spend more time with my son

The way I see it, once a never-ending goal such as this one becomes routine, it’s time to mark as complete. I am nearly ready to do so…

I just spent three hours planning a short summer vacation trip for this summer with my son. I want us to drive from Texas up through Minnesota and over through Wisconsin to Chicago. Spend a few days in Chicago and visit some museums, Cubs game, spend time on the Lake, then fly back down to Texas. Hope his mom let’s us do it.

I am separated from my wife and live in a different country. I go to their hometown frequently but spend little time with my son. I will start sending him emails and setting up a blog that we can share things together on.

Sometimes I get so busy being mommy and the working woman, i have to slow down and realize that i cannot afford to miss out on the most important job i have, being my sons mother. I want to cut out more things and spend more time with him, playing at the park, learning how to swim, and cuddling on the couch watching his favorite movie.

I don’t want to be the guy in the Harry Chapin song. I have a 14-year-old son, Cameron. His mom and I divorced amicably a few years ago, and I live literally 5 minutes away. He alternates weeks at our respective places.

His mom lives in a nice neighborhood where his friends can come and hang out and he can ride his bike to his grandmother’s house if he wants.

I live in a small second-floor condo unit, in a development of mostly older people. What kids there are, are younger, so it’s just he and I hanging out when he’s staying with me.

Generally he’ll spend the evening in the living room on his Xbox, playing Halo 3 online with some of his school friends, while I hole up in my bedroom surfing the ‘net, playing guitar, whatever. Occasionally I’ll sit in the living room and read while he plays, but that’s not really spending quality time together; that’s just being in the same room.

One night a week we’ll go to karate class together (when it’s not soccer season), and we go out to a restaurant once a week, but I want to do more with him before he’d rather spend his time hanging out with his buddies. Maybe a game night, or bowling once a week, or something.

But I want to get something done before the day I say “Hey, let’s go do this” and he says “Sorry, Dad, I’ve got plans.”

I’ve begun teaching him guitar lessons as another activity. We’ve joined Cub Scouts, but need to spend more time working on his achievements. Purchased a bunch of family games for Christmas and will establish weekly game time. :)

I work from 8:00 to 4:30. My mom is visiting and she does not let me do any work at home. I get home and want to relax and have some fun, so I go to the pc and chat with friends. I do some things with my son but not enough. He complained last night that I was paying more attention to my chat buddies than him. I will make sure this does not happen again.

the last year has been nerve wrecking. Watching the news was a silent ordeal. I now understand perfectly well what my inlaws went through when 2 of their sons went to NAm. Reading the names of the fallen soldiers pained me and then i felt guilty for being happy that my son’s name wasn’t there.
He is back safe and healthy and pissed off at well am happy he is here now.

I spent 7 months being a stay at home mom, and loved it. We now have the greatest bond, and now when I drop him off at daycare he clutches my leg instead of saying BYE! Great feeling to know that he loves me.. : )

I’ve never felt so illuminated