I went out today for the first time since Owen was born. Well ok, not really, I've been to the grocery store and Target while Chris was home and the kids were napping, and Chris and I have gone out together once or twice and I even made it for a pedicure a couple of months ago, but this was the first extended outing with no kids and no errands. I went with my mom and sister-in-law to get pedicures and then to lunch. And it was wonderful - nice to see them without constant demands from the children, nice to eat a meal where I didn't have to get up eight times to fetch additional milk or grapes, nice to keep my shirt on for nearly four straight hours.
And then, nice to be home in time to jump in the wading pool with Mia and Chris, nice to have missed out on trying to cajole Mia into eating lunch, and nice to be back to see Owen's first ever back to front roll over, which landed him face down in the grass and was he ever pissed.
And suddenly, I have reserves of patience that have been missing for months. It's easy to forget, but sometimes there is no better way to be a better mother than to get the hell away from your kids for a while.
Comments (20)
You are absolutely right. :)
Posted by Shannon | June 7, 2008 9:21 PM
You are absolutely right. :)
Posted by Shannon | June 7, 2008 9:21 PM
Amen! I think I need to add this to my to-do list.
Posted by Julie | June 7, 2008 10:00 PM
Yes, this is so true, and I always forget it too!
Posted by Marie Green | June 7, 2008 10:15 PM
So true! I don't know why that is so hard to remember or why we all feel guilty for doing it - it makes me a better mommy.
Posted by Michelle | June 8, 2008 12:15 AM
Amen sister!
Glad you had a good time.
Posted by donna | June 8, 2008 12:21 AM
oh god yes.
Posted by mamacrow | June 8, 2008 6:24 AM
Ahhhh, truer words have never been spoken! Glad you got some "me" time!
Posted by Lisa | June 8, 2008 8:31 AM
Oh I am toasting you with my coffee right now. you nailed it sister.
Posted by chatty cricket | June 8, 2008 9:45 AM
Boy are you right!
Posted by Liz | June 8, 2008 11:23 AM
I second that! I have so much more energy when I have a couple hours off (not naptime hours) to do "my" thing. It is like a whole new Mommy comes home.
Posted by Sleepynita | June 8, 2008 2:30 PM
Truer words I have not heard. Little people will take everything you have to give, and then ask for more. It doesn't take much to refill the tank, but boy we sure don't do it enough!
Posted by Meegan | June 8, 2008 8:58 PM
Oh Lord, yes. I always feel better when I get away for a little bit - just me. I am never, ever alone, so it's nice to just be on my own for a bit.
Posted by Joanne | June 9, 2008 8:19 AM
That's good to know, that that whole "taking a break" thing really works.
Posted by Fraulein N | June 9, 2008 8:42 AM
Taking time for yourself...is often easier said than done but at least you did not have to hide in the bathroom or something!!
Posted by steff | June 9, 2008 9:49 AM
Beth,
Good for you for getting out.
I'd go batshit stir-crazy if I never got away from my child.
The best thing you can do for your kids is to keep yourself happy- and that means getting the time you need for yourself.
Do it again soon!
Posted by jessica | June 9, 2008 10:09 AM
TRUE THAT!
Posted by CJ | June 9, 2008 10:31 AM
So true!
I'm so glad you had a chance to get away and rejuvinate. Your kids need you to do that as much as you need to do that.
Next time, can I meet you for a pedicure? My footsies need it.
Posted by SassyPants | June 9, 2008 3:53 PM
Speak it, sister.
Posted by Swistle | June 9, 2008 8:18 PM
Yep. I hear ya there. Just got back from a 6 day family trip and now at work, I feel like everything is insanely quiet here and I forgot my ass at home... because my boy (and sometimes girl) has been glued to it for 6 days straight.
Posted by Brad | June 10, 2008 11:06 AM