the house.
Exercise: If there is one thing that really matters to me, it is exercising regularly. Ha ha ha. I was just seeing if you were paying attention. Though Emily has actually joined an Aussie football team, which means she has remained fit. We try to sneak in some family walks, which can sort of be considered exercise. Everett actually loves exploring the outdoors when we’re on walks, so it is a pretty easy thing to do with him.
Working from Home: I was initially really worried I wouldn’t be able to pull it off. I thought that a baby performing a symphony of screams would stop me from creating my written masterpieces at home. I’m still waiting on that masterpiece, but that has nothing to do with Everett. I do get distracted, but it usually has more to do with his laughs and “talking’ that lures me from my den. I’ve actually been able to grow my business since Everett has arrived, which is pretty amazing considering he really does laugh a lot.
