Balance

After having our second baby, I've strived a lot more to have balance in my life. It's just a necessity now. Noah never could stay with anyone (not even family) without crying inconsolably, until he was nearly a year old. He was two before I could leave him with friends he was familiar with. And he was 2 1/2 before he ever had a babysitter (that I made sure he built a rapport with, in our home).


This summer I had a babysitter every Tuesday and Thursday morning stay with the kids while I worked out for an hour in the basement. She'd stick around long enough for me to shower too. I also used her a lot with all of Elliot's eye doctor appointments. I can't tell you the difference exercising, alone, during a weekday, in the morning makes. Well I quit doing it in August, when Erin went away to college.

I have definately found that equates to more stress, more fatigue and less patience. And I have learned it is actually not selfish at all to take that break. In fact, it makes me a much better mom.

I joined the YMCA this week. It was a big step for me to leave the kids in child watch. I would have never done that when Noah was a baby. Noah did well since Hudson and Addison were there. Elliot cried after playing 10-15 minutes, then the workers got him to sleep. This happend the 1st two times I went. Yesterday I went and Hudson and Addison were not there. Noah was excited to go play, but wanted me to stay and play with him. I explained I'd be in "that" room exercising for just one hour and would be back. I was so relieved he did well! I was nervous, but know I really need that time not just for my physical health, but my mental health.

Paul is out of town. I was up at 5:30am (after waking up at midnight & 3am for nursing sessions) and didn't get both boys to bed until 8:15pm. This is my only break. I came back energized and ready to take on the day. I love the YMCA!


Elliot did cry again after awhile, but Letisha learned he falls asleep when she hums baa baa black sheep. This is how I found him. I stayed and played with Noah until Elliot woke up.

Date night

Paul & I have been going out on regular date nights often since we scored this awesome babysitter for the summer, Erin. Unfortunately, she's moving to San Diego in the Fall to go to college. Usually we just go out to dinner, but last night we went to a fancy benefit. La ti da! Paul's company was a sponsor and we took our friends, Fred & Stacey with us. Did we bring a camera to capture how cute we were in our "Urban Chic" (look it up...I had to) wear? Of course not! So on the way home at 11:30 at night, here we are in the car headed home..... mobile phone pic :)

Going out for a few hours once every week or two has been really good for us. We should have started a long time ago. Of course, Elliot makes it so easy on us. He now refuses bottles, like Noah did, but he goes down early and stays down until usually 4:00 or 5:00 in the morning before waking to nurse...... Ahhhh sweet freedom to get out of the house for a few hours.