OK there is a downside to being married to a Spanish woman and living far away from Spain. Sooner or later she wants to go home to visit her family (and quite rightly so). This year though there is a twist to this story - she's taken Noah. Her family haven't really seen him or spent any time with him so it's only fair - but I have to say I really miss them! It's been a week without wife and son, and I've got another 7 to go. Feels like an absence marathon!

So what do you do as a dad without a kid and partner (temporarily thank god) ... do all the things you used to do before you were married and had kids? Yes - and more. I found that keeping busy is a really good way to get through it. On top of that there is catching up with friends - especially the ones who don't have kids. And then there are all those unfinished jobs in the house ... ... read more >>