Balancing Work and Play

Being a stay at home dad, as well as a builder creates unique challenges. Many stay at home parents face the same things as I do, especially those with work-from-home jobs, or even part time jobs. Balancing the parenting part with building an ever growing list of projects, is a tough one.

I try and utilize Aria's nap time for my productivity during the day. I put her down between 12-1:30, depending on her perceived fatigue, and then head out into the garage to get some work done. Lately however, she's been a little stinker and not been taking naps. This makes it very difficult to get things done, especially with the pressure of deadlines now. 

One thing I've found to be insanely handy for me, is our baby camera set up in her room. This allows me to spy on Aria while I get work done. That way I can gauge if she's drowsy and maybe going to fall asleep, or if she's just going bonkers in her crib asking to get out. Yesterday, was the latter, and I was only able to spend about 30 minutes in the garage during "nap time." I was able to get some sanding done though, so that is at least a little positive.

After Jennifer got home from work, it was still 85+ degrees outside (gotta love south Texas weather), so we decided to see Aria's interest in the sprinkler. She tested out the boundaries for a few minutes, but never fully plunged into the fun. It was her first time, so I anticipate it was an exploratory venture for her. I'm sure by the end of the summer, she'll be running through that sprinkler with reckless abandon.

Being a parent is the hardest job in the world. Its sometimes thankless and often times grueling. Woodworking is quickly becoming a passion of mine that I'm able to make a little money off of. But I will always put my family before my business. If that means deadlines need to be extended because I can't get much work done during the day due to no naps, then so be it. I will no sacrifice my daughters childhood for money. I love that dang little girl with every fiber of my being. Even if she frustrates me to whits end at times. Thats what toddlers are supposed to do though, right?