DH and I have been out a few times together without Monkey since he was born. Maybe 3 times. But each time, his babysitter was someone in the family. Last night was our first night out together with a true, non-family member babysitter.
It was weird and I was nervous but I tried hard not to show it when the babysitter arrived. I showed her how to operate the t.v./receiver set-up in the basement, offered anything in our fridge and of course, went through what Monkey’s bedtime routine would be. We had already fed him and given him a bath so all she had to do was let him play a little longer, give him some milk, take him upstairs, read books and lights out. I was hoping he’d would be as good for her as he usually is for us, especially since he normally goes straight to bed after bath but we decided to give him the bath early. I wanted the first time to be easy (not just for the babysitter but me) and I thought us giving him the bath would be less stressful for all.
I was so wrapped up in my head about this whole thing I didn’t even give him a hug or kiss before we left which I still feel bad about. But eventually, sometime halfway through a glass of wine at the restuarant where we were meeting another couple, I finally felt a little better about the whole thing. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust her. She came with high recommendations from our daycare provider. I just felt like I was abandoning him.
Shortly after DH had ordered me that glass of wine, the babysitter called and said he went down fine. Piece of cake. That was good to know.
Dinner went well although for the first time in my life since high school, I felt like “country mouse”. Upon arriving at the restaurant, which was in an area I used to work in years ago, I forgot the way people dress up to go to dinner in this area. It’s not a black tie affair by any means, but people put on their best casual clothes and women wear and carry their best accessories. Think Lucky jeans, J.Crew top, Banana Republic sweaters and Coach, Louis Vuitton or Juicy Couture purses. My little Coach wristlet was the only thing that “fit in”. I used to have the appropriate wardrobe but since having Monkey and now that I don’t have to dress up anymore (even work is pretty relaxed), my wardrobe has changed.
Plus, the other couple are singles with no kids. I tried not to talk about Monkey or motherhood too much but it was hard. And it seemed, I wasn’t up on all of the hip shows on t.v. or doings around the general area we all live in. I started to realize again how isolating motherhood can be.
Overall, it was good to get out. And with a little more practice, I think I can be comfortable with it again. That and put some new clothes on my Santa list!
