Coping When Spouse Travels

My husband travels M-Th. I work from home and our 7 month son goes to daycare M-Th so that I can actually get work done. We have a good routine, and I honestly don't mind being a single parent through the week, although every Monday I am always sad to see my husband leave.

My issue is this - when my husband gets home on Thurdays, I am so bitchy! I get upset that he leaves his luggage in the foyer, that he doesn't feel like talking, basically that my routine is upset due to his arrival. I don't get it because I do miss him during the week and look forward to him coming home. However, once he's finally home, I am just so moody towards him.

Also, I can't stop telling him how to treat our son. I get upset if he plays too rough with him or feeds him differently. I just feel like I am watching every little thing he does when he's w/ him.

I just want to relax and enjoy the little time we have together while he's in the home. Does anyone else fele this way?

Been there.  Some of it for me was resentment that he could change my world so much and that he didn't seem to notice or care.  Once I worked on facing and letting go I found that I could enjoy our time much more.  I also decided to make our first half an hour, you know when he comes thru the door, into a "dating period."  Remember when you first were getting to know each other and you were willing to give and take, if you can do that you will find the rest of the night will go much nicer.  Have you tried to talk to him about what is happening?  Does he even notice.  He might need some time to unload his week so maybe you can compromise and let him decompress before getting "together." Another idea might be to meet on other grounds.  Literally.  Maybe by getting out of your domain he won't seem like he is such a bother. 

As far as your overprotecting of the baby a lot of that is from being on guard all week long and being the only one in charge so you want things done your way.  As hard as it is to do you might need to bite your tongue and let him love his son, his way.  He probably doesn't think he is being so rough.  The baby will let him know if he doesn't like it.  Maybe being spit up one a few times will teach him to take it easier. 

I think it takes a readjustment time after every return, I know it does for us.  I have to give my husband chores to do with the kids so he can feel needed and part of the family, even though I just did, say 4 months by myself. I tell him, "Oh hunny can you give the kids a bath while I do the dishes", etc. When he does the job, if the baby doesn't have her hair combed or whatever I bite my tongue.  I ask him to put my son to bed and he usually reads 10 stories instead of my usual 2. He does things very differently than I do, but that's ok.

Glad to have you here, jump in and join us :-)