Category Archive

Nearly 15 months. That’s how long it had been since hubby and I’d gone on a proper date. You know, just the two of us, chivalry, romance the whole 9 yards. I am lucky enough to be married to my best friend, but even so, after that long without any special time for us, it’s easy to start to forget just how much we like each other. To fall into the monotony of every day, to spend the few moments of togetherness we have each evening collapsed in front of the television, or stuck behind our respective computers. We made a conscious decision in becoming parents to be child-centered, to focus time and energy and resource into our baby boy and understandably that has removed time and energy from David and I. We’ve had little dates here and there, a candle-lit anniversary dinner (while my sister played with X upstairs), snuggling and movies (after Xavier was in bed), a game of cards or Scrabble (until our eyes glazed over). But we were starting to realize we really needed to put some more effort into us, not our Mama and Papa selves, but our fiery, flirty, madly-in-love, I-remember-you selves.

And so, Sunday we hatched a plan and for the first time ever entrusted Xavier’s care with someone else. Not just anyone of course- his beloved Grandmama, Grandpapa, Uncle Tim and Molly(dog) A huge step for me. There were a few tears (from me, Xavier happily waved bye-bye) and we set off. On our own. For the first time. In a long time. Instantly the tension melted away. We held hands and kissed and talked, and talked, and well I’ll leave a few things to the imagination. David opened doors for me and squeezed into the booth beside me as we feasted on Japanese delights. We took a walk, made each other laugh, made a stop for an impromptu silly gift exchange (I got a flashlight, low rider car and lint rollers). Just like old times. It was glorious. Much needed. Like falling in love all over again. Butterfly’s and all. We are buddies and lovers and soul mates (yes, I believe in such a thing). We compliment each other perfectly, but I’d started to forget…

We were only away for an hour or two and returned to find Xavier had as much fun as us. The delight in his eyes as we came up the walk was enough encouragement to do it all over again. And we will. Regularly. Today there is a bit more spring in our steps, broader smiles, warmer embraces. We are renewed and refreshed and reminded that we love each other more than ever. We needed it. Not to ‘get away’ from our son, but to put some undivided attention into us for a change- and when it’s all said and done, if we need an excuse, taking care of us is the best thing we can do for him.

Thanks baby