Step away
Stumble it!
Lately, I’ve notice something saddening.
My bond with “the boy” seems weakened. We don’t play like we used to. We don’t act silly together anymore. And I’m missing him. I crave time with him. I’ve gotten so into this blogging thing (writing for other blogs, my own and a few other projects) that I feel distracted when I’m with him. I’m always thinking about the next post or what e-mail needs to be written. Or, if I don’t have the quiet time, there’s always one more thing to clean.
It’s getting me down. Especially since first grade is around the corner. He’s growing up fast. I don’t want to wake up years from now and wonder, “Who IS this person?” I want KNOW him. And I don’t want him to question whether his mother loves her computer more than she loves him. (Because he’s started doing that. Breaks my heart.)
I’ve had to pull back before when other areas of my life need to extra attention. And I’ve got to pull back now for a few weeks. I MISS my little boy.
My husband and I rarely talk. He sits in front of his laptop in the evenings. I clean up from dinner, or prepare for the next day, get Seth off to bed, shower then sit in front of mine. By the end of the night, hubby and I have hardly spoken. We seem like roommates. And its sad. We both need to break away from our electronic bonds. And that change is going to have to start with me. I need to take care of my little family first. For now.
Since I’ve made commitments to others, I plan to keep those. But posting here might be sporadic. But I hope to visit everyone as much as possible though.
Jill (CDJ) on 24 Jul 2008 at 5:21 pm #
I know what you mean. Since we moved into the new house and my computer is upstairs while most of our family time takes place downstairs, it has been easier for me to break away. But my work has picked up during the day, leaving less time for my own blog and checking in on my bloggy friends, and it’s so tempting to put my three year old in the tub at night and walk down the hall to my office rather than sitting in the bathroom with him to hear about his day or watch his imagination take flight.
My husband and I share a similar electronic dynamic right now… have for awhile actually. Some days it’s nice. Peace and quiet. But then I realize how long it’s been since we actually had a conversation with each other and I get a little sad (and want to throw his Blackberry through the window of the moving car!!)
Take as much tim as you need. We’ll be here when you come back.
Jakki on 24 Jul 2008 at 5:49 pm #
Take care of you and yours…we’ll be here.
flutter on 24 Jul 2008 at 6:09 pm #
I imagine that process of growth is inherent in stretching bonds, you know?
Raising Z on 24 Jul 2008 at 6:50 pm #
I too find that the computer can be a huge distraction away from what is important. I try to stay off of the computer while Z is awake but I get an idea for a post or remember that I have to email someone and promise that I will only jump on for a second. That second soon grows and he often comes over and tries to shut the screen on me. It has become such a bad habit!! My husband is a computer software engineer so he often works on his laptop in the evenings too…we sit side by side and sometimes the entire evening goes by without one conversation
So SAD! I am going to the lake for 3 out of 4 weeks in August and will have to internet access. It will be interesting but I am looking forward to a bit of a break. We will see what I come back like in September 
I am sure I will start my bad habits once again 
I wish you the best during your Blog Break!
MammaLoves on 24 Jul 2008 at 6:52 pm #
I’ll be here waiting. You do what you need to.
And you know if you need to chat…I always love to.
abunslife on 24 Jul 2008 at 8:08 pm #
Yep….hubby had “the talk” with me again…..and it is hard. This is MY release, and my thing, but it can’t come at the expense of the family. I already have a full time job, I can’t do this full time as well and take care of the family too. I guess I’m not juggling as well as I thought I was…You know I will always be here! Maybe now we can have playdates again?
Susan on 24 Jul 2008 at 9:35 pm #
While I will be sad not to see frequent updates from you, I totally understand. You need to reconnect with the family. That is way more important than the blog. I’ll still check for updates. Expect an email every now and then to check on you. ((HUGS))
GrimRealityGirl on 24 Jul 2008 at 11:51 pm #
You are not alone, I think we all end up pretty distracted by the computer (which eats time so effectively!). Good for you for having your priorities straight! I’m thinking about scheduling a certain amount of time for emails and blog — and setting a timer so I keep to it. Less time erased, more time for better things!
debra on 25 Jul 2008 at 12:20 am #
I’ll miss you but I understand the need. I’m single and have no kids and yet even I feel that I’m tied to the laptop WAY TOO MUCH. I’m desperately searching for balance in many areas of my life…
Take care of yourself and hug Seth for all of us!
Linlee on 25 Jul 2008 at 12:45 am #
Sound very familiar. The minute Hope goes to bed I go lay in bed and catch up on blogs. Brinnon is in the family room watching baseball and playing on his computer. Typically I’m asleep or close to by the time he comes to bed.
gina on 25 Jul 2008 at 1:18 am #
aawww… but yeah… go back to your family, they need you way more than anyone else in this world… although we’ll still be checking out often for your return.
Toast 2 Mom on 25 Jul 2008 at 2:49 am #
The Hubby and I sit down every day and have at least 10 minutes of grown up, uninterrupted adult conversation. It’s hard to not get lost in the technology distractions. I generally don’t get on the computer until the wee ones are in bed. Then my brain is fried and my creativity is shot. I try to take notes throughout the day… It’s a hard balance… never enough time.
Anissa@Hope4Peyton on 25 Jul 2008 at 4:06 am #
Family always come first. What will you even have to write about if you lose your connection with them? Hopefully we’ll see posts from you about how wonderful it is being back in the swing of the family.
Carrie on 25 Jul 2008 at 6:02 am #
You have to nurture your life and those you love in it Lisa, we’ll be here when you need us . . . no worries. You gotta take care of you first! (((hugs)))
jaelithe on 25 Jul 2008 at 7:21 am #
I know how you feel.
Kristin on 25 Jul 2008 at 4:39 pm #
((hugs)) to you, Lisa… come back to us when school starts and the boy child is off doing his book learnin’.
xx
zookeeper on 25 Jul 2008 at 6:42 pm #
Take care of yourself and your guys. We’ll be here for you whenever you can visit. Have a ball!
Tuesday on 25 Jul 2008 at 8:25 pm #
Good for you! The internet will be here, your baby will not be a baby forever.
canape on 27 Jul 2008 at 2:21 am #
As I sit here missing my husband who is five inches from me with his laptop running too, I can totally understand. Good luck.
Michelle on 28 Jul 2008 at 2:43 am #
Best of luck.
We will be here, checking in.
The balance is so hard to find…..
Jillian, Inc. on 28 Jul 2008 at 3:55 pm #
I can totally understand. I have a 2 yr. old son who thinks his mama is wonderful….right now. I eat up every minute because I know soon he will not think I’m so wonderful. (he alreay wipes off my kisses). Enjoy your sweet son.
Lisa on 29 Jul 2008 at 1:03 pm #
I hear you loud and clear. But Mom has to be happy too. Kids do grow away from their paretns. I have noticed that with my son. I have to accept he wants to be alone, with his friends or playing with his sister. I try to make time for us but sometimes, he seeks me out and those are the best few minutes of the day. My advice? Follow his lead. Hang in there.
MammaLoves on 29 Jul 2008 at 4:33 pm #
Honey, Kristie just told me you’re in the hospital.
I am sending every bit of positive energy I can muster your way.
I will be here with anything you need.
love you!!