While I'm being honest

Child Number One is still in his crib. Child Number Two just went down for her first nap. At seven. GAH.

The Internet Fasting thing has turned into more of a Don't Write When The Babies Are Hanging Out With You In The Living Room kind of fast. I still check my email and maybe catch up on some tweets, but I don't write posts or emails. So: fail. But I think it HAS forced me to write when I'm supposed to be writing, you know? Not when other people need taking care. So: win.

You know how I was all WAH SO HARD yesterday? For the sake of balance I should probably tell you that Monday night I indulged in an hour or so of retail therapy at Target, LAST night I met a friend for $1 McDonald's sundaes (because we are classy) and toNIGHT I am going out AGAIN. For a meeting, but still. Out. And, granted, both kids were in bed by the times I left in the evening, but if Phillip was wanting to get out of the house three nights in a row I can GUARANTEE you I would not let him go with a smile. I have it easier than a lot of people, what with a large supply of excellent and related-to-me babysitters and a husband who, after putting one kid to bed, waltzes into the other bedroom and says, "Hey, do you want me to put him to bed too?" UM, YES? So. It's not all tending to sick children and staring hopelessly out the windows.

Anyway, it was SO GOOD to get in my car at 9pm and drive to a skeevy McDonald's on Aurora (you locals know what I'm talkin bout!) and nervously play with my iPod while waiting for my friend to show up. I see her all the time, but our attention is usually split between our four combined kiddos and it's almost impossible to hold a real conversation- the kind that follows from point a to b to z- when you are feeding and changing and watching your kids like hawks. And then we, uh, made plans to go out with our other friend next week. Without asking our husbands. We live so dangerously!

One thing that changes after a baby, at least for me, is my idea of what constitutes recharging time. An hour with a close friend sans kids at McDonald's? YES. An hour alone at Target? YES.  A movie every couple months? DEFINITELY YES. But you know what else will work? THE DENTIST CHAIR. DRIVING ALONE. YARD WORK ON A SATURDAY MORNING. And yes, I'm going to say it, RUNNING ON THE TREADMILL.

Today is a Phillip Works From Home day, which means he's around to pop in and get Jack all excited about DADA! DADA! but not long enough to, you know, HELP, and/or calm Jack down when he realizes Dada has to go back to work. Also, it appears we're in for another stretch of crap weather this week and even our regular stroll around the block is out. And people say you don't need to know anything to be a stay at home mom- what about an advanced degree in CREATIVITY? Because we are not going to survive another sick-ish stay-home-and-watch-the-Veggies kind of day. Off to see what playrooms are open on Wednesdays!

Comments

[Carrie]

Last Saturday I went out alone for a planned outing. One I was excited about for DAYS beforehand. Where did I go, you ask? Up to Grocery Outlet, the Dollar Store and Ross. And I had a great time! You're right, pretty much anything counts once kids are in the picture.

[Becky aka StinkyLemsky]

I'm so ready for the weather to turn to spring permanently and open up more outdoor time. For me and hubby that is, no kiddos here. :) I just know mother nature is screwing with us though - she's got at LEAST one good snow in store for us here in St. Louis before "real" spring. I'm sure of it. :)

[forcryingoutloud]

I'm jealous of your treadmill! I'm paying a babysitter today to watch Lucy so that I can go RUNNING of all things. I'm having a "I'm a terrible mother" kind of week which has been magnified due to snotty noses, teething and sleepness nights. So what am I doing? Running! Crazy. Maybe I'll treat myself to a sundae and a trip to Target by myself with my remaining precious free time. I can reassure you I WON'T be running the whole time.

[Tracy]

We have spring here, but I also have sick child, so we are stuck inside. Sick child is not happy with that either and keeps asking to go OUT. Poor sick child.

Poor Maggie. May it be spring soon and may everyone be well. Now.

[Jen]

Ooh, I have to make us some dentist appointments. I hadn't thought about that benefit!

[Jess]

That McDonald's sundae meetup thing sounds lovely. And I don't even have kids.

[Lindsay]

except for the cost of gas, driving is AWESOME when you get to collect your thoughts.