I was really, really looking forward to last week’s vacation (see pics over on The Monkee Diaries). Between work and watching Lucy, I was feeling pretty run down and a whole week spent with my wife and her parents seemed like the perfect break. I’ve mentioned this occasionally, but I think what has surprised me most about watching Lucy on my own is how exhausting it can be. Even on her best days, the basic act of vigilantly watching a child who can’t do anything for herself takes its toll. Add some creative writing/journalism on top of that and it makes for one tired poppa.

All those extra pairs of eyes to watch and arms to hold were great. I didn’t even have to change the majority of the diapers which was a nice change of pace. But, as they say, that was then. Today was now and boy was it a doozey. I think after not only having so many people to see and interact with–including various family members that came along to see her–not to mention the amazing scenery to check out, Lucy is now bored with our modest condo.

I’m really hoping this is just a phase or possibly a step towards learning to sit up or crawl, but she just seemed bored or nervous all day. She didn’t want to stand, so I stood her up. She’d smile for a bit, but like a light switch flip, she’d start crying. Most of the day, she didn’t want to sit, so I walked around with her which worked a little. Heck, she didn’t even seem that hungry and trust me, I tried giving her a bottle to soothe her as much as possible.

Our friend Adrienne had her first child before ours and she gave us the most profound and accurate pearl of wisdom: just when you feel like you’ve got everything figured out and are a great parent, the kid goes and screws it up. Obviously, she meant it as a joke, but there’s a definite slab of truth in the statement. Before heading off on vacation I was tired, but I felt like I had a pretty good handle on Lucy and her habits. A week later I feel like I’m back at square one. I know part of it is just readjusting to being home along with each other, but she’s also getting stronger and probably more used to this place and wants to see more of the world. I’m going to have to get a little more creative with how we spend our days!