Monday, April 12, 2010

Mommy and Me

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This picture was snapped Saturday evening at our favorite Mexican restaurant tiny strip mall hole-in-the-wall, complete with inflatable Corona planes covered in dust hanging in between flags and sombreros obscuring a soccer match on Telemundo dive. After an eventful day, we decided to throw caution to the wind and enjoy a nice family dinner out. And if you're wondering if our life is truly so mundane and routine that I really consider going out for dinner spontaneous and daring, the answer would be YES!

For months our lives have revolved solely around Gillian Grace and her schedule. And although I'm a bit ashamed to admit it, there have been times when I've actually used GG as an excuse as to why we couldn't do something. We would go, but that's GG's naptime... Maybe we'll catch you next time, that's right around her supper time...Sorry, but we don't have a sitter and that would put us out after her bedtime...The list of excuses go on and on.

So for us, Saturday night's dinner was more than just a meal, it actually marked a turning point for us as parents. For the first time in over 8 months we did something that we wanted to do despite what her schedule was telling us we should be doing. And you know what? We had a great time, all three of us, and Gillian Grace was no worse for the wear.

Despite a day spent on the go and in the car, with new things constantly being thrown at her, GG was a little rock star! Whether it meant eating lunch on the go or grabbing a quick cat nap in between destinations, Gillian Grace learned to go with the flow and adapt to each new situation. But the most progress that day wasn't made by GG, but rather me. That afternoon I threw my playbook out the window, ignored the ticking hands on my watch, did not obsess about all the what-ifs, and instead focused what was truly important, spending time with my husband and daughter. It was about time that I realized that it wasn't GG keeping us from doing things, but rather me. There just may be hope for me yet!


Mommy and Me Monday at Really, Are You Serious?
Hosted by Krystyn


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16 comments:

Jumping Jack said...

Good for you!!

We definitely don't get out as much as we did before we had Jack, but we do still try to do the things we enjoy and he usually just "goes with the flow."

VandyJ said...

Enjoy your new found freedom, those litle people become harder to take out when they get mobile.

Same Sweet Girl: Memoir of a Southern Belle said...

Awww!!! What a precious picture! Sounds like you guys had a fun filled day!!

Have I mentioned that I LOVE your picture on your banner??? Well, I do! It's an awesome angle and concept. :)

Angelica said...

So glad you enjoyed yourself, I struggled with her schedule and the clock at first, it was a control issue for me but my daughter has taught me so much and I have learned to just go with the flow, there is only so much I can control.

Anonymous said...

That is funny - we do that too. We use our little one's schedule as an excuse!

I stck to a pretty tight schedule. It was easier when she has 2 huge naps a day if she missed one - no biggie, but now if she misses her only nap the next day she is tired and cranky.

We do, do it on occasion if something is important, but normally we are home from 12-3!

Laura@The Oily Cupboard said...

i love throwing caution to the wind..i learned after having kiddo #2 sometimes it's ok to break schedule every now and then.

but could you tell that to lily? she doesn't know the meaning of staying in her seat longer than 5 mins so needless to say no caution is being thrown anywhere! haha

Annie said...

Good for you guys!!
It's fun to get out now huh?! We feel the same way...if we actually go OUT to dinner on a Saturday night we are feeling pretty darn excited!
My how our lives have changed since before children :)

Katie's Dailies said...

I think it's livin' high on the hot having dinner out for "no reason". Glad y'all had a terrific time---it looks like your little girl is having a blast, too!

Unknown said...

I am glad you had a good time! I remember our first time of breaking the schedule! What a cute pic!

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

Don't you love it when you do something out of the ordinary and it works out. And, I'm totally with you on using the kids as an excuse to get out of things...sometimes it's easier.

I hope you had a great time and really enjoyed your family evening out.

Stylist A said...

Oh fun. It is always nice to break the schedule every once in a while. It can't hurt right? Love your blog and such a sweet little girly you have too. Thanks for sharing! Definitely gonna come back for more :) Happy Monday!

liz said...

What a liberating feeling!

Just got back about 5 hours ago from our vaca. Have SOOO much catching up to do with my bloggy friends!!!

Heather said...

Oh man, I totally know what you mean! I occasionally use Gracie's nap time as an excuse to get out of things. :)

Your little girl is TO DIE FOR cute! What a little babe. You are gorgeous too of course!

Rebecca said...

stumbled upon your blog, glad you finally got out and did what you wanted. It's so hard with little ones. I have a newborn and am reminded of this all over again. What a sweet Mommy & me photo!
BTW ~ Love the title of your blog. What an amazing pic!

Tawny said...

I'm SO guilty of that too! But now it is MUCH worse with TWO! Don't get me wrong, I'm a routine girl and routines work and are good for kids, I really do believe that. But like you I've learned that once in a while it won't kill them to be a bit "off"! Yeah for your family dinner night! Cute pic!

Carey said...

girl, I'm right there with you on the schedule thing. I remember when miss E hit 6 or 7 months starting to venture out and being a little more flexible.
I really think stinking to the schedule is important at first to set a solid foundation. However, one day here & there is just that...one day. You can always get right back on schedule the next day!
Being flexible as a mom is sooo important! So glad that GG was a little Rock Star for you! She's a Doll! and congrats on your Award!