Alone Together

In case you have been living under a rock for the last month, I will let you know that many people are practicing "social distancing" to combat a new and deadly virus called COVID-19. This particular disease has caused a global pandemic and has also ravaged the stock market since many businesses have had to close temporarily. People are asked to stay home and to not gather in groups of more than 10 people to stop the spread of this virus.

Generally, I don't mind staying home at all. I think I like being alone more than most people, and growing up as a loner, I had to find ways to entertain myself. I had become pretty good at it, too. I like to cook, read, scrapbook, draw, sew, write, garden, or craft. Then along came Liam to throw a wrench into all of that. I can't concentrate on much when he is climbing on the table, strewing papers everywhere, or yelling at the top of his lungs incessantly. Also add to that his new found independence and periodic tantrums, and its a wonder I even find the energy to get out of bed in the morning. I can barely find the time to get things done that I don't even want to do (like laundry) let alone the things that I want to do.

I love Liam so much, but it's true what they say that when you become a parent you loose a lot of your alone time and freedom to do whatever you want. You are now beholden to the needs and wants of this tiny person, who doesn't even KNOW what he needs or wants half the time. You care for him out of love, but that doesn't mean you don't sometimes morn your lost alone time. Even as a write this, Liam is napping, or at least being quiet, and I will take it because if he where here he would be pounding on the keyboard or asking over and over for a "cracker", which in his book means any kind of sweet treat. Even though it is more difficult to get alone times these days, I still believe it is important to make time for yourself. Mike is good about taking Liam when I'm at my breaking point, and letting have a breather. I also still get to do some of the things that I want to, just with way more interruptions.

Although it's difficult to give up what I had in terms of "me" time, I really wouldn't trade Liam for anything. As much as he can be difficult to handle, he brings so much joy and love and happiness to my life. Many people are now using the phrase "alone together" to describe this time of self quarantine. So if I have to be alone together with someone, I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else but Mike and Liam.