So in Decmeber we had a little addition to the family in the form of a son. Gaming has not changed all that much for me, at first it was pretty tough to get time in, but in the last 6 weeks or so it has not been that hard at all. Our son is starting to notice many things, grab, and play with some toys, which is great so far, he gets a lot of attention from his mother all day, and I play with him when I get home, but since they go to bed earlier than I do, it means I can still get a couple of hours in my favorite passtime. It is a bit of a challenge to get everything done in the evening after getting home from work, and still having that time to play, but it is there when you look for it. The only challenge I am having so far is to really get immersed in the games I am playing.

When Skyrim came out, I was pretty involved with the game for a time, but it was fast approaching for my son to be born since then I have tried keeping it a little smaller chunk of game for playtime. I have been playing Kingdoms of Amalur, and now Mass Effect 3, but the immersion just is not there for me right now. I loved Mass Effect 1 and 2, but this thrid one so far has been harder to get into. I think it's because I can't concentrate as heavily this time around. After doing the mission to get the Turian embassador, I got a quest to save a colony of Biotics getting attacked by cerberus. Normally this would have been a cake walk, but for some reason I had to replay 2 different battles at least 10 times each, before finally getting through the mission.

With Kingdoms of Amalur I was getting more immersed with the game, but needed a break from it for a bit. I can only play these games so many times before I need that change of scenery. Sitting for large chunks of KOA would have been fine, but little chunks, here, and there is not recomended. It is too much for small sittings, it feels overwhelming at times when you know you can not complete a certain section, or quest right after obtaining it. Mass Effect 3 so far is getting the same vibe from me, but I'm finding it a nice break up from the hack/slash fest I was just playing.

Last night was the first night that my wife asked me when she would be able to play some of her games. I said just ask, and you shall receive. I don't mind giving up my play time for her. My son and I can sit and watch her play for however long she would like. She is not hardcore, but does enjoy her games when she plays, even if it is not with me. I have no problem watching others play through a game, I used to do this as a kid with my friends at thier houses, so it does not bother me at all.

Everyone was mentioning before my son was born that life changes so drastically, but now with only a few months under my belt, it does not have to change drastically if you do not let it. Manage your life, family, gaming, and money properly, there will always be time to do what you want, when you want. I should mention one other thing. It helps to have Grandparents (of my son) who want to see him all the time, and they live close. It keeps sanity at a high level, if it starts to drop too much, one of them will come by, and provide us an hour or two for recharge. It helps greatly.