The art of *going out* kidless

Every mommy deserves a night out now and again, even if you and your spouse cannot really afford it. You fantasize for months about going out for a night, having a few drinks, and then baby arrives and the sudden realization that you don't want anyone taking care of our baby but you sets in. NOBODY can take care of your baby the way you do, they just don't know what they are doing! After what feels like years of lack of sleep, your constant tiredness gets the better of you. That's it! the second baby is asleep I'm going out and leaving baby with a family member/close friend, of course someone you trust. This is my first time going out experience since having my little JD.

  So, last night me and my partner had the chance to go out. One of my best friends came in for work from  out of town, and she is one of the only three people I would trust to take care of Jakob. Friday night was part of our original plan but Jakob had a super refluxy night thursday night and we were both ready for bed by 9pm.  Last night before JD was asleep, I had a shower, did my hair up and used my favorite flower clips, they are big and bold and brightly colored. I put on my new tights, and my super short tight dress. Oooo yes... and I made sure to wear my new, designer heels, something I never do outside of the house. I think I was looking pretty dynamite. I did not bother with make-up as my honey likes me all natural.

  I got JD down at 8:15 pm... our reservations were for 9pm, PERFECT! This was my chance. As I gave Cyndi the run down and made sure to have my cell phone on me 10 times and put my jacket and shoes on... and then JD started crying. I rush to the bedroom and scoop the little fart out of his bassinet. He calmed down pretty quick, I tried to put him back down, that was a NO GO. I swear, babies always know when mommies and daddies are gonna go out and have fun. JD seemed to be uncomfortable, maybe even in pain. I checked his diaper, and removed the extra liner I put in for over night (we use cloth diapers) and shifted the diaper around a bit. I did up his sleeper and snuggled him close, he was still uncomfortable, his little cheeks were rosie, and he felt a little bit warm. Dan (my partner) came in and gave me the infant tylenol. Now if any of you know me I hate medication, I hate medicating the baby especially, but he was very uncomfortable, he has been *toying* with the idea of getting teeth, again (he got a tooth over christmas and then it went back down). By this point it was 8:45... and this was very not like JD to wake up so shortly after falling asleep.

  After getting JD back to sleep, I gently placed him in his bassinet and quietly snuck out of the room. We through on our jackets and headed out.. "make sure to call me if he wakes up! He's starting to play stranger and probably wont calm down for you, and if he starts crying its almost impossible to get him to stop!". Cyndi knows the routine, she is a mommy too, I didn't really need to tell her that but I did need to tell her, it's what us mommies do.

  Dan and I raced out the door, climbed into the truck and headed out. I held my phone the entire drive, staring at it and waiting for a call. Might I add the entire time we were in sight of the house I stared at every single window  to see if Cyndi was headed down the hall to cuddle my now screaming baby? yeah, I totally did, until the house was no longer in view.

  As we arrived at the restaurant I texted Cyndi.. "You know, if you feel like it, feel free to check on JD and make sure he is still breathing and hasn't choked or anything"... her response "He's fine, enjoy your night out with your man! stop texting!"... *sigh*

 We ordered our drinks, I checked my phone, we discussed what to have as an appetizer and what to have for dinner, all the while I checked my phone. We ordered our dinner, and talked like grown ups, as I kept checking my phone. We talked about the kids, about moving, about work benches (Dan carves and is very talented I might add) and I kept checking my phone. By the time we were done our appetizer I think I checked my phone at least 60 times or more... it was in front of me the entire time its not like it could have rang without me noticing but that didn't stop me from checking...

  Cyndi had not texted or called, what if he stopped breathing? What if he rolled over and was suffocating? What if he refluxed and was choking?!?!?!?!

  Dinner was served, it was awesome, ginger beef and prawns with red peppers, served on thick noodles with foccacia bread. TO DIE FOR! Between bites, I checked my phone, what if my phone was disconnected? I paid the bill didn't I? is it on? why haven't I gotten a text message or a phone call?
We were done eating at exactly 10:16 on the dot... yes I know this because I checked my stupid phone. And we were ready to head out. We got our bill and honestly as nice as it was to get out with no kids at all, I was practically racing out the door, I just couldn't wait to get home and see my baby.

  We got home at 10:36 pm... I raced in the door... and as I entered and took my jacket off my very tired best friend Cyndi informed me that she checked on JD every 15 minutes and he was fine... I knew she would, shes a momma bear too... I knew I didn't have a reason to worry... but it is what I do... I'm a momma bear!!!

  I loved my night out, it was fantastic, maybe next time I wont be so distracted with worry. I love that my Dan appreciates how protective I am, even enjoys it at times. Don't worry mama's... all of us have the baby crazies, especially on our first night out... this is how the human race has survived. Mommies carry the pleasures and the burden of our adorable responsibilities.