Stages

Aspen has approached a new stage. You know, it's to the point where I don't have to nurse her immediately before I leave the house or else. She can last longer and I'm not worried about her starving. I'm glad she also has rice cereal as a back-up and help-meet. This means I'm now comfortable leaving her with a babysitter. I'm still not sure how she'll fare with a different care-giver and with a bottle (need to experiment), but I'm ready to try... yes I'm definitely ready. Brian and I don't date and we need to. (Unless you count night at home after kids are asleep, which is for sure something that keeps you going... but... I want to date.)

Considering how much extra things cost when you factor a babysitter, it almost just doesn't seem fair or worth it. Plus, your mind is half preoccupied with how the kids are doing anyway. Then all you talk about is the kids, which is what you could have been doing at home.

With that said, I have the belief that regardless of this, a date needs to be had. If it becomes more regular, then perhaps you'll feel less burdened when doing it and it's more fun and a great relationship builder for the two of you. In a couple weeks we plan to go swing dancing in town (my idea). I'm totally stoked! This is the FIRST time we're ever getting a real babysitter that you pay. Crazy. It's pretty exciting.