You know where I am right now? At a sandwich shop/cafe that has free wireless internet, vegging out. You know where my kids are right now? At home, playing with the babysitter. Ahhh…
My sitter is great. She’s a senior at one of the nearby colleges. She comes up three afternoons a week so that I can run errands, go to the gym, or otherwise just get out of the house on my own. She gets a total kick out of my kids, and swears it’s the best study break ever invented. As for me, it’s so lovely to be out and not have carseats and babies that need entertaining. And when I get home, I’m just a little bit refreshed and recharged. It’s definitely a bit of an indulgence for someone who doesn’t work outside of the home, but it’s totally worth it. It lets me be a better mom.
Today, I was tempted to use the sitter time to just climb into bed and take a nap, but I decided to get out of the house instead. I’m a little out of sorts, as we’re having to do a little re-Ferberizing in my house, so I’ve been a little lacking in the sleep department. But aside from some middle-of-the-night unhappiness, the kids are otherwise doing quite well.
Not much else to report, and my two hours of freedom is starting to run short. It’s not a lot, but it’s just what I need. I sure did miss her when she was on Spring Break last week, and I don’t know what I’ll do when she graduates! At least we have a few more months left…
OK I am so jealous!! But I am also inspired to “get me one of them”. I am on the prowl for just such a sitter. Wish me luck and enjoy your outings.
That sounds like a great way to start your morning…well, after getting up way too early with Daniel!
My helper is only 13, and mainly comes so I can get some cleaning done while she plays with the kids. I think getting someone a little older so I can actually leave the house sounds like a grand idea!
You are doing a great job on the HDYDI site, by the way. I really appreciate how much time and effort you have put into making it a great place to post. Well done!
I think a sitter is a must-have! We’ve been lucky enough to not have to hire anyone we don’t know (our nanny now is a friend of mine; we do pay her, of course), but I’ve recently hired our first babysitter (in that she was a stranger). She seems great and has her first gig with Jack on April 19, when we go out to a nice dinner with Johnny’s parents. It’s definitely an expense, but I agree with you that it’s well worth it for some sanity. For instance, this afternoon I’m leaving early from work. Johnny is home with Jack, and I’m going to run a few errands, buy some new underwear and just be with myself for a few hours. I did feel guilty that I won’t be putting Jack to bed, especially after such a busy week, but I feel like i just need to put my head back into order!