"Single" parenthood

I'm getting a taste of what it would be like if I was a single parent. I have said, time and time again, what a wonderful father (and husband, for that matter) Mike is. I have never taken that for granted, and my experiences over the past week ensure that I never will. Don't get me wrong--W is wonderful. A few mini-fits throughout the day when he's tired or isn't getting exactly what he wants, but for the most part, he's a happy little boy. With Mike working in NYC every day last week and again this week, and no family around to give me relief, it's been a challenge. W's usual bedtime routine involves all three of us (and occasional assistance from Maggie the Wonder Dog), and cutting out one of the adults certainly ups the ante.
But we manage. We do our routine, sans Dad. He still splish-splashes around in the tub. I remember to refill his humidifier and turn it on. He lets me put Balmex on his bottom. I dim the lights. We read "Goodnight Moon". He nurses. When he finishes he looks up at me and claps his hands softly and I say, "Time to go to sleep." I put him in his crib with his soft duckie blanket that he likes to hold, his Sut Pup (a stuffed dog a dear friend gave to him) on his chest (after giving putting its nose to W's nose like it's a kiss) and his Tigger next to him. I tuck him in under the fleece blanket his grandmother Burdy made him and say "I love you bubba. See you later." I turn the lights off the rest of the way and shut the door. Silence. He's a good little kid.
I've been cross stitching a lot with Mike gone so much. I've almost finished a birthday present for his mother. I'd write more about it, but it's likely she'll read this post, and I don't want to spoil the surprise. I'll post a picture of the finished product once her birthday has come and gone.
Also, with Mike gone, I have been watching a lot of 90210 once W's in bed. I think I watched THREE episodes last night... "Donna Martin Graduates" being one of the three. The two commencement episodes are a cheese-fest. Of course Andrea is valedictorian. Of course Kelly's dad shows up at the ceremony. Of course Brenda and Dylan almost hook up. Of course the gang spends the night after graduation camped out on a hillside overlooking LA. And of course they (somehow manage to) hang a sign over the famous "Hollywood" sign that reads "W Bev Hi 93".