I think you've got the key in the beginning - when you do household chores, bub entertains himself. We began this early on and DD is so content playing by herself, and has quite the imagination. I play with her lots, but I can get dinner in, or bake something, or browse BB....lol

We have a rough routine, but it's basically that we try to have mealtimes around the same time. We get up, breakfast, dressed, she plays while I get myself organised for the day, go for a walk, come back, play outside, lunch. The afternoon always varies (she doesn't nap) and then dinner is always at 6. She even asks for it now, even if she doesn't eat anything. After dinner its a little bit of play while DH and I eat and clean up, then bath, bottle, story and bed by 8.30.