6.09.2023

the shape of things to come

Soren had his first overnight visit at his grandparents' house last night. It's been a crazy week here with Chris out of town (I know I shouldn't be blogging about that, but he'll be back very soon) and me working at the museum. Since we have yet to find a regular babysitter, we've been relying on my mom to watch S every so often. I was shocked (and sadly dating myself) after browsing Sittercity and discovering that the going rate for a qualified sitter is $15 an hour! Ok, that's about what I make at the museum, so there's no point in hiring someone just to have a day out working.

Thankfully my parents don't live far, though it is tough to drop S off there, then hightail it into work. The whole process takes about an hour and a half, so I decided to let him spend the night. You might be shocked that this is only his first overnight, but let me just say I often feel a sense of guilt when I rely on someone else to watch him. I suppose many parents feel this way, especially for how energetic Soren is.

But it was time for him to experience this, and for me to let go a bit. I'm sitting here typing and waiting for my mom to drop him off, but I know that things went quite smoothly, which I knew they would. He loves my mom and is used to her putting him down for naps at her house, though I still feel bad that he's probably worn my mom out.

So what did I do with my evening alone? I spent a bit of time weeding, had a leisurely dinner of a leftover burrito from lunch and salad, the went out to buy a frying pan (please relax and move away from the edge of your seat). When I got home, I drank some Pinot Grigio and got quite loose, then stretched out in bed and read my new favorite magazine, Cook's Illustrated, which I borrowed from a neighbor. I like how technical and thorough their recipe testing is. I definitely must subscribe.

I'm being a bit dramatic here, but I sense the shape of things to come here, with SoJo heading out without me in the world. It's weird to both miss him when he's not around, but also be excited about letting him have experiences without me or his papa. Truthfully, the freedom of being alone part is a bit intoxicating, and I might just save the nostalgia until he starts preschool. I'm already thinking of what colors I want to repaint rooms in the house!


8 comments:

Braley Mama said...

So nice to have alone time. The first time Sinclair stayed overnight somewhere was when I delivered Riette, and she was 21 months old. I understand. I use to be a nanny and made a very good living. And now I can not afford a babysitter:O)HA!I must check out that magazine, thanks!

Happy said...

I get a subscription to Cook's Illustrated from my gram, but sadly, it's a bit over my head! I like the Cook's Country, one a lot, though.

I'm sort of jealous of your alone time! Esp. the Pinot Girgio part! How relaxing!

Enjoy!

Gem said...

I have yet to have the boys stay over grandma's.

I know I'd miss them terribly!

Kristin said...

I can't believe that I used to make $2 an hour babysitting. Crazy!

p.s. Thank you so much for following BonBon Rose Girls! I hope you'll follow us at our new site...we went and got our own .com at: http://www.bonbonrosegirls.com/ Plus, we're hosting lots of fabulous giveaways this month to celebrate our move...Right now we've got two $95 hapari swimsuit gift certificates up for grabs! Hugs, K

Michelle @ Flying Giggles said...

The first time is the hardest. After that, the mommy guilt is still there, but it is nice to have some time alone. It recharges us and makes us a better mother.

angie said...

I always find myself at a bit of a loss when my children are gone too.

This was my favorite part. "went out to buy a frying pan (please relax and move away from the edge of your seat)." Still laughing!

Soren is getting so big. Make time stop, you hear? :)

CanCan said...

I'm alone at home for the first time ever this week. I LOVE IT!

Muthering Heights said...

$15 an hour?!? Yikes!! My sitters are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper than that.

It's time for you to befriend some young ladies!!!

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