About two months ago, the Hoos and I booked my in-laws to babysit LP overnight for this past Saturday. Our actual request was "Do you have any free Saturday nights coming up during which you would want to watch our most beautiful, well-behaved daughter?" and the 22nd happened to be available.
We didn't have any events we had to attend, there was nothing special planned, we just figured we might as well get in a few last date nights before we welcome Bun into our home. Because finding someone (even relatives) to babysit for a newborn and a toddler simultaneously...is probably not going to be easy.
We went out for a nice relaxing dinner and then went to the $4 movie theater and saw National Treasure 2. The movie wasn't great, but it didn't really matter. Truth be told it was nice to have some time to concentrate on myself and the Hoos. I didn't have to duck flying food, pick stuff up from the floor, order something that I thought might be amenable to a toddler, or conduct any diaper sniffing. And then, when we returned home from the movies around 10:30, I still had enough energy to sit like a lump on my couch and enjoy ice cream with my hubby.
Sunday morning I probably woke up around 8, but I didn't actually move until 9:15 or so. Shortly thereafter the Hoos said, "Do you want to get up or should I?" My only response, "Why?" Because, really, what need did I have to get out of bed? I could take a leisurely shower later, eat breakfast whenever I wanted and without sharing, and in general not feel guilty about being lazy.
We found out later that LP slept until 9:30 at my in-laws' house, but I will not curse their good fortune. In fact, I will use it as an "argument" when I need to convince them or my parents to babysit again (not like they need much convincing). When you have a toddler that sleeps until 9:30, who can complain?
During the day on Sunday the Hoos and did a whole bunch of random activities. We were both able to accomplish things we needed to without feeling guilty that the other person had their hands full. It is very rare that we can undertake different activities at the same time (except during nap time). I did laundry, went to the grocery store, and watched some basketball. The Hoos worked on his kayak (still a work in progress in the basement) and installed a new smoke detector in our bedroom (I offered moral support and played the important role of being prepared to knock him down if he got electrocuted). One of the best parts was taking a stroll around our neighborhood together. It was nice to get to walk and hold hands. I can't even remember the last time that happened.
Of course, both the Hoos and I missed LP. We were very excited to see her, and she us, when we picked her up later that day. It is true, everything is better with LP and I can't remember life before her. Some time apart definitely makes me appreciate just how full my life has become since I became a mom.
5 comments:
What a wonderful weekend - I am so glad you were able to have a weekend along with no kiddo before the little one is born. We all love our kids but a weekend without them is much needed as well.
Sounds like a great break.
Sniffle...
What a great post. I'm really glad you both enjoyed your weekend together. Those times are so important. And isn't it soooo true that we appreciate those young ones that make our lives so much brighter after we've had a few hours (or a day or two) away? I, too, can't imagine life before them... but I treasure my private moments, my quiet moments, with My Hubby, too.
That is so beautiful.
I'm jealous...
I completely agree with you. When we went on our vacation, I didn't think that I would miss Little Man A that much, but every time I saw another child the same size as A, I started to miss him even more.
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