My son Tristan is a few days over 18 months and even though I'm the stay-at-home parent while my ever loving wife slaves away at work, even though I see him every day, I'm still amazed at the progress he makes on a day to day basis. Just when I think he's hit a plateau he's got some new trick to amuse and amaze.

About the only think that's got me a little concerned is that he's not talking yet. I don't usually make a habit of comparing him to other kids, every kid is different and develops differently, buta lot of people are telling me that he should be talking. I spend a lot of time talking with him, and he can clearly understand what I'm saying. When I tell him to lie down, during nap time, he does it. When I ask him 'Where's teddy?' he goes and gets his teddy. He shows every day that he understands what I'm saying but he hasn't talked yet. He squeals and gurgles plenty, just no actual words. Which means there's still time for 'Dad!' to be his first word. I think I'd like that :)

My mum, who up until now has been the great advice giver (over and over again despite me insisting that we're going to do things in a different way) has finally accepted that my wife Jo and I are doing things differently. We sat down and talked it out but it wasn't until I told her how much it upset me that she just kept insisting even when I said we'd made up our mind that she realised how much of a pain she was being. Things look bright in that regard.

I'm finding it a bit difficult to rouse myself into going for walks with Tristan, or leaving the house at all. Its part lazy and, I think, a part malaise. For all that I love what I do, and I love being with Tristan, I didn't realise how isolated I'd feel. Yeah I know. Boo hoo, cry me a river Mr Gets Supported By Hard Working Wife :) But it's true. My friends all work, so getting out to see them isn't possible and Jo works late, most nights, so when she gets home we have enough time for dinner and an hour or two together before we both crash for the night. I love Tristan but he's not exactly a great conversationalist :) Email helps, to a degree, but I find myself feeling a bit alone and, sometimes, I can't help getting depressed and lonely.

Still, otherwise I'm doing OK. I've got a good run. A beautiful son, roleplay geek friends, a little World of Warcraft when there's no housework and the rugrat is asleep (and before Jo gets home). I can't say I'm too badly off :)