growing pains...and a date

The other day, Hubby and I made plans to go out for an afternoon date. Usually I enjoy the anticipation more than the actual date (due to no fault of my hubby, but my own.) Here's where the growing pains come in. I'm so incredibly attached to my children. Very attached. Grandma had been (not so patiently) biding her time until I was Ok to allow B to spend the night. That finally happened about a year ago, when B was almost three. I don't know that I ever leave my kids for more than maybe a couple hours until they are close to a year old. That's just how I am. Back to the date. We planned to leave both girls for the entire afternoon and most of the evening. Coming to get K before bed, our plan was to leave B to spend the night.

We dropped the girls off. They were enjoying themselves and we were ready for some time to ourselves. Heading out, we scheduled our time, balancing priorities and expectations. After some time spent browsing books and magazines at Barnes & Noble, we headed to the mall to search out some christmas gift ideas for each other, grandparents and the girls. Our big hunt for the season is finding a bike for B. Toys 'R Us was the next stop, with some success. Rather than spending money to eat out, we stopped at the grocery store to pick up some nice thick steaks for hubby to BBQ and rented a movie. The time spent by ourselves enjoying just being husband and wife was much needed and greatly enjoyed. We were able to mark some tasks off the forever long list and spend time remembering what it was like before kids, sort of. :) In short, we had fun. Feeling refreshed, we headed off to pick up K.

The girls both had a fabulous time, taking nice long naps for G'ma and enjoying being spoiled and doted upon. I got a few extra snuggles but for the most part was reassured that the girls were well taken care of and had enjoyed themselves immensely while not missing me too horribly much. *sigh*

We were off again. Headed home with only one child in tow. I was already missing B and was a bit sad that she's already big enough to be spending the night away from me so easily. K fell asleep on the way home, so Hubby and I were able to enjoy more of the evening just by ourselves.

All in all, it was a wonderfully refreshing day. Hubby and I got some much-needed couple time; the girls got some G'ma and G'pa time and the grandparents treasured the hours that they were able to spend with their granddaughters.

Just one more step. One day closer to the girls being little people of their own. To growing up and learning more; experiencing life while not directly under the protection of their mama's 'wing'.

It was a good day, bittersweet, but good.